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REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Project «Construction of new electrified railway Angren-Pap»

World Bank

SJSRWC «Uzbekiston Temir Yullari»

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and

Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Transmission Line

Tashkent, 2015

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Content  List of Acronyms .............................................................................................................. 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................. 4 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 10

1.1. The Proposed Project ...................................................................................... 10 1.2. Project Components ......................................................................................... 10

2. POLICY AND LEGAL ............................................................................................. 13 2.1. Environmental Policy and Legislation of Uzbekistan ........................................ 13 2.2. Supporting national Legislation ........................................................................ 17 2.3. World Bank Policies ......................................................................................... 26

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ............................. 28 3.1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 28 3.2. Preconstruction Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures ................................ 30 3.2.1. Land Acquisition and Resettlement............................................................... 30 3.2.2. Sensitive Receptors and Existing Infrastructure ........................................... 31 3.3. Construction Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................................... 31 3.3.1. Water Quality ................................................................................................ 31 3.3.2. Cut and fill ..................................................................................................... 33 3.3.3. Encroachment, Landscape and Physical Disfiguration ................................. 34 3.3.4. Hydrology, Sedimentation, Soil Erosion ........................................................ 34 3.3.5. Air Pollution from earthworks and transport .................................................. 35 3.3.6. Noise and Vibration ....................................................................................... 36 3.3.7. Sanitation, Solid Waste Disposal, Communicable Diseases ......................... 37 3.3.8. Pollution from oily run-off, fuel spills and dangerous goods .......................... 37 3.3.9. Flora .............................................................................................................. 37 3.3.10. Fauna ........................................................................................................ 38 3.3.11. Health Protection and Occupational Safety ............................................... 39 3.4. Operational Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...................................... 40 3.4.1. Occupational Health and Safety ................................................................... 40 3.4.2. Community Health and Safety ...................................................................... 41 3.4.3. Risk and hazards associated with TL and substations .................................. 43 3.4.4. Emergency Preparedness at Substation ....................................................... 43 3.4.5. Management and Control of Vegetation at Transmission Line ..................... 43

4. ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................. 45 4.1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 45 4.2. Implementation of Environmental Management Plan ....................................... 45 4.3. Environmental Monitoring Plan ........................................................................ 45 4.4. Institutional Arrangements ............................................................................... 46 4.5. Documentation and Regulations ...................................................................... 47

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 49 Annex 1: Environmental Mitigation Plan ........................................................................ 51 Annex 2. Environmental Monitoring Plan ...................................................................... 58

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List of Acronyms

CSE Construction Supervision Engineers EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMF Electromagnetic Fields EMP Environmental Management Plan MW Mega Watt RoW Right of Way SNPC State Nature Protection Committee RAP Resettlements Action Plan PIU Project Implementation Unit PPE Personal Protective Equipment TL Transmission Line TPS Traction Power Substations UTY Uzbekiston Temir Yullari WB The World Bank WHO World Health Organization

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction The World Bank (WB) is considering providing a loan to the Government of Uzbekistan to co-finance the Construction of new electrified railway Angren-Pap Project (the Project). The proposed Project will construct about 54 km long extra high voltage (110/220 kV) transmission line and associated substations for power new electrified railway Angren-Pap. The objective is to assist the government in support the reconstruction by SJSC “Uzbekenergo” of Obi-hayot power substation and the construction of power distribution lines from Obi-hayot power substation to traction power substations (TPS) at Koshminar and Pap, and from power transmission line Angren – Obi-hayot to TPS Sardala to secure reliable power supply for the new railway line. The government and UTY will provide the bulk of the financing for the project. The Bank will finance the signaling, electrification of the railway line, electric power distribution line, track maintenance equipment, and technical assistance to UTY. This part (transmission lines and substations) of the project has been categorized as Category B, minor impacts able to mitigate are expected. The categorization of the projects has considered already an optimized routing over cultivated land. The line will not traverse any buildings or settlements and distances are considered to be at least 50m to any settlement. No nationally and internationally protected or otherwise environmentally sensitive areas are within the line routings and substation location, distances are considered to be at least 1 km from such areas. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework WB Environmental Assessment Requirements This report has been prepared in accordance with the WB’s Safeguard Policy Statement which outlines the requirements that borrowers are required to meet when delivering environmental safeguards for projects supported by the WB. These requirements include assessing impacts, planning and managing impact mitigations, preparing environmental assessment reports, disclosing information and undertaking consultation, establishing a grievance mechanism, and monitoring and reporting. Government Environmental Assessment Requirements In Uzbekistan, under its Environmental Protection Law, 1992 requires that any project funded by the state is a subject for the environmental impact assessment process. The State Nature Protection Committee (SNPC) reviews environmental impact reports, prepares and implements ecological regulations and standards, coordinates environmental programs, and environmental monitoring. The SNPC also responsible to approve or issues permits for pollutant emissions and also has an authority to stop projects and construction works that do not comply with environmental legislation. The Law on Ecological Expertise dated from May 25, 2002, No. 73-11 governs the Environmental Assessment and defines procedure and requirement for environmental impact assessment.

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The category I and II are reviewed and evaluated by central level authority. While, the category III and IV projects are reviewed and evaluated by the Regional level authority. Project Description The proposed project will support UTY to build a single 124 km track rail link between Angren and Pap including a 19.2 km rail tunnel through the Kamchik Pass. The project has following components: Component 1. Rail Main Infrastructure (estimated total cost US$1,396.77million) Component 2. Rail Electrification, Signaling, Track Maintenance and Railway video

surveillance system (estimated total cost US$267.51 million, of which IBRD loan in the amount of US$152 million).

Component 3. Power Distribution Line (estimated total cost US$36.862 million of which IBRD loan in the amount of US$35 million).

Component 4. Technical Assistance to UTY for railway construction and long-term plan (estimated total cost US$6.7 million, which will be financed by IBRD).

Component 5. Technical Assistance to UTY for improving railway logistics in the Ferghana Valley and Angren region (estimated total cost US$1.00 million, which will be financed by IBRD).

Component 6. Implementation support (estimated total cost US$0.3 million, which will be financed by IBRD)

Project Components 2-6 will be financed by the World Bank UTY will be responsible for realization of project components 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, while SJSC “Uzbekenergo” will bear responsibility for realization of component 3. The report belongs to Component 3. Power Distribution Line (estimated total cost US$36.863 million of which IBRD loan in the amount of US$35 million): This component will finance three investments to bring energy to the new railway line as follows:

• Dismantling of overhead power lines (estimated IBRD financing US$2.6 million), including the removal of Angren – Obi-hayot 220kV power line of total 8.8 km length, of which 6 km in Tashkent region and 2.8 km in Namangan region.

• Equipment for the installation of new power lines (estimated IBRD financing US$13.3 million), including the procurement of concrete structures for 110-220kV power lines, respective materials and communication equipment, protection relay, metering and controlling instruments, general power equipment and others.

1Including VAT 2Including VAT 3Including VAT 

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• Construction works and commissioning of new power lines (estimated IBRD financing US$17.6 million). The sub-component will finance the reconstruction of the 220 kV substation Obi-hayot and the construction of 15 km and 48.8 km of 110kV power distribution lines to connect Obi-hoyot power substation with TPSs Koshminar and Pap, and 5 km of 220kV power distribution line to connect 220 kV power transmission line Angren - Obi-hayot with TPS Sardala.

• Other capital costs associated with construction works (estimated cost US 1.5 million).

Environmental Baseline The designed TL mainly passes through developed lands. Despite this, TL routes are chosen taking into account the requirements of land users and causing the minimum damage to environment. In order to avoid death of birds from electrical shock at traverses of TL poles and wires between TL poles over each supporting bunch bird-protection devices are installed. Technological process of transmission and distribution of power in normal operational conditions is waste-free and is not accompanied by harmful emissions into air or water environment. In cases of possible damages at TL resulted in accidents (falling of a pole or wire break), there will be no negative impacts on residential areas: the TL is passing at a distance from settlements. As the whole route is, mainly, at considerable remoteness from settlements, traffic of construction machinery, noise and vibration from cars will not affect health and efficiency of inhabitants. Construction and installation works are standard, environmental impacts will be local and manageable. The contractor should take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent impact on natural landscape. After completion of works all areas with natural vegetation will be restored, all construction wastes will be disposed. Reconstruction of the substation at Obi-hayot involves decommissioning of two transformers (produced in 1969 and 1974)4. The decommissioned transformers will be transported to other locations and installed/commissioned to operation. Decommissioning of the transformers involves discharge of oil from old transformers. Special mitigation measures should be put in place to avoid and clean up oil spills during decommissioning and transport of oil to new locations. Alternative solutions should be considered in order to decide whether old transformers should be used at all or replaced by new ones in these new locations. 4 The transformers do not contain PCBs (persistent organic pollutants).

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Main Technical characteristics Wires for the designed TL are accepted according to the technical specifications of the Republic of Uzbekistan 11.8-90-95 - steel-aluminium. Routes of the designed TL pass the area with the number of lightning hours of 21-25 therefore protection of the designed TL against the direct strokes of lightning is carried out along the whole its extent. All poles of the designed TL are subject to grounding by the extended shafts from round steel of 16 mm diameter. Length of shafts is accepted depending on the specific resistance of soil. The supporting strings are single-circuit. Considering the foothill relief at the routes of the designed TL of 110kV, the supporting strings with ballasts are provided. For providing of clearance over the highways the L-shaped supporting strings are provided in emergency mode at TL 220kV. Tension strings are single circuit, except for the strings installed in the span of crossing with the railroads and the main highways of the I category which are completed with the double-circuit ones. According to the technical rules for saving consumption of the main construction materials, reinforced concrete is accepted as the main construction material for intermediate poles. As considerable part of the routes of the designed TL 110kV is laid in the foothill areas with the rough relief, metal double-circuit tangent self-supporting poles of the code P110-4N of the standard height and (if crossing of engineering facilities of considerable height is necessary) with the support of 4m high are also used as the intermediate poles. Corner dead-end poles are metal double-circuit tangent self-supporting of the code U110-2, if necessary with the supports of 5, 9 and 14m high. Ferroconcrete poles are installed into the excavated foundation pits with embedding of 3,0m with AP5 crossbars. Precast reinforced concrete foundations are provided under the metal poles. Crossing with engineering facilities In order to cross with engineering facilities according to the requirements of the Rules for Organization of Electric Installations (ROEI) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as to avoid installation of poles in the gardens, kitchen gardens installation of metal poles with supports is provided: both intermediate, and corner dead-end ones. Crossing with the public railways is provided on the anchor self-supporting high metal poles, thus the tension insulator strings installed in the clearance of the crossing with the railway are provided double-circuit with separate fixing of each circuit to the pole. In order to avoid damages of underground gas pipelines during the construction organization of overpasses is provided. For protection of the poles installed near the highway against the running-down by motor transport installation of blocks of the road safety fence of the brand 1BDO-3 is provided along the road.

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Public Consultation Public consultation is an integral part of the EIA process. It contributes to early identification of problematic issues and due discussion of proposed mitigation measures. From the project outset stages, it is necessary to create a basis of mutual understanding with a view to establishing good, long-term relationships in future. The EIA report and EMP will be disclosed in-country and a consolation meeting with stakeholder communities will be held after World Bank approval. The EA team, in collaboration with PIU, will present the project, its location and timetable for implementation, an overview of the EA process, and any findings on impacts and benefits. These findings must be defined as tentative or interim, indicating that participants’ input can still be applied to project planning. The participants would be explicitly invited (not instructed) to provide comments and corrections to what is presented. Adequate and convenient contact information for use by participants would be provided. Public consultations will include UTY’s website announcement at least two weeks before the session(s) is to take place. The announcement would provide a brief project description, location and specific contact data (including telephone numbers). Also, the EA team, in collaboration with PIU, will do announcement in local, regional hokimiyats about public consultations. Conclusion The environmental assessment of the TL indicates that there are no significant adverse economic, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts associated with transmission line route due to the following reasons:

(i) The TL alignment does not fall within any environmentally-sensitive, protected area, or biological corridor of the country.

(ii) Although the length of the TL is 52.5 km, most part of the alignment falls within land on unfavorable soils and desert landscape, is heavily disturbed, and is not relatively dense. Trees that have to be cut will be replaced in a larger re-vegetated area, and land that is required for the project will be compensated.

(iii) One of the major criteria for selection of the TL alignment is to minimize, as far as possible, the need for tree clearance and the acquisition of private land.

(iv) Most of the construction work is small in scale (involving the excavation of small pits for the tower foundations and erection of towers and stringing of conductors) and will be conducted by small teams of workers without the use of heavy vehicles and machinery. Construction work is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a fairly short time.

(v) Most of the impacts are temporary and occur only during the pre-construction and construction phase. These impacts are social and environmental impacts arising from construction works and operation of possible small worker camps, impacts on health and safety, waste generation, increase in demand for resources (fuel, water, space) and services, impacts on air quality and noise from increase in traffic, and impacts on water quality from excavation works. These

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impacts will be temporary and will be over once the Construction period is complete.

Based on results of environmental assessment, it may be stated that the majority of potential environmental impacts attributed to the proposed tunnel construction activities are likely to occur during construction works and mainly will be of temporary nature. Implementation of the proper mitigation measures during design and construction stages will ensure reduction of the adverse project impacts to acceptable levels. The project impact will be manageable if all proposed mitigation measures and monitoring activities are implemented properly.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The Proposed Project It is planned to reconstruct the existing Obi-hayot power substation to ensure the reliable power supply to two traction power substations (TPS) at Koshminar and Pap. The upgrade of the 220 kV substation Obi-hayot will include (i) the replacement of two 125 MVA auto-transformers with 220/110/10 kV voltage to two 200 MVA auto-transformers, (ii) the replacement of existing air circuit-breakers to the modern SF6a and the outdated current transformers and disconnectors to a new one and other relevant equipment at 220 kV and 110 kV voltage, and (iii) an extension of the 110 kV switchyard for 4 liner bays to connect TPS Koshminar and Pap. The 15 km 110 kV power distribution line will be constructed to connect Obi-hayot substation with TPS Koshminar, 48.8 km of 110kV power distribution line to connect Obi-hayot substation with TPS Pap, and 5 km of 220kV power distribution line to connect 220 kV power transmission line Angren - Obi-hayot with TPS Sardala. There are no specific technical issues associated with the construction of the electric power distribution lines. Those works are very standard activities of SJSC “Uzbekenergo”. No specific environment or social issues have been identified during the preparation of the project.

1.2. Project Components The project has three main components which are as follows:

1. To connect 220 kV power transmission line Angren - Obi-hayot with TPS Sardala. 2. Construction of transmission line “Double-circuit line ВЛ-110 kV Obi-hayot – TPS

Koshminar”. 3. Construction of transmission line “Double-circuit line-110kV Obi-hayot – TPS Pap”. 4. Reconstruction of 220/110/10кВ Obi-hayot power substation. 5. Construction of the sub-station at Sardala. To connect 220 kV power transmission line Angren - Obi-hayot with TPS Sardala TPS Sardala is located at the border of Tashkent and Namangan regions, on the right bank of Akhangaran River. Insert of TL-220kv Angren – Obi-Hayot the II-nd chain is carried out from the angle pole No. 108 located on the high graded hill at the mark of 1419.4m above the sea level. Two new angle dead-end poles is planned to install around this angle pole, the first one of which is placed in front of the existing pole at a distance of 10-15m. The second one is installed behind the existing pole at a distance of 20-25m from it, in the cross-section of the existing TL-220kv. Routes cross the river Akhangaran in one span of 300m and 350m and approach the dead-end poles of the switchyard 220kv of TPS Sardala. Route "Two-chain TL-110kv Obi-Hayot — TPS Koshminor" The beginning of two-chain TL 110kv for the supply of traction SS Koshminor is the dead-end pole at the exit from new cells at SS 220/110/10kv of Obi-Hayot. The route

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relief is smooth with a small lift from 650m above the sea level to 750m above the sea level, Lands are mainly arable. The route crosses the main gas pipeline Angren - Kokand and approaches the location site of TPS Koshminor. Total length of the route (at cameral option) makes about 14.08km (arable land – 7,5km, non-arable lands – 6,08km). Route "Two-chain TL-110kv Obi-Hayot — TPS Pap" Two-chain TL-110kv Obi-Hayot – TPS Pap exits from the switchyard-110kv, 4 cells planned for design and construction required for an exit to TPS Koshminor and TPS Pap. The route passes over the thinned out plantings of fruit trees, further crosses the highway A-373 Tashkent – Kokand, and then crosses the highway to Namangan with one span. The route TL 110kv is quite difficult, with a big number of angles as it passes across the developed Pap raion, bypassing the settlements. Crosses a large number of crossings (TL 220-110-35-10kv, highways, Fergana canal, the main gas pipeline, dry beds of the mountain rivers, new railway Angren Pap under construction). Length of the route is determined by the planned materials and makes 38,5km. Substation 220/110/10kv Obi-Hayot The main source of supply of the traction SS located in this area is the existing SS 220/110/10kv Obi-Hayot (Irrigating), constructed in the 1980s. The substation is located in Pap raion of Namangan region on the plane lands of the ancient cone of the loss Chadaksay. Ground waters occur everywhere at the depth of more than 5m. This project provides for its expansion to four linear cells and its reconstruction. Complex of works on construction of transmission line (TL) consists of the stages carried out sequentially:

• preparatory works (staking of pole centers and TL route axis, reorganization of engineering structures at TL route, construction of temporary roads, sites and delivery of materials along the route);

• construction works (organization of pits, earth and drilling-and-blasting works, organization of foundations and grounding devices, assembly, installation, adjustment and fixing of poles);

• installation works (rolling and connection of wires and cables, their lifting to poles, tension and fixing on poles, installation of dampers of vibration and remote rakers, installation of hinges and lightning-protection devices);

• commissioning and putting of TL into operation. Construction of the sub-station at Sardala will require careful mitigation measures, given the location of the construction site near Akhangaran river. Construction of the object has no scopes with difficult and undeveloped technology and does not require special equipment or devices. Project Need

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Construction of the proposed railway will completely change the logistic activity in Uzbekistan due to reduction of expenses (necessary for export of raw materials) and the increased reliability (necessary for export of goods with high value). The railway line will also provide service on transportation of passengers to the main centres. Passenger railway trips are widespread in Uzbekistan and will provide for available option for passenger traffic. In spite of the fact that the project is expensive, it provides very significant advantages in comparison with the existing automobile transportation, thus solving one of the main problems of interregional transport and trade. Report Structure Executive Summary - Summarizes critical facts, significant findings, and recommended actions. 1 Introduction - Introduces the proposed Project, components, report purpose and approach to EIA preparation. 2 Policy and Legal - Discusses WB’s and Uzbek’s environmental assessment legal and institutional frameworks; and the permitting process for construction of TLs and substation in Uzbekistan. 3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Describes impacts predicted to occur as a result of the Project, and identifies suitable mitigation measures. 4. Environmental Management Plan - The chapter mainly deals with the environmental management plan, which includes an implementation plan of mitigation measures, institutional requirements and environmental monitoring program of the project. The EMP also includes specific compensation, monitoring and enhancement plan. 5. Conclusion and Recommendations - This chapter presents the findings, conclusion, and recommendations of the EIA study. Appendices

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2. POLICY AND LEGAL This chapter provides an overview of the policy framework and national legislation that applies to the proposed project. The Construction of the transmission line and substations of the project proposed to be implemented by SJSC “Uzbekenergo” requires strict compliance with laws, rules and regulations pertinent to the environment. The project is expected to comply with all national / provincial legislation relating to environment in Uzbekistan, and to obtain all the required regulatory clearances. It also deals with the requirements of international donor agencies. The major laws, regulations, national standards and technical guidelines, and the relevant clearance documents that may affect the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process of the proposed project, are outlined below which are the general guidance to the preparation of EMP.

2.1. Environmental Policy and Legislation of Uzbekistan The implementation of the activities of this project will be in accordance with the following current legislation, practices and standards in Uzbekistan relevant to Environmental Impact Assessment and the project investments in general:

Legislation

Year Passed(Amended)

Purpose / Content

Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan

1994 Land, subsoil, air waters, forest, wildlife and other natural resources shall be utilized and, at same time, protection shall be give

«Law on Environmental Protection»

1992 The general legal framework for comprehensive environmental protection and for the use of them, including environmental standards setting, legal regime of specially protected area, rules and procedures for the use etc

«Law on Ecological Expertise»

2000 About the use of public ecological expertise and environmental assessment procedures

«On energy power» 2009 Regulates relations in the field of energetic. The law stipulates critical directions of government policy in the field of electro energy, assigns authority implementing government regulations in the field of electro energy. The law described power producing, supplying and distributing procedures, as well as implementation of operative dispatch management.

«On rational use of energy»

1997 Regulates formation of common legal basis directed to conservation of national energy resources, efficient energy use, and improved production capacity;

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«On the State sanitary epidemiological supervision in the Republic of Uzbekistan»

1992 public relations on ensuring sanitary and epidemic wellbeing and radiation safety of the population

«Law on Protection and Management of Flora»

Approved in December 26 1997/ New Laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 18th Edition, p.2

About protection, use, and reproduction of flora.

«Law on Wildlife Protection and Management»

dated 26 December 1997

About protection of wildlife habitats.

«Law on Atmospheric Air Pollution»

1999. Including ambient air quality standards, emission standards and Guidelines for Application (#469-1999).

«Law on Water Pollution»

1999 Ensuring rational use of waters for needs of the population and economy branches, protection of waters from pollution, contaminations and exhaustions, prevention and elimination of harmful effects of waters, improvement of condition of water objects, and also protection of the rights and legitimate interests of the enterprises, institutions, organizations, farmer, dehkan farms and citizens in the field of the water relations.

«Law on Mineral Resources»

October 23, 1994

borrow areas and quarries

«Law on Health Safety and Environment»

May 6, 1993 Occupational Health and Safety

«Law on Protection Archeological Monuments»

October 13, 2009

regulation of the relations in the range of protection and use of cultural heritage objects which is national property of Uzbek people

«Law on atmosphere protection»

dated 27 December 1996

It describes regulations on atmosphere protection and its objectives. It specifies standards, quality and deleterious effect norms, requirements on fuels and lubricants, production and operation of transport and other vehicle means and equipments, ozone layer protection requirements; obligations of enterprises, institutions and organizations on atmosphere protection, compensations for atmosphere pollutions.

«Law on Solid Waste»

dated 05.04.2002

The principal objectives of this law is to prevent negative effect of solid wastes on population lives

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and health as well as on environment, reduce wastes generations and their rational use in household activities. The Law regulates the procedure of wastes treatment, authorities of various institutions in the field of rationing the wastes treatment. The law stipulates waste transportation rules and economical aspects on wastes treatment.

«On protection of the population and areas from emergency situations of natural and anthropogenic character»

Dated 20.08.1999

The Environmental Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan

30 April, 1998

Alienation of lands for TL is executed according to the KMK 2.10.08-97 "Norms of lands alienation for the electric networks with a voltage of 0.4kv - 750kv". Electric installation works should be performed according to the KMK 3.05.06.97 "Electrotechnical devices" and taking into account works close to the operating equipment. All construction – installation works should be performed according to the standard flow charts and rules in force for power construction, as well as according to the KMK 3.01.02-00 * "Safety measures in construction", "Instructions on design of fire-prevention protection of the power enterprises" and other normative documents. When working near the operating equipment and TL it is necessary to follow "Safety rules at operation of power generating plants" section 23 "Access of personnel of construction organizations to the works in operating power generating plants and in the security zone of the transmission line." In addition, this environmental examination conforms to the following methodologies, regulations, and standards: (i) “Methodical Guidelines on Ecological and Hygienic Zoning the Territories of the Republic of Uzbekistan in order of Danger to Health of the Population”; (ii) Instruction for the inventory of pollution sources and forming the pollutants emission to the atmosphere for enterprises of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Reg. # 1553 issued by the Ministry of Justice on 3 Jan., 2006, Tashkent, 2006); and (iii) Sanitary Norms and Rules (SN R) 2.01.08-96. Noise protection (iv) SNR on the Effects of Electric Field Generated by Overhead transmission lines of alternating currents of industrial frequency (1984) (v) SNR No. 0015-94 Maximum Concentrations of air pollutants permitted in populated areas within the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan (vi) Construction Norms and Regulations (CNR) 2.01.01-94 Environmental and Geological Design Requirements and (vii) CNR 2.01.03-96 Construction in Seismic Areas.

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All works on construction of power lines will be carried out with observance of measures on environmental protection and on the basis of the following regulatory documents, norms and standards:

• ShNK 4.02.33-04 Transmission lines. • ShNK 4.02.67-07 Electric installation works. Repair and construction works. • KMK 2.01.11-97 Engineering protection of the territories, buildings and

constructions against the hazardous geological processes. Main provisions of the design KMK 3.05.06.97 "Electrotechnical devices"

• KMK 3.01.02-00 * "Safety measures in construction" • The Rules for Electrical Equipment Installation. • RD (Ruling Document) 34.20.501-05. Operating Rules for the Power Plants and

Electric Networks. • RD (Ruling Document) 34.03.202.95. Safety Rules for the Electrical Equipment

Operation. • Sanitary norms and rules (SNR) on the effects of the electric field generated by

overhead transmission lines of alternating currents of industrial frequency; • "Instructions for design of fire protection of the power enterprises" • "Rules of organization and technical operation of the contact network of the

electrified railways of SJSRC "Uzbekiston Temir Yullari".

The feasibility study for "Construction of the Electrified Railway Line Angren Pap" project was developed on the basis of the following documents and materials:

• Regulation on the order of development, carrying out examination and approval of the documentation of investment projects", approved by the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 110 of June 7, 2007.

• ShNK 1.03.01-08 "Structure, the order of development, agreement and approval of design documentation on capital construction of the enterprises, buildings and constructions" and amendment No. 1 to it.

• ShNK 1.03.06-09 "Rules for carrying out State examination of pre-design and town-planning documentation”.

• KMK 2.05.01-96 "Railroads with a gauge of 1520mm. Norms of designing". • KMK 2.01.01-94 "Climatic and physiogeological data for designing". • KMK 2.01.03-96 "Construction in seismic areas". • KMK 2.05.10-97 "Rules for designing of the road bed of railways and highways". • KMK 2.02.01-98 "Foundations of buildings and constructions". • KMK 2.03.11-96 "Protection of building structures against corrosion". • "Rules of technical operation of the railways of the Republic of Uzbekistan". • GIN 07-035-03 "Instruction on the maintenance and repair of the road bed of the

railway". • GIN 07-032-03 "Instruction on the maintenance of the railway ". • "Instruction on the alarm system at the railways of the Republic of Uzbekistan". • KMK 2.10.08-97 "Norms of lands alienation for power networks of voltage 0.4-

750kv". • KMK 3.05.08-97 "Contact networks of the electrified transport". • ShNK 2.05.02-07 "Highways".

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The Republic of Uzbekistan has also ratified the following international conventions that are part of this environmental examination. (i) Basel Convention on Transport of Toxic and Hazardous Wastes- small quantities of wastes materials may require transport outside of the Republic of Uzbekistan territory (ii) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol- the Project will improve electricity transmission and result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (iii) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001) controls the use of herbicides for maintenance of the right of way although biological means by grazing has been a preferred option (iv) Convention on biodiversity (ratified in 1995) (v) Convention on protection of migrant wild animals (ratified in 1998).

2.2. Supporting national Legislation State environmental control of issues related to the protection of soil and water, air, flora, fauna and specifically the environmental safety of the population is exercised through a range of national environmental laws and regulations. The main national and regional laws applicable to this project are explained in the following sections. Air quality and air emissions The key regulators dealing with air emissions and ambient air quality in Uzbekistan are:

• The State Committee on Nature Protection (Goskompriroda) who develops air quality standards to protect the environment, the climate and the ozone layer

• The Ministry of Health who develops air quality standards (sanitary norms) to protect human health and oversees the compliance with hygienic norms and standards associated with air quality.

The key legislation relating to air emissions and ambient air quality in Uzbekistan applicable to the Project includes the following: Table 1. Key environmental legislation of the RUz on air quality and air emissions National laws Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Atmospheric Air Protection No.353-I of 27.12.1996 (as amended on 10.10.2006) It describes regulations on atmosphere protection and its objectives. It specifies standards, quality and deleterious effect norms, requirements on fuels and lubricants, production and operation of vehicles and other transport means and equipment, ozone layer protection requirements, obligations of enterprises, institutions and organizations toward atmospheric protection, and compensations for damages from atmospheric pollutions. The Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan, SNPC and local government bodies are responsible for implementing the law. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on State Sanitary Control No.657-XII of 03.07.1992 (as amended on 03.09.2010) It regulates social relations on sanitary-epidemiological well-being and radiation safety, the right person to a healthy environment and other associated with it, the rights and guarantees of their implementation. Thus Article 9 of this law defines obligation to meet sanitarian norms, rules and hygiene regulation at the design, construction and commissioning projects. Criminal Code, Section 4. Environmental Crimes approved on 22.09.1994 (as amended on 04.01.2011)- It is specifies the conception and defines

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punishment for violation of the norms and requirements of environmental safety, willful concealment or misrepresentation of environmental pollution, violation of flora and fauna, water, land, subsoil, protected areas use. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Expertise No.73-II of 25.05.2000 (as amended on 04.01.2011). It specifies the purposes, objectives and types of environmental expertise. The law defines the qualifications, duties and obligations of environmental experts. The State Nature Protection Committee (SNPC) has overall responsibility for implementing this legislation through The Departments of Environmental Expertise (Glavgosekoexpertiza and Gosecoexpertisa which are both under the SNPC) and the Provincial branches of SNPC. Decrees Decree of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan on Enactment of the Law on Atmospheric Air Protection No.354-I of 27.12.1996 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on Approval of the Regulation on the State Environmental Expertise in the Republic of Uzbekistan No.491 of 31.12.2001 (as amended on 05.06.2009) Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Improving the System of Pollution and Waste Disposal Charges in Uzbekistan No.199 of 01.05.2003 (as amended on 02.04.2010) Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on The National Strategy for Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emissions (main provisions) No.309 of 09.10.2000 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on Measures to Implement the National Strategy for Reducing of Greenhouse Gases Emissions No.389 of 09.10.2000 Regulations Instructions on Inventory of Pollution Sources and Rating Pollutant Emissions for Ventures in Uzbekistan enacted by Order of the Chairman of the State Committee for Nature Protection of the Republic of Uzbekistan No.105 of 15.12.2005 Sanitarian Rules and Norms Hygienic norms. List of Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs) of pollutants in ambient air of communities in the Republic of Uzbekistan SanR&N RUz No.0179-04 Sanitary norms and requirements to protect ambient air in communities of the Republic of Uzbekistan SanR&N RUz No.0246-08 Hygienic Norms. List of Maximum allowed concentration (MAC) of pollutants into the atmosphere air of settlements in Uzbekistan SanR&N No 0293-11 Hygienic Norms. List of maximum permissible concentration (MPC)- microorganism-producers in the air of settlement areas SanR&N No 0147-04 Water use and discharge Water resources management, allocation and use in Uzbekistan are under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (MAWR), which oversees national specialized associated, provincial and district departments of agriculture and water resources, and interprovincial and inter-district canal management authorities. Legislation related to water resources management, allocation and use within Uzbekistan is compiled in the next table:

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Table 2. Key environmental legislation of the RUz on water use and discharge National laws Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan Article 55 “Land, depths, water, flora and fauna and other natural resources are national wealth, should be rationally used and are under state protection”. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on water and water use No.837-XII of 06.05.1993 It regulates the water relations, rational use of water by the population and economy. The law regulates the protection of waters from pollution and depletion, and prevention and liquidation of harmful effects of water, improvement of water bodies and the protection of the rights of enterprises and institutions, organizations and dehkan farms and individuals in the field of water relations. This Law also authorizes the State (through authorized agencies) to carry out management and control of water use and protection. The following special state agencies are authorized to regulate water use:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Water resources management (MAWR) (surface water); • State Committee for Geology and Mineral Resources (or Goskomgeologia) • State Inspectorate for Exploration Supervision, Operations Safety Supervision of • Industry, Mining and Utilities Sector (or Sanoatgeokontekhnazorat)

Land Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan Approved on 30.04.1998 It came into effect from July 1, 1998 and aims to regulate land relations in order to ensure that present and future generations have science-based, sustainable use and conservation of land, breeding and improvement of soil fertility, conservation and improvement of the environment and creating conditions for equitable development of all forms of management, the protection of individuals and legal entities’ right for land, as well as strengthening the rule of law in this area. The law specifies that the system of land use management must be environmental, resource effective and provide for conservation of soil, limiting the impact on flora and fauna, geological resources and other components of the environment. Also, according to the Code, the estimate of negative impact of construction works or implementation of technologies to the state of lands and the effectiveness of measures envisaged for the use and protection of land is based on environmental impact assessment. Decrees Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Rules of receiving industrial sewages and calculation of above standards pollutants discharges into the communal sewage system of the cities and other settlement areas of RUz No.11 of 03.02.2010 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Limited water use in the Republic of Uzbekistan No.385 of 03.08.1993 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Confirming the regulations on water protection areas in water reservoirs and in other water bodies, rivers, main canals and collector, as well as drinking and domestic water supply sources, and for medical and recreation purposes in the Republic of Uzbekistan No.174 of 07.04.1992 Resolution of Cabinet Ministries of RUz on adoption of order of water use and water consumption in the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 82 of 19 March 2013 The Regulation defines the followings: order of water use and consumption in the Republic of Uzbekistan; state management in water use. The document states that several Ministries are implementing control on water use: local governments entities, State nature protection

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committee, State Inspection for geological study of subsoil, Safety in industry, mining and domestic sectors of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the manner prescribed by law. Also the regulation regulates trans boundary water bodies uses. Regulations Regulation Document on Regulations on rationing discharges of pollutants into water bodies and on the terrain, taking into account technically achievable performance of wastewater treatment RH 84.3.6:2004 Regulation Document on Order of endorsement and approval of projects of wastes disposal and limits for its disposal RH 84.3.22:2006 Sanitarian Rules and Norms Hygiene requirements for the protection of surface waters in RUz SanR&N No 0172-04 Main criteria for hygienic assessment of the level water bodies contamination for health risks population in Uzbekistan SanR&N No 0255-08 Sanitarian requirements for development and approval of maximum allowed discharges (MAD) of pollutants discharged into the water bodies with waste waters SanR&N No 0088-99 Others Construction Norms and Rules on Guideline on content, endorsement and approval of design estimates for construction of enterprises, buildings (CNR) 1.03.01-96 Provision on the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 2001 Waste Management This section provides an overview of the key legislation concerning waste management and disposal in Uzbekistan. The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan sets and approves national policies, strategies, programmes and procedures relating to waste management including allocation of hazardous waste disposal sites and adjustment of waste disposal charge rates as set forth in Article 5 of the Law on Wastes. Local governments are responsible for waste management policies, strategies and procedures at the local level. Table 3. Key environmental legislation of the RUz on waste management National laws Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan Article 55 “Land, depths, water, flora and fauna and other natural resources are national wealth, should be rationally used and are under state protection”. Law on Wastes No.362-II of 05.04.2002 (as amended on 04.01.2011) It addresses waste management, exclusive of emissions and air and water pollution, and confers authority to the SCNP concerning inspections, coordination, ecological expertise and establishing certain parameters with regard to the locations where waste may be processed. The Law specifies that citizens have the right to a safe and healthy environment, to participate in the discussion of projects, and to compensation for damage to their lives, health or property. Dangerous waste that is transported domestically or internationally must pass ecological certification and be moved by special vehicles. The import of any radioactive waste for storage

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or burial is strictly forbidden. Although this is not specified in the Law, special privileges are given to persons and enterprises that develop and introduce technologies for reducing or recycling waste. Enterprises are responsible for their waste, but, if they recycle, they may be provided with assistance from the state budget, the National Fund for Nature Protection or voluntary payments. The principal objective of this law is to prevent negative effects of solid wastes on people’s lives and health, as well as on the environment, reduce wastes generations, and encourage rational use of waste reduction techniques in household activities. The law regulates the procedures for treating solid wastes and defines the authorities of various institutions involved in solid wastes management. The law also stipulates the rules for transporting solid wastes and provides market base incentives for efficient treatment of solid wastes. The Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan, SNPC, Ministry of Health, Uzbek Agency “Uzkomunhizmat”, Agency on supervision for safe operation in the industry and mines inspectorate (hereinafter Agency “Sanoatkontekhnazorat”) are responsible for implementing the law. Decrees Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Measures to streamlining of the collection, preparation and delivery of secondary processing of waste paper No. 70 of 16.03.2009 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Approval of the collection and disposal of used mercury-containing lamps No. 266 of 21.09.2011 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Improving the System of Pollution and Waste Disposal Charges in Uzbekistan No.199 of 01.05.2003 (as amended on 02.04.2010) Decree of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan on Enactment of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Wastes issued No.363-II of 05.04.2002 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Enhancing the Use and Recycling of Mercury Lamps and Devices No.405 of 23.10.2000 Orders Order of disposal of hazardous chemicals and hazardous materials on special landfills, their protection and maintenance, approved by the State Nature Protection Committee, Ministry of emergency situations, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Healthcare, No. 2438 of 20 March 2013. The regulation provides definitions of hazardous chemicals, toxic materials, special landfills and special transportation vehicles. State organization “Qishloqkimyo” (Agriculture chemicals) is responsible for transportation handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Transportation of such materials has to be conducted in accordance with Resolution of Cabinet Ministries of RUz No. 35 of 16 February 2011 on “Rules of hazardous materials transportation on the territory of RUz”. The Ministry of Healthcare and State Nature Committee are involved into the endorsement of proper completion of works. The following Ministries are responsible for conducting monitoring of the special landfills:

• State Nature Protection Committee – reviewing on complying with environmental requirements;

• Branches of Ministries of Health – reviewing on complying with sanitarian norms and rules during conducting works with hazardous chemical, toxic materials and their packages;

• Ministry of Emergency Situation – conducting works to avoid emergency situations and handling with consequences.

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• Branches of State Committee on Geology and mineral resources – conducting permanent monitoring of ground water quality.

Regulations Regulation Document on The waste inventory procedure RD Oz RH 84.3.15.2005 Regulation Document on Guidelines for setting waste disposal limits RD Oz RH 84.3.16.2005 Regulation Document on Production and consumption waste. Procedure for developing the Waste Disposal Limit Document RD Oz RH 84.3.17.2005 Regulation Document on Production and consumption waste. Waste Data Sheet RD Oz RH 84.3.18.2005 Regulation Document on Production and consumption waste management. Terms and definitions RD Oz RH 84.3.19.2005 Regulation Document on Guidelines for setting waste generation RD Oz RH 84.3.21.2005 Production and consumption waste. Waste inventory and waste disposal limits approval procedure (issued by the Goskompriroda of Uzbekistan, 2006) RD Oz RH 84.3.22.2006 Requirements for handling mercury and its compounds, mercury-based waste, and mercury containing devices RD Oz RH 84.3.11.2004 Regulation on handling mercury-containing products in the Republic of Uzbekistan RD Oz RH 84.3.10.2004 Methodology for integrated waste hazard rating RD Oz RH 84.3.8.2004 Instruction for hazardous wastes generation, use and storage reporting as per Form No.3 – Hazardous Waste (half-year, annual reporting) (issued by the State Statistics Department of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 1997) A Landfill for burial and land storage of industrial hazardous wastes KMK 201.12-96 Provisional waste norms for cities and regions of Uzbekistan approved by khokimyats Sanitarian Rules and Norms Sanitarian Rules of inventory, classification, storage and disposal of industrial wastes SanR&N No. 0127-02 Hygienic classifier of toxic industrial wastes in the Republic of Uzbekistan SanR&N No. 0128-02 Sanitarian requirements on storage and disposal of solid waste in special landfills SanR&N No. 0157-04 Sanitarian Rules and Norms on collection, transportation and disposal of wastes contained asbestos in Uzbekistan SanR&N No. 0158-04 List of asbestos-cement materials and construction, allowed for using and field of its implementation SanR&N No. 0168-04 Sanitary regulations for collection, storage, transportation, disposal and recycling of municipal solid waste SanR&N No. 0068-96 Others GOST 17.0.0.05-93 - Unified system of standards for environmental protection and rational use of resources. Waste Data Sheet. Composition, content, presentation and amendment

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procedures GOST 30333-95 Material Safety Data Sheet. Basic principles. Information on safety during production, use, storage, transportation, and recycling (adopted as the interstate standard by Uzstandart letter _05/01-144 06.11.2003) GOST 17.9.0.2-99 Environment protection. Waste management. Waste Data Sheet. Composition, content, presentation and amendment procedures GOST 17.9.1.1-99 Environment protection. Waste management. Waste classification. Waste definition by the genetic principle and categorization GOST 30774-2001 Resources saving. Waste management. Waste Hazard Data Sheet. Main provisions GOST 30775-2001 Resources saving. Waste management. Identification and coding. Main provisions Soil Issues related to protection of geology, soils and groundwater in Uzbekistan are regulated by relevant national legislation including: Table 4. Key environmental legislation of the RUz on soil, subsoil and groundwater National laws Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Subsoil No.2018-XII of 23.09.1994 This law aims to ensure sustainable and integrated use of mineral resources to meet the needs of the mineral raw materials and other needs, protection of mineral resources, environment, safety of operations in subsoil use and protection of subsoil users, protecting the interests of individuals, society and state. According to the Law, the monitoring of subsoil, which represents a system of observations of the subsoil to timely detect changes, assess, prevent and redress the negative processes, is established (Article 18). Geological studies are permitted only after obtaining a positive opinion of the state environmental assessment (Article 25). Licenses for construction and operation of underground facilities for the storage and disposal of waste shall be issued by the State Nature Protection Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan as a result of direct negotiations Decrees Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Approval of Regulatory Documents in Conformity with the Law of Uzbekistan on Subsoil No.19 of 13.01.1997 (as amended on 17.12.2010) Annex No. 2, Regulations on state control and supervision for usage and protection of subsoil, geological survey of subsoil and rational usage of mineral resources Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on Improving the System of Pollution and Waste Disposal Charges in Uzbekistan No.199 of 01.05.2003 (as amended on 02.04.2010) Decree of the Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Regulation on Measures for Ground Water Management, Enhancement of Ground Water Protection against Pollution and Depletion No.179 of 08.04.1992 Sanitarian Rules and Norms Sanitary rules and Norms on Development of hygiene studies to schemes of soil pollution in Uzbekistan SanR&N No 0272-09 Sanitary rules and Norms on Hygienic assessment of the contamination level of soils of different land use types in the specific conditions of Uzbekistan

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SanR&N No 0212-06 Hygienic requirements for the quality of the soil in settlements areas in specific natural-climatic conditions of Uzbekistan SanR&N No 0183-05 Biodiversity The national biodiversity policy in Uzbekistan is based on the provisions of the National Constitution of 1992. Article 55 defines that flora and fauna as well as other natural resources are protected by the state and considered to be resources of national wealth subject to sustainable use. Biodiversity management and conservation in Uzbekistan are regulated through a range of national laws and regulations, gathered in Table 5 below. Table 5. Key environmental legislation of the RUz on biodiversity National laws Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Protected natural areas No.710-II of 03.12.2004 It regulates relations in organization, protection and use of conserved territories, and management of protected nature reserved or territories. In the law are given the categories and management of conserved territories such as integrated (landscape) wildlife preserves, nature parks, state natural objects, areas for protection, conversion and restoration of certain natural and manmade objects and complexes. SNPC and local government bodies are responsible for implementing state control and protection of nature conserved territory and its usage. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Protection and use of flora No.543-I of 26.12.1997 It regulates protection and usage of flora growing in natural condition, as well as in cultivation and its reproduction and conservation of gene pool of wild plants. The Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan, local government bodies and special authorized agencies implement the law. SNPC and Head Department of Forestry under Ministry for Agricultural and Water Resources Management are the special authorized agencies in flora protection and its usage. The Cabinet of Ministries of Republic of Uzbekistan, local government bodies, SNPC and Head Department of Forestry are responsible for implementing on the national level the administration of the law. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Protection and use of fauna No.545-I of 26.12.1997 It defines the legal relationship aimed at regulating relations in the protection, use, restoration and reproduction of fauna in order to ensure the conditions of its existence, preservation of species diversity, the integrity of natural communities and habitat. The choice of sites for all types of construction, pre-planning, design and project documentation, implementation of which may have impact on the wildlife or its habitat and projects unit hunting and fishing, projects, work on acclimatization and hybridization of animal protection plants, dangerous to wildlife and its habitat is subject to the state environmental assessment. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Forestry No.770-I of 14.04.1999 It describes main objectives of forest regulations and state forest fund and gives mechanism of state regulations and controls in the field of forest protection, conservation, use, and reproduction. The law stipulates the order of forest management, its types and cutting conditions of tree and bush plantations. The Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan, local government bodies, SNPC and Head Department of Forestry under Ministry for Agricultural and Water Resources Management are responsible for implementing the law. Decrees

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Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Confirmation of tax for calculation of damage recovery caused on flora of the RUz No.293 of 27.07.1995 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on National strategy and measures of the RUz on conservation of biological diversity No.139 of 01.04.1998 Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan No.109 of 09.03.1992 Decree of the Supreme Council of Uzbekistan on Reinforcement of the Protection of Valuable and Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna and Harmonisation of their Use No.937- XII of 03.09.1993 Appendix of the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Classification of technogenetic, natural and environmental emergencies No 455 from 27.10.1998 Key Social Legislation Social legislation in Uzbekistan covers the whole spectrum of social related issues, including employment, health and safety, education, health care, social protection, migration and consumer rights. Table 6 provides a summary of the key social legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Table 6. Key social laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan Employment and Occupational H&S Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on State Sanitary Supervision No.657-II of 03.07.1992 (as amended on 03.09.2010) Labour Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan of 01.04.1996 (as amended on 22.12.2010) Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Occupational Health and Safety No.839-XII of 06.05.1993 (as amended on 07.12.2001) It establishes a general order of organization of work safety regardless of the types of production, ownership and aims to ensure health and safety of citizens. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Protecting Health of Citizens No.265-I of 29.08.1996 (as amended on 19.05.2010) In order to protect the health of citizens, the Project will have an emergency preparedness and response plan, HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives, TB testing for employees, a gas rescue squad and a fire fighting service. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Occupational Safety at Hazardous Industrial Facilities No.ZRU-57 of 25.08.2006 Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Mandatory State Social Insurance against Occupational Accidents and Diseases No.ZRU-174 of 10.09.2008 Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance of the Employer No.ZRU-210 of 16.04.2009 Methodology of conducting assessment of labor conditions and work places attestation Approved by Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Health, 1996 Rules of work with personnel at energy production enterprises. Endorsement by Uzenergonadzor (under UE), 2002 Rules of fire safety regulations for power plants Approved by Uzenergonadzor and Main Department of Fire Safety, 2004

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Rules of safety regulations for maintenance electrical Installations Approved by Uzenergonadzor, 2004 Standardized provision on organizing of labor safety works Approved by Labor Ministry and Professional Unions Federation of RUz, 1996 Sanitarian-hygienic norms of working area SanR&N No 0203-06 Sanitarian norms for noise level at the working places SanR&N No 0120-01 Sanitarian norms of allowed levels of electrostatic fields at the working places SanR&N No 0121-01 Sanitarian norms of general and local vibration at the working places SanR&N No 0122-01 Hygienic classification of work conditions by harmful and dangerous indicators of industrial environment, heaving and intensity of production SanR&N No 0141-03 Community H&S Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Appeal of Citizens No.1064-XII of 06.05.1994 (as amended on 13.12.2002) Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Prevention of the Disease Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) No.816-I of 19.08.1999 Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Protecting the Population against Tuberculosis No.215-II of 11.05.2001

2.3. World Bank Policies The World Bank requires governments seeking financial assistance for development projects to carry out environmental impact assessment and prepare environmental management and resettlement plans. It is also required that the environmental and resettlement related planning should meet the requirements of the World Bank’s safeguard policies and regulations. The following World Bank’s Safeguards Policies are triggered based on the environmental and social assessment field investigations. The justification for each policy’s triggering has also been incorporated in subsequent paragraphs.

Safeguard Policy Actions Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01)

Category B project EIA and EMP prepared.

Natural Habitats ( OP/BP 4.04) This policy is not triggered. The project will not impact any protected area nor will affect important/ endangered flora or fauna species or biodiversity areas of high value. No action is required under the policy.

Pest Management (OP 4.09) This policy is not triggered. The project will not procure any pesticides nor will an increased use of pesticides result from the project. No action is required under the policy.

Phisical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.10)

The policy is not triggered. The project will not adversely affect indigenous peoples in the project area.

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Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) The policy is not triggered. The project area does not include any dams.

Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) Resettlement Action Plan has been prepared. Projects on International Waters (OP/BP 7.50)

The policy is not triggered. The project area does not include any international waters.

Forests (OP/BP 4.36) The policy is not triggered. The project will not finance activities that would involve significant conversion or degradation of critical forest areas or related critical natural habitats as defined under the policy. No action is required under this policy.

Projests in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60)

The policy is not triggered. The project areas does not include any disputed areas.

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

3.1. Introduction This chapter identifies potential Project environmental impacts and presents appropriate mitigation measures. The new transmission lines have been routed in cooperation of technical, environmental and social experts together with the specialists of SJSC “Uzbekenergo” in order to avoid any environmental and social impacts or technical implications. Thus the planned corridors are not traversing any village or settlement and distances to any settlement has been kept at a minimum of 50 m, either side, thus along both routes settlements more far away than required by the national law that defines 25 m either side as the corridor. The analysis covers all Project components where impacts are significant enough to exceed accepted environmental standards, mitigation is proposed in order to reduce residual impact to acceptable levels and achieve the expected outcomes of the project being implemented. Therefore, it is essential that a proper analysis is carried out during the project planning period. In this regard, the impact prediction plays a vital role as these predictions are used for developing mitigation measures and any alternative options, if appropriate. When the detailed designs are completed the impacts and mitigation measures will need to be further reviewed to take account of how the contracts are set up and in the light of any fine tuning of the project proposal. Potential Project impacts have been identified related to construction and operation phases. Predicted impacts relate to all aspects of the proposed TL and substations, with particular focus on environmentally sensitive areas. Many of the mitigation measures are related to good design practices, others with good construction and housekeeping practices. It should be noted generally that the work of the construction of the new lines and the substation as planned does not produce a huge amount of dust, machinery emission and noises. Thus the EMP will consider measures to reduce impacts as much as really necessary. Temporary work camps have more impacts if planned as a base camp for longer sections. However, the lengths of the planned lines do not require the establishment of work camps. Due to relatively small amounts, workers, mainly from cities in the surrounding are able to go back home in the evening or find accommodations in the nearest villages. Therefore not the worst case assumptions have been undertaken although neither time schedule nor any logistical planning have been prepared so far in this stage of conceptual design. Preconstruction Phase Potential preconstruction phase impacts are primarily related to Project siting including i) land acquisition and resettlement; ii) potential impacts existing infrastructure (roads, railways, TLs); iii) potential impacts on physical cultural resources (PCRs); iv) otential impacts related to the siting of temporary borrow and disposal pits, quarries and temporary worker camps. Mitigations are primarily related to careful selection of the

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RoW alignment so as to avoid or minimize impacts, and the development and implementation of the Resettlements Action Plan (RAP) which has been already prepared. Construction Phase Construction phase impacts include site erosion and landslides; impacts on surface and groundwater; solid waste management; air quality issues, primarily related to dust generation; noise; vegetation removal or cutting and other impacts on flora and fauna; aesthetic impacts; and occupational and community health risks. In the following table the kind and area of expected impact and the goals of mitigation measures are summarized.

Table 7: Summary of kind of impacts and mitigation goals

Impacts Mitigation goals Hydrology and Drainage Aspects

To ensure the proper implementation of any requirements from SNPC and according to laws on hydro-meteorological activities, mineral waters and Water Code, especially referring groundwater conditions in places of low groundwater tables and taking spillage and contamination into account

Orientation for Contractor, and Workers

To ensure that the contractor and workers understand and have the capacity to ensure that environmental requirements and implementation of mitigation measures are addressed and carried out appropriately.

Water quality To prevent adverse water quality impacts due to negligence of environmental best practice. Ensure unavoidable impacts are managed effectively. Ensure adverse impacts on water quality caused by construction activities are minimized.

Air quality To minimize effectively and avoid complaints due to airborne particulate matters released to the atmosphere.

Noise / Ground Vibration To minimize noise level increase and ground vibrations during construction operations

Soil Erosion / Surface Run-off

Prevent adverse water quality impacts due to negligence of anticipated impact and ensure unavoidable impacts are managed effectively. To minimize soil erosion due to the construction activities of towers, stringing of conductors and creation of access tracks for project vehicles

Exploitation, Handling, Transportation and Storage of Construction materials

To minimize contamination of the surroundings

Construction Waste Disposal

Minimize the impacts from the disposal of construction waste.

Work Camp Operation and Location

To ensure that the operation of work camps does not adversely affect the surrounding environment and residents in the area.

Loss of trees and vegetation cover of the

To avoid several negative impacts due to removing of landmark, sentinel and specimen trees as well as green vegetation and

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areas for towers and temporary workspace

surface cover.

Safety Precautions for the Workers

To ensure safety of workers

Traffic Condition Minimize disturbance of vehicular traffic and pedestrians during haulage of construction materials, spoil and equipment and machinery, blocking access roads during works; damage / maintenance problems for roads and bridges used by the haulage trucks, dust nuisance in the vicinities of the transportation ways, especially to schools and hospitals.

Modernization of substations

The main expected impact on the environment is connected with replacement of the electric equipment and the wastes generated in so doing: outdated current and voltage transformers, switches, used transformer oil, and other possible accompanying production wastes (ceramics, non-ferrous and ferrous metal, and others).

Replacement of concrete poles

The replaced equipment: switches and current and voltage transformers are placed on the concrete poles. In case of risk of destruction of old concrete poles, the concrete poles will be replaced with the new ones. At construction of new poles there will be local short impact related to dusting at destruction of old poles.

New equipment First of all removal of the used transformer oil from operation will positively affect the environmental situation. All installation works will be carried out in the existing territories and will not require allocation of special construction sites.

Operation Phase Impacts from TLs are primarily related to the construction phase, and there are relatively few significant operation phase impacts. Potential operational issues include spills or release of oils or hazardous materials, occupational and community health and safety risks, and risks from fires and earthquakes. Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design to minimize these to acceptable levels.

3.2. Preconstruction Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures Preconstruction phase impacts are primarily related to Project siting including i) land acquisition and resettlement; ii) potential impacts on existing infrastructure (roads, railways, TLs); iii) potential impacts related to the siting of temporary borrow and disposal pits, quarries and temporary worker camps. Mitigations are primarily related to careful selection of the RoW alignment so as to avoid or minimize impacts.

3.2.1. Land Acquisition and Resettlement

The siting of substations and the TL RoW will result in land acquisition and resettlement, there no resettlement impacts expected associated with the substation upgrading and extension (A summary of land acquisition and resettlement impacts will be provided here once the revised RAP has been received).

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To mitigate these impacts:

• During the selection of the RoW alignment significant effort was directed to avoiding or minimizing impacts on land acquisition and structures. This effort will continue during the finalization of the alignment in detailed design.

• A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) has been developed in accordance with Government and WB requirements.

3.2.2. Sensitive Receptors and Existing Infrastructure

The constructed route of 110 kV TL Obi-Hayot – TSS Pap crosses: 6 highways of republican significance, great number of field, gravel and asphalt local roads, Angren-Pap railway, 3 underground gas pipelines and 2 land gas pipelines, underground sewer pipeline. The siting of substations and the TL RoW has the potential to negatively impact sensitive receptors existing infrastructure (roads, railways, TLs). To mitigate these impacts:

• During the selection of the RoW alignment significant effort was directed to avoiding or minimizing impacts on sensitive receptors and existing infrastructure. This effort will continue during the finalization of the alignment in detailed design.

Nonetheless, it has been impossible to completely avoid all infrastructure and sensitive areas. It will cross several small streams, major roads, railway tracks, and existing power TLs. To further mitigate potential impacts:

• Impacts on public utilities have been minimized by incorporating environment friendly construction methods in the engineering design.

• Works around public utilities will be carried out in consultation with relevant authorities.

3.3. Construction Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures

3.3.1. Water Quality

The construction of the substation in Sardala will have impacts on the water quality of Akhangaran River. Potential sources of water pollution are from the domestic sewage from construction workers, spillage of oil and other lubricants, disposal of construction wastes, and wastewater from washing of construction equipment and vehicles. These wastewaters will potentially pollute the nearby Akhangaran River, including the drainage and irrigation canals. During the construction of the project, the contractor will be required to implement measures to prevent the discharge of wastewater from entering directly into the drainage channels and irrigation canals. Measures to mitigate impacts on water quality include:

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(i) Provision of adequate on-site sanitation facilities with septic tanks to prevent

untreated sewage from being channeled into the drainage canals, irrigation canals, and river.

(ii) Implementation of appropriate solid waste and construction waste collection and disposal system, with provision for waste segregation.

(iii) Designation of areas for equipment services, refueling, and wash down. The maintenance area should be provided with oil and grease traps to prevent oil from being washed into the offsite drainage canals.

(iv) Preparation of an oil spill emergency response plan. Proper implementation of the above measures will help ensure that the potential water quality impacts during construction will be insignificant. It is unlikely that there will be any impact on surface water quality or quantity during the construction of the transmission lines and substation Sardala. The lines will, however, have to traverse some river courses and drainage lines. Alteration of stream banks or river beds should not be necessary during the project, however where towers are erected near rivers or floodplains care should be taken not to allow erosion of these sites, which may increase the silt loading of the river. Vehicle activity in these areas may also result in the hydrocarbon spills which could affect surface water quality. Inadequate sanitation facilities for workers along the route may also result in biological contamination of surface water. Substation Sardala Sardala station is located at 36 km of the new railway Angren-Pap. Gridiron of the station consists of five tracks:

• main of 970 m usable length; • four tracks – arrival-departure of 850-960 m usable length, including one track for

the future; • tail track of 310m usable length; • track for the duty station of the overhead contact system;

In order to avoid spontaneous leaving of the rolling stock, construction of safety deadlocks is provided in the yard neck of the station. In the plan the station is located on the curve with the radius of 1200m, in the section, within the usable length of the tracks, - at the gradient of 1.5 ‰. The road bed is represented by the cuttings, mainly in rocky soil with the depth of up to 44 m and embankments of up to 25 m high. Sources of possible impact of construction of Sardala substation on environment can be:

1. Household sewage (1.3 m3/d) from the building of traction substation is drained to the designed centralized sewerage system.

2. Cesspool toilet for 1 hole.

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3. Power transformers, tank for the reserve of transformer oil, tanks for emergency oil discharge. In case of emergencies.

4. Rainfall drain from road passages. The proposed design of embankment consists of a gabion wall founded on a gabion mattress to protect the river bank from erosion, and at the same time it has enough flexibility that protects it from undermining and progressive failure. The presently proposed embankment protection is designed to be flexible so that if any local erosion occurs, the wall will flex and conform to the new shape without undergoing a complete failure. In the event that larger flood occurs, the gabion wall will remain stable although some limited rehabilitation of the slope may be required.

3.3.2. Cut and fill It is anticipated that the project work would not involve any significant cutting and filling. Minor excavations (down to 4 m) and piling will be required only at the locations of the towers but not all along the overall power line. To construct the footings of the towers, it is envisaged (depending on the mode of contract) that the surfaces under the towers will need to be scrabbled to remove unstable materials, or to stockpile topsoil. The soil need to be refilled in same order of layers as cut off in all working areas. Where machineries and trucks have been used, soil need to be broken up again after finishing work for future proper agriculture use at each location and paths and ways need to be recovered. In order to reduce impacts through dust and noises close to any settlement sites during construction, temporary hoardings shall be erected around the construction side to build a dust and noise barrier to adjacent houses and shops if they are within 50 m – 100 m of the power transmission line tower construction. For dust suppression, water spraying would be an alternative. Due to water scarcity in large parts of the area within the routes, water spraying must be well checked about suitability and necessity. Impacts on water supply for villagers and single farms must be avoided. If surplus materials arise from the removal of the existing surfaces, these shall be used at other locations of the project before additional soil rock, gravel or sand extraction is considered. The use of this immediately available material will minimize the need for additional rock based materials extraction in this stretch. If not needed immediately, appropriate storage sites need to be considered to temporarily store the excavated materials for further utilization. These sides and material piles need to be secured against wind and water erosion. Contractual clauses should be included to require each contractor to produce a materials management plan (at least one month before construction commences) to identify all sources of cement and aggregates and to balance cut and fill. The plan should clearly state the methods to be employed prior to and during the extraction of materials and all the mitigation measures to be employed to mitigate nuisances to local residents. Mitigation measures shall seek to control the impacts at source in the first place. Disposal of surplus materials which cannot be used at any other location must be negotiated through local authority approvals prior to the commencement of construction.

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3.3.3. Encroachment, Landscape and Physical Disfiguration Along the planned lines, the landscape is characterized as of agriculture land on unfavorable soils and desert landscape under semi-arid climate conditions; no sensitive landscape will be affected. No significant additional landscape impacts can be expected from construction of the project. Encroachment, taken by its word, will not happen within these planned projects due to the fact that the routing layout already has been adjusted in order to avoid traversing settlements and sensitive environments. The additional report on resettlement is indicating agriculturally used land required for tower and substation construction and determined the amount of required land and appropriate compensation. The newly planned substation in Sardala will be constructed on governmental land. Access to the land is provided through the main road at which the plot is located and can sufficiently carry transportation of materials. The plot is big enough to manage construction entirely within this area without impacts on the surrounding. The location of the substation is outside any settlement. The construction of the substation needs to consider appropriate water supply and waste water pre-treatment system. The waste water collection and pre-treatment system or piping into existing sewer systems need to consider to be separated from fire water collection system. Fire water can contain harmful substances from machineries which can contaminate the sewer water and build problems for waste water treatment. The substation needs to be equipped with a channel and drainage system for leakages from the transformers which as well need to be separated from the general waste water system and shall lead into separate storage tanks for further treatment. Handling of transformers during transport and installation requires special attention. According to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On water and water use" Article 11, construction of power supply objects provided that they will be equipped with the facilities ensuring protection of water objects from pollution, contamination and desiccation of waters is allowed within the borders of water protection zones. Placement of power supply objects (SS and TL) in the sanitary protection zone of water intake facilities can be carried out under the condition of implementation of activities on observance of environmental safety.

3.3.4. Hydrology, Sedimentation, Soil Erosion Construction activities for the TL and substation expansion / establishment, including installation of towers, construction of new access roads and clearing of tower bases, have the potential to lead to site erosion and landslides and associated impacts on water quality. Potential impacts on hydrology and soil erosion may arise from:

• Oil from machinery • Waste water from work camps

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• Fire water from substation (during operation) • Transformer oil (during construction, operation and dismantling) • Soil erosion through less careful construction • Soil and excess material spillage into existing waterways or surface water

To mitigate these impacts:

• During detailed design final tower locations should avoid steep erosion prone

slopes to the maximum practical extent. • Materials used for tower foundations and surface dressing will consist mainly of

aggregates and gravel, which do not contain silt. • Excavation and earthworks should be undertaken during the dry season to the

maximum practical extent when the risks from erosion and silt run-off are lowest. • Streams, river and drains within and adjacent to construction sites should be kept

free from any debris.

3.3.5. Air Pollution from earthworks and transport Field observations indicate that ambient air quality is generally acceptable and that emissions from powered mechanical equipment are rapidly dispersed. Emission from machinery and transportation are not higher than from housing construction in villages due to the fact that an area of only max. 13 x 13 m for soil excavation is needed for each tower, considering tower distances of about 200-250 m. The remaining emission is deriving from some trucks delivering the material for one tower. Construction of the tower would require a crane which produces additional emission. Earthworks will contribute to increasing dust, and the foundation earthworks will generate dust and the following mitigation measures are required:

• Construction materials (sand, gravel, and rocks) and spoil materials will be transported by trucks covered with tarpaulins.

• All vehicles (e.g., trucks, equipment, and other vehicles that support construction works) will comply with the national vehicle regulations and international emission standards.

• The need for large stockpiles should be minimized by careful planning of the supply of materials from controlled sources.

No settlements, villages, schools, hospitals or other sensitive receivers will be closer to the facilities in the operational phase less than 150 m in average. Noise from local power transmission close to villages is not a major consideration and no additional impacts through the new lines are expected. Possible health impact through electric and magnetic field: It is expected that these maximum values will be well below the guidelines, and therefore consequently health impacts for houses and people located close to the RoW are likely to be insignificant. If the minimum distance of 25 m from the center line of the lines is fulfilled and even exceeded as planned by double distance of 50 m as a minimum, no impacts through electric and magnetic fields on settlements are expected.

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According to the Sanitary Standards and Rules № 0236-07 “On safety for the population living near power lines of the high voltage” dated September 6, 2007 issued by the Ministry of Public Health: For protection of the population against the adverse impact of the intensity of EF and MF of EF TL sanitary protection zones are established. Sanitary protection zone is the territory along the route of TL where intensity of EF exceeds 1 kV/m, but no more than 5 kV/m under the TL wires. The sanitary protection zone is established taking into account TL voltage. The following distances of sanitary protection zones astride the projection to the earth of end phase wires in the direction perpendicular to TL are established: 5 m for TL up to 35 kV; 10 m for TL up to 110 kV; 15 m for TL up to 220 kV; 20 m for TL up to 330 kV; 30 m for TL up to 500 kV; 40 m for TL up to 750 kV; 55 m for TL up to 1150 kV. In order to protect the population from the effects of the electric field of TL project provides sanitary protection zones, the area along the route of the TL, in which the electric field is greater than 1 kV / m. Trails of the designed and newly built project TL were chosen in such a way that were not appeared within the sanitary protection zones:

• residential and public buildings and facilities • parking areas and stops for all types of transport, vehicle servicing companies

and warehouses of oil and petroleum products. Electric fields are directly related to voltage and reduce rapidly with distance from the source of the field. Electric fields can be screened effectively by objects (walls, trees, ground). This means that within homes, electric fields from transmission lines are effectively blocked. Magnetic fields are directly related to current and reduce rapidly with distance from the source of the field. Magnetic fields unlike electric fields are not screened by objects.

3.3.6. Noise and Vibration It is anticipated that powered mechanical equipment and not more than 10 local workers with hand tools will be used to construct the towers. If no electricity will be available, generator sets will provide the electricity. These sets need to fulfill air pollutants and noise emission standards. They must be encapsulated additionally if placement is necessary closer than 100 m to settlements or single house. No blasting is anticipated. Powered mechanical equipment can generate significant noise and vibration. The cumulative effects from several machines can be significant. The Uzbek national construction noise norms that are relevant to all stages of the construction, demolishing and decommissioning phase are provided by law KMK 2.01.08-96 “Protection from noise”. The “Sanitarian Rules and Norms on providing allowed noise level into the living building, public building and territory of living area” (SanR&N No.0267-09) establish the maximum admissible noise level into the living areas, both inside and outside buildings.

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For another hand, the project must observe World Bank Directives ("Environmental, Health and Safety General Directives, 2007 ") based on those of the WHO. As for the impact of noise beyond the perimeter, the EHS Guidelines stipulate that such noise shall not result in a greater increase of ambient noise than 3 dB at the nearest receiving area outside the site. Residential areas noise standards are the same for the national and World Bank standards. Industrial areas noise standards are included just in the World Bank guidelines. Rehabilitation of the existing substations will not cause any change in the current operational levels of noise.

3.3.7. Sanitation, Solid Waste Disposal, Communicable Diseases For the construction of transmission lines, the establishment of work camps is not usual and unlikely. A maximum of 10 – 15 workers at a stretch of line with 3 – 5 towers will not have a significant impact through waste water and waste on the agriculture land and desert if pit latrines and controlled waste disposal at the nearest village within the existing waste collection and disposal system will be considered as mitigation measures. In case temporary work camps are required, construction of worker camps shall be located close to settlement areas but not near sensitive water resources. In such case the constructor need to provide a detailed design of each work camp including infrastructure planning (water supply, electricity supply, waste management, waste water treatment and disposal). Workers need to be trained how to behave and to handle waste and waste water according environmental management requirements.

3.3.8. Pollution from oily run-off, fuel spills and dangerous goods Control measures for oily residues, lubricants and refueling are prescribed in the EMP. Within the project detail planning, maintenance yards have to be designed. Dedicated drainages need to be considered that can capture run-off. Oily residues and fuel need to be captured at source and refueling and maintenance must take place in dedicated areas away from surface water resources. Proper training of the machinists must assure that refilling and oil changes are undertaken with utmost care and disposal with any residues from these activities, due to the fact that it has been observed that during construction activities away from villages, the chance has been taken to maintain oil changes of machinery through simply draining the oil into the ground and hide the impact with a soil layer.

3.3.9. Flora The TL RoW passes through private and state agricultural lands and plantations, and shrub/barren areas. Construction of the Project will require removal of vegetation for transmission tower bases and substations, and cutting of tall vegetation in the RoW to maintain necessary conductor clearances. The loss of vegetative cover under the tower footing will mostly be permanent, though based on field work most TL tower bases are at least partially naturally revegetated with adjacent species. The trimming of vegetative cover in the RoW will only be to the extent that necessary conductor clearances with

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taller trees are achieved. There will also be disturbance or removal of vegetation for activities such as TL stringing and temporary facilities such as storage and assembly areas, temporary worker camps. Impacts on private lands including private plantations are covered by the RAP. Key mitigations will be put in place to address impacts on flora:

• Compensation land and tree planting will be provided by government for loss of trees in the RoW.

• Vegetation removal will only be allowed within the designated width of the RoW and the minimum area required for other infrastructure and activities.

• Vegetation cutting within the RoW will only be undertaken to achieve the required clearances.

• Tree removal and trimming will only be undertaken by hand tools, including chain saws.

• The use of heavy machinery will be limited to the extent practical. • The use of herbicides will be strictly prohibited. • Burning of cleared vegetation is a common practice in areas used for shifting

cultivation. However, this will not be allowed, and instead this material will be used to protect construction sites from erosion, particularly in steeper slope areas, until more permanent soil protection measures are in place. Local people will also be allowed access to cleared vegetation for the collection of building materials and firewood. Finer remaining vegetative material will break down naturally in a relatively short time due to the tropical conditions. However, large piles of coarse remaining vegetation shall be removed for off-site disposal so as to avoid the risk of accumulated vegetation which may promote forest fires.

3.3.10. Fauna

During the construction phase, there will be negative impacts on the mammals and reptiles of the area, due to the activities involving construction of towers, access roads, stringing of conductors, movement of labor, carriage of goods and machinery to various sites, falling within the route of transmission line. Mammals, such as jackal etc. will avoid these areas for fear of being hunted. Same will be the case with reptiles, some reptiles might be killed during the digging and dragging operations. Birds will try to find shelter and food somewhere else and will tend to move away from the route of transmission line due to the activities mentioned above for fear of being hunted/ trapped. There are no migratory paths of wildlife along the proposed alignment. To mitigate impacts on fauna, in addition to the standard vegetation cutting mitigation measures the following standard fauna mitigation measures will be applied: Electrocution of raptors and other birds The risk of electrocution of birds by transmission line is real as they provide a structure for birds from which they can hunt and roost. This is more so in places where there are

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few natural perches for the birds to use. Electrocution occurs when a bird comes in contact with two wires or when it perches on a conductive pylon and comes into simultaneous contact with a wire. Collisions may also occur if the transmission lines are difficult to see. While there has been no documented evidence in Uzbekistan that existing transmission lines have caused electrocution of large birds, this risk needs to be considered. The impact of electrocution of birds depends on the electrotechnical design of a pylon and the natural features surrounding it. The net impact of electrocution of large birds is not considered significant because (a) there has been no documented evidence of large bird kills from the existing 110/220 kv TL line in the other project areas; (b) the existing design incorporates construction of cage boxes for conductors to prevent birds from sitting or making nests; and (c) other mitigative measures are proposed to lessen any unforeseen or impacts

3.3.11. Health Protection and Occupational Safety The contractor design of the power transmission line and the substation expansion shall be performed in accordance with current norms, rules, and standards, compliance with which will ensure safe operation and maintenance of the sites, including the ones subject to fire & explosion and fire safety regulations. High voltage warning signs shall be posted on the towers at the height of 2.5-3.0 m. The towers shall be installed along the line route in such a way that the distance from the ground surface to the lowest sagging point of wires at their maximal sagging would be the one set forth by the Rules for Set-Up of Electric Equipment. Standard towers shall be used for the substation, which allow specially qualified maintenance personnel to be lifted on a tower without disconnecting voltage. The design shall provide for using the towers' grounding devices to ensure the fixed grounding resistance. Mitigation measures to be implemented by contractors to ensure health and safety of workers are as follows:

• Before construction commences the contractor will conduct of training for all workers on environmental, safety and environmental hygiene. The contractor will instruct workers in health and safety matters as required by law and by good engineering practice and provide first aid facilities.

• The contractor will instruct and induct all workers in health and safety matters (induction course) before they start work and site agents/foremen will follow up with toolbox talks on a weekly basis. Workforce training for all workers starting on site will include environment, safety and environmental hygiene.

• Workers shall be provided (before they start work) with of appropriate personnel safety equipment suitable for electrical work such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothes, goggles, and ear protection at no cost to the workers. Site agents/foremen will follow up to see that the safety equipment is used and not sold on.

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• Fencing shall be installed on all areas of excavation greater than 1m deep and at sides of temporary works.

• Audible reversing signals shall be installed on all construction vehicles. The contractor will include provisions in the Worker Safety section of the health and safety plan (HSP) for:

• Instruction of all workers in health and safety matters. • Provision of potable water supply in all work locations. • Establishment of safety measures as required by law and by good engineering

practice and provision of first aid facilities. • Providing to all workers appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as

safety shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, etc. • Scheduling of regular (e.g., weekly tool box talks) to orient the workers on health

and safety issues related to their activities as well as on proper use of PPE. • Where worker exposure to transport cannot be completely eliminated, protective

barriers shall be provided to shield workers from transport vehicles. Alternatively another measure is to install channeling devices (e.g., transport cones and barrels) to delineate the work zone.

• Fencing on all excavation, borrow pits and sides of temporary bridges • The substation yard is provided with toilets/sanitation facilities in accordance with

local regulations and these will be used by the contractors to prevent any hazard to public health or contamination of land, surface or groundwater. These facilities shall be cleaned daily and well maintained to allow effective operation.

All of the engineering solutions related to the structures and equipment used under the design shall be developed in compliance with current norms and rules, instructions and standards, as well as fire & explosion and fire safety regulations.

3.4.  Operational Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures   There are no significant adverse environmental impacts during the operational phase of the substations and transmission lines. The expected adverse impacts during the operational phase are confined within the project area. These are generally related to the occupational health and safety issues as well as management of residual wastes. The impacts are reversible, manageable, and can be mitigated with proper engineering and management controls.

3.4.1. Occupational Health and Safety The occupational health and safety issues inherent to the operation of the transmission line and substation include hazards due to exposure to live power lines and high voltage systems, working in heights and risks of accidents, and potential exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Accidents that may occur include electrocution, fires, and explosion.

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Exposure to Live Power Lines and High Voltage Systems. Workers may come in contact with live power lines during the maintenance of the facilities and electrocution from direct contact with high-voltage electricity. Electrocution is a hazard directly related to power transmission lines and facilities Some of the prevention and control measures when working with live power lines are:

(i) Restricting access to electrical equipment by workers only trained and certified to work on electrical equipment

(ii) Adherence to electrical safety standards (iii) Proper grounding and deactivation of live power distribution lines during

maintenance work or if working in close proximity to the lines (iv) Provision of PPE for workers, safety measures, personal safety devices, and

other precautions (v) Observe guidelines to minimum approach distances for excavations, tools,

vehicles, pruning, and other activities when working around power lines and the substation.

(vi) The entrance to all buildings, vaults, rooms, or enclosures containing exposed live parts or exposed conductors should be kept locked unless such entrances are under the observation of a qualified person at all times.

(vii) Switchboards, panel boards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized should be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards.

Working in High Elevation. Accidents may happen when working in high elevation. However, a worker safety plan may be implemented to reduce risks that include testing of structural integrity prior to proceeding with the work and the use of fall protection measures. Worker Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Electric utility workers have higher exposure to EMF than the general public because of working in close proximity to electric power lines. The occupational EMF exposure should be minimized through the implementation of an EMF safety program that includes:

(i) Identification of potential exposure levels in the work area including surveys of exposure levels and establishment of safety zones

(ii) Limit access to properly trained workers and those equipped with appropriate PPE when entering safety zones.

(iii) Utilization of personal monitors during work activities (iv) Posting of safety signages and warning signs.

3.4.2. Community Health and Safety

Electrocution. The community may also be exposed to electrocution hazards as a result of direct contact with high voltage electricity or from contact with tools, vehicles, or other devices that come in contact with high-voltage electricity. To prevent these hazards, NPPMB needs to implement the following improvements:

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(i) Provision of signs, barriers and gates/posts surrounding transmission towers particularly in built-up areas

(ii) Grounding of conducting objects such as fences or other metallic structures near power lines.

Exposure to EMF. The transmission frequency commonly used in transmission systems ranges from 50–60Hz which is considered as extremely low frequency, with impacts becoming low with distance. The electric fields become shielded by trees, buildings, and other materials that conduct electricity. In general, the electric fields are strongest close to the source and diminish with distance. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there is still weak evidence about substantive long-term health issues related to low frequency electric fields at levels generally encountered by members of the public. The potential health effects associated with exposure to EMF is not well-established due to lack of empirical data demonstrating adverse health effects. However, the public should be warned about the safety distances from the transmission system and power lines through warning signages. The impacts during the operational phase include the concern about electromagnetic field (EMF) and management of hazardous wastes at the substation and connection lines. The community and workers will be protected against electrocution hazards as a result of contact with high voltage electricity through the provision of signs, barriers, and gates/posts surrounding the towers, particularly in built-up areas. According to the Sanitary Standards and Rules № 0236-07 “On safety for the population living near power lines of the high voltage” dated September 6, 2007 issued by the Ministry of Public Health: Maximum-permissible levels of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) of industrial frequency by the intensity of the electric field (EF) created by the overhead transmission lines up to 500 kV for the population should not exceed: 0,5 kV/m in residential buildings and facilities; 1,0 kV/m in the territory of the housing construction; in the areas of crossing of TL with highways - 10 kV/m and 20 kV/m in non-populated and remote areas; So the effected area of electrical field is the space in which electrical field of industrial frequency > 5kV/m. For this reason, for people living under the transmission line and live near project area, the allowable electrical field not affecting to health will be < 5 kV/m. After implementing mitigation measures and design implementation according to procedures and norms, the above-mentioned effects do not impact on people’ s health. When people wishing to work 8 hours continuously in the area of electric field, the intensity of the electromagnetic field at the place of working should be ≤ 5kV/m. All tower positions are suspended with warning post, moreover, foundation positions are often far from densely populated area. It is difficult to occur the danger of people when approaching towers and possibility of electric shock.

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3.4.3. Risk and hazards associated with TL and substations Chemicals that are commonly handled in the transmission lines and substation are mineral oil in transformers and other electrical components and liquid petroleum fuel. There are also potential hazardous materials and oil spills associated with the operation of equipment and retrofitting/maintenance works. Storage facilities of liquid petroleum fuels for the generator sets and for vehicles and other equipment are potential sources of accidental spills. Oil leak or accidental spills of hazardous materials could give rise to contamination of soil and water. The transformers and equipment should meet international standards and regular maintenance and inspection program should be undertaken to check leaks. The areas around the substation transformers and oil storage areas should be provided with secondary containment with impervious bund capable of holding the oils, fuels, and hazardous wastes in the area. Discharges from these spill bunds with the potential to be contaminated with oil should be directed to the oil-water separators. These are particularly necessary within the substation site and at the maintenance yard. Other chemical and oil spill prevention measures that need to be implemented are emergency spill response procedures, clean-up, and remediation of contaminated soil.

3.4.4. Emergency Preparedness at Substation There are several risks that could occur with the operation of the transmission line and substation. Among these are the likelihood of cable being damaged, corrosion of the towers over time which could compromise its structural integrity, potential fire events, explosion of equipment, and being hit by lightning. Lightning arresters are provided along the transmission line and should be provided at strategic locations in the substation. There should also be provision for ensuring security of the cable and substation to avoid vandalism. Regular inspections of the line and the facilities would help identify missing or corroded parts. In case of fire events, explosion, and other related situations, a fire management strategy which may be included in the emergency preparedness and response plan of the project should be developed. Sufficient number of fire protection equipment and fire water tank should be available to address the emergency requirements of the substation. Workers should be trained on emergency preparedness and response procedures and a manual on safety and emergency procedures should be prepared and disseminated to workers like fighting oil fires, e.g. from transformer.

3.4.5. Management and Control of Vegetation at Transmission Line

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One of the regular programs to maintain the integrity of the transmission line is the trimming of tall trees and vegetation along the ROW. This is being done to maintain the necessary conductor clearance of the line. In addition, the presence of vegetation along the ROW provides habitat for birds. With reduced vegetation growth along the ROW, the risk of bird collision on the transmission line will be prevented. The vegetation maintenance activities may cause minor disturbance to local people. This can be mitigated by limiting use to already existing roads or tracks to reach the transmission lines and informing the locals in advance through the village heads on the schedule of the maintenance works. To minimize the impacts associated with the removal of vegetation, such activity will only be allowed within the designated width of the ROW and up to the extent of achieving the required clearances. Chain saws and other heavy equipment will not be allowed for the removal of trees. Only manual or hand tools will be used for trimming.

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4. ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

4.1. Introduction Implementation of the power transmission line project requires an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which will ensure environmental protection. The role of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is to assist the organization in achieving their environmental objectives and fulfilling their commitment to the environment. The EMP will describe methods and plans used to reduce environmental impacts, as well as identify indicators to assess the progress of the EMP. This EMP applies to the corridors assessed during the EIA and, although all the anticipated impacts are taken into account it is not specific to a defined route. Once the EIA has been approved, this EMP will, then be used as a basis for compiling a profile specific EMP. Most of the impacts associated with the transmission line component and substations will occur during construction. The EMP therefore focuses to a large extent on this phase of the project. Recommendations for environmental management during operation are, however, also included in the EMP. The EMP serves as a framework for implementing the mitigation measures during each phase of the project.

4.2. Implementation of Environmental Management Plan The detailed draft environmental provisions and mitigation measures shall be approved before the start of construction works and coordinated with the specialists of competent organizations. The contractor will bear the main responsibility for proper fulfillment and implementation of the plans, measures, control, etc. in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the respective permits and Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan. During the construction, the customer and the designer (field supervision) will supervise implementation of the decisions specified in the design. After the commissioning, the environmental management and the routine maintenance shall be organized by the SJSC “Uzbekenergo”.

4.3. Environmental Monitoring Plan The environmental monitoring plan includes a schedule of monitoring and institutional arrangements. The environmental monitoring plan will show the path for taking precautions during and after the construction of the transmission line and substations so that necessary steps can be taken to rectify defects or deficiencies. During the construction period, the monitoring activities will focus on ensuring that environmental mitigation measures are implemented, and some performance indicators will be monitored to record the Project’s environmental performance and to guide any

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remedial action to address unexpected impacts. Monitoring activities during project operation will focus on recording environmental performance and proposing remedial actions to address unexpected impacts.

4.4. Institutional Arrangements Overall implementation of the EMP will be in the responsibility of the PIU Uzbekenergo. Uzbekenergo will contract a third party for the installation of the new lines and the substation. Other parties to be involved in implementing the EMP are as follows: Government agencies: such as the responsible SNPC, provincial environmental agencies and bureaus at local level and municipalities (as far as affected by the project). As the regulatory agency, the various levels of Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) will make the environmental regulations and the policies, and the guideline to the project construction and operation activities, as well as be responsible for enforcement the laws, regulations, standards and environmental practices of all organizations within their respective jurisdictions. More specifically, SNPC has the provincial committee for project environmental supervision and administration and their roles and responsibilities are:

• supervise the implementation of EMP; • enforce applicable laws, regulations and standards; • coordinate the environmental protection effort between departments

concerned; • check and supervise the construction, completion and operation of

environment facilities. Project Implementation Unit (PIU): Uzbekenergo has the ultimate responsibility for environmental performance of the project during both construction and operational phases. This is a day to day management organization for management of all aspects of project preparation and construction. As such, it will also responsible for environmental management with, but not limited to, the following specific responsibilities:

• Ensure that all relevant EMP requirements (including environmental designs and mitigation measures) are duly incorporated into the project bidding documents.

• Obtain necessary permits and/or clearance, as required, from SNPC and other relevant government agencies, ensuring that all necessary regulatory clearances are obtained before commencing any civil work on the project.

• Ensure that contractors understand their responsibilities to mitigate environmental problems associated with their construction activities and facilitate training of their staff in implementation of the EMP.

• Monitor the contractor’s implementation of the EMP in accordance with the environmental monitoring plan.

• In case unpredicted environmental impacts occur during the project implementation, prepare and implement as necessary an environmental emergency program in consultation with SNPC, any other relevant government agencies, and WB.

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Construction Supervision Engineers (CSE)

A Construction Supervision Engineers (CSE) is responsible for overseeing the construction works of the project and monitor other works and activities undertaken by the Contractor for ensuring compliance with the specification and contractual requirements. The responsibilities of the CSE include:

• Review construction organization design to ensure compliance with project

engineering design and the EMP with regard to environmental protection and impact mitigation. The construction may only be ordered to start after the review is completed and CSE is satisfied with the environmental arrangement;

• Regularly monitor the performance of the Contractor’s environment staff, verifying monitoring methodologies and results. In case the CSE considers that the Contractor’s environment staff fails to discharge duties or fails to comply with the contractual requirements, instruct the Contractor(s) to replace the Contractor’s environment staff;

• Instruct the contractors to take corrective actions within the CSE determined timeframe. If there is breach of contract or strong public complaints on contractor environmental performance, the CSE will order contractor to correct, change or stop the work, reporting to relevant agencies and the Client at the same time;

• Supervise the Contractor’s activities and ensure that the requirements in the EMP and contract specifications are fully complied with;

• Instruct the Contractor(s) to take actions to reduce impacts and follow the required EMP procedures in case of non-compliance / discrepancies identified;

• Adhere to the procedures for carrying out complaint investigation.

The Contractor The duties of the Contractor include but not limiting to:

• Strictly implement the listed measures in EMP; • Compliance with relevant environmental legislative requirements; • Work within the scope of contractual requirements and other tender conditions; • In case of non-compliances / discrepancies, carry out investigation and submit

proposals on mitigation measures, and implement remedial measures to reduce • Verify that all construction materials suppliers have valid operating licenses and

any necessary environmental permits; • Ensuring the EMP is implemented effectively throughout the construction period; • In case of non-compliance or discrepancies with respect to EMP implementation,

carry out investigation and submit proposals on mitigation measures, and implement remedial measures;

4.5. Documentation and Regulations

All environmental strategies, policies, responsibilities and procedures will be clearly documented for each contractor.

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Documentation is a useful reference for both management and staff and is preferable in a form which may be provided to external parties, such as regulators, concerned citizens, or even company shareholders, as proof of the company’s commitment to environmental management. A form which is preferable is a manual form.

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5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The report has provided a picture of all potential environmental impacts associated with the Project, and recommended suitable mitigation measures. The proposed construction of substation and connection lines will generate only minor environmental impacts that can be reduced to acceptable levels through the implementation of practical mitigation measures normally associated with internationally accepted good engineering practices. There are no significant sensitive areas that will be affected by the proposed substation in Sardala, access road, and transmission lines. The sites were selected to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, settlements, forests, and cultural/heritage sites. The vicinity is generally characterized as agricultural land used. There are no plantation trees in the affected land. Compensation for the loss of agricultural production and some trees will be paid to the affected households according to the resettlement plan. During transmission line construction, damages to crops and trees will be involved and compensation to the AP’s and concerned parties. However, provisions may be made in the RAP, based on the proposed alignments these should not be difficult tasks and can be conducted as the detailed designs are worked out and to dovetail with the existing system and minimize adverse impacts and maximize benefits. The impacts of the project during the construction phase are limited to the surrounding area and can be readily mitigated. The adverse impacts likely to occur during the construction phase are considered temporary in nature and could be mitigated through proper design and integration of the proposed mitigation measures. The impacts during the construction of the project are primarily due to the clearing of the existing vegetation, earth filling at the substation site to prevent inundation, and construction safety. These are briefly described in the following paragraphs:

(i) The substation will be located in an area that is flood-prone, hence, will require earth filling to raise the elevation of the site. Burrow materials for earthfilling will be sourced from permitted quarry sites only. Likewise, the design of the drainage plan will take into consideration the increased runoff and soil erosion from the site. Engineering controls for erosion protection measures such as silt traps and sedimentation ponds will be integrated in the management plan.

(ii) Impacts related to community health and safety such as construction traffic,

transport of materials, fires, emergency spills of materials, and unauthorized entry by the villagers into dangerous working areas will be mitigated through the development of a Community Health and Safety Plan that incorporates good international practice and recognized standards that includes fencing of construction area, posting of warning signs in Uzbek language, emergency response and preparedness procedures, communication systems and protocols, interaction with local and regional emergency and health authorities, provision of

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emergency equipment and facilities such as emergency service vehicles will be established.

The impacts during the operational phase include the concern about EMFs and management of hazardous wastes at the substations and transmission lines. The community and workers will be protected against electrocution hazards as a result of contact with high voltage electricity through the provision of signs, barriers, and gates/posts surrounding the towers, particularly in built-up areas. An EMP has been prepared and will be implemented during all phases of project implementation. The EMP identifies the potential environmental impacts from the project. It also includes the institutional arrangements for implementing the EMP to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness. Based on the analysis conducted in this assessment it is concluded that overall the project will result in significant positive socio-economic benefits, and those potential negative environmental impacts that have been identified are small-scale and localized, and can be minimized adequately through good design and the appropriate application of mitigation measures. It is therefore recommended that the project be supported by WB, subject to the implementation of the commitments contained in the EMP and allocation of appropriate technical, financial and human resources by implementing agencies to ensure these commitments are effectively and expediently implemented.

Annex 1: Environmental Mitigation Plan 

Activities Potential

Environmental Impacts

Measures to mitigate the impact Institutional Responsibility

Implement Monitor

  Construction Stage

Hydrology and Drainage Aspects

To ensure the proper implementation of any requirements from SNPC and according to laws on hydro-meteorological activities, mineral waters and Water Code, especially referring groundwater conditions in places of low groundwater tables and taking spillage and contamination into account (see also water quality)

• Consideration of weather conditions when particular construction activities are undertaken to minimize spillage of soil and contaminants.

• Limitations on excavation depths in use of recharge areas for material exploitation or spoil disposal.

• Use of landscaping as an integrated component of construction activity as an erosion control measure around towers where needed

• Minimizing the removal of vegetative cover as much as possible and providing for it s restoration where construction sites have been cleared of such areas.

Contractor

Uzbekenergo / SNPC

Air quality

To minimize effectively and avoid complaints due to airborne particulate matters released to the atmosphere.

• All heavy equipment and machinery shall be fitted in full compliance with state standards. Gasoline and Diesel driven Machinery shall be checked before in one of the few well equipped vehicle inspection stations before allow utilization. Visible smoke at exhaust pipes shall not be accepted.

• Fuel-efficient and well-maintained haulage trucks shall be employed to minimize exhaust emissions. Trucks shall be checked in vehicle inspection station as well. Trucks with visible smoke at exhaust pipe shall be excluded from project work

• Stockpiled soil and sand shall be slightly wetted before loading, particularly in windy conditions.

• Vehicles transporting soil, sand and other construction materials shall be covered. Limitation to speed of such vehicles is necessary and need to set and controlled. Transport through densely populated area should be avoided.

• To plan to minimize the dust within the vicinity of orchards and fruit farms. • Spraying of bare areas with water. For any spray plan, the required amount of

water and the availability of water at the location need to be assessed before to avoid water overuse and resource scarcity in the area for the population

• Concrete plants (if required) need to be controlled in line with statutory requirements and should not be close to sensitive receptors

Contractor

Uzbekenergo / SNPC

Water quality

To prevent adverse water quality impacts due to negligence of environmental best practice. Ensure unavoidable impacts are managed effectively. Ensure adverse impacts on water quality caused by construction activities are minimized.

• Compile temporary drainage management plan one month before commencement of works.

• Proper installation of temporary drainage (TD) and erosion control (EC) before works within 50 m of water bodies.

• Proper construction of TD and EC measures, maintenance and management including training of operators and other workers to avoid pollution of water bodies by operation of construction machinery and equipment (car and machinery park with drainage system)

• Storage of lubricants, fuels and other petrochemicals in self-contained dedicated enclosures >50 m away from water bodies.

• Proper disposal of solid waste from construction activities and work camps. • Cover the construction material and soil stockpiles with a suitable material to

reduce material loss and sedimentation and avoid stockpiling near to water bodies.

• Topsoil stripped material shall not be stored where natural drainage will be disrupted.

• Borrow sites (if required) should not be close to sources of drinking water and villages.

Contractor

Uzbekenergo / SNPC

Noise / Ground Vibration

To minimize noise level increase and ground vibrations during construction operations

• All heavy equipment and machinery shall be fitted in full compliance with the national and local regulations and with effective silencing apparatus to minimize noise. If need, equipment with excessive noise development shall be equipped with additional encapsulation of the machinery and noise-minimization walls shall be installed.

• As a rule, the operation of heavy equipment shall be conducted in daylight hours; Hammer-type percussive pile driving operations shall not be allowed at night time.

• Well-maintained haulage trucks shall be used with speed controls. • Contractor shall take adequate measures to minimize noise nuisance in the

vicinity of construction sites by way of adopting available acoustic methods. • Considering and following Sanitary Norms. It provides national ambient noise

quality standards for residential, commercial and industrial areas as well as sensitive receptors such as hospitals and schools (day- and night standards)

Contractor Uzbekenergo / SNPC

Soil Erosion/ Surface Run-off

Prevent adverse water quality impacts due to negligence of anticipated impact and ensure unavoidable impacts are managed effectively. To minimize soil erosion due to the construction activities of towers,

• .Temporary erosion control plan one month before commencement of works for special sensitive areas, especially in the irrigation areas.

• Proper installation of TD and EC before works within 50 m of water ways, ponds, canals and wetlands.

• Meaningful water quality monitoring up and downstream at any tower site within groundwater level and close to river or stream during construction.

• Back-fill should be layered as before and compacted properly in accordance with design standards and graded to original contours where possible.

• Cut areas should be treated against flow acceleration while filled areas should be

Contractor Uzbekenergo / SNPC

stringing of conductors and creation of access tracks for project vehicles

carefully designed to avoid improper drainage. • Stockpiles should not be formed within such distances behind excavated or

natural slopes that would reduce the stability of the slopes. • Stockpiles shall be covered whenever possible, drainages around the stockpile

shall prevent from spillage and erosion. In the short-term, either temporary or permanent drainage works shall protect all areas susceptible to erosion.

• Measures shall be taken to prevent accumulation of surface water in form of ponds and scouring of slopes. Newly eroded channels shall be backfilled and restored to former contours.

• Contractor should arrange to adopt suitable measures to minimize soil erosion during the construction period and soil erosion around towers along the life-time of the towers through implementation of appropriate drainage systems and soil securing vegetation. A regular monitoring during operation is necessary. Contractor should consult concerned authorities in the area before deciding mitigation measures.

• Clearing of green surface cover to be minimized during site preparation. • If trees cut off or removed, replanting trees to be done before the site is vacated

and handed back with appropriate trees (or other vegetation cover as appropriate) to ensure interception of rainwater and the deceleration of surface run-off.

Construction Waste Disposal

Minimize the impacts from the disposal of construction waste.

• Waste management plan to be submitted to SNPC and approved one month prior to starting works.

• Estimating the amounts and types of construction waste to be generated by the project.

• Investigating whether the waste can be reused in the project or by other interested parties.

• Identifying potential safe disposal sites close to the project or those designated sites in the contract.

• Investigating the environmental conditions of the disposal sites and recommendation of most suitable and safest sites.

• Piling up of loose material should be done in segregated areas to arrest washing out of soil. Debris shall not be left where it may be carried by water to down stream flood plains, dams, lagoons, rivers, canals, etc.

• Used oil and lubricants shall be recovered and reused or removed from the site in full compliance with the national and local regulations.

• Oily wastes must not be burned! Disposal location to be agreed with local authorities and SNPC

• Waste transformer insulating oil to be recycled, reconditioned, or reused at appropriate facilities with permissions and under state control

• Machinery should be properly maintained to minimize oil spill during the construction.

Contractor

Uzbekenergo / SNPC

• Solid waste/household waste should be collected and transported by the local system or safely transported and disposed at an approved solid waste facility. Open burning of any material is illegal and contrary to good environmental practice.

• All liquid materials and lubricants shall be stored in closed containers or barrels.

Stringing of Transmission lines

Possible obstruction and disturbance to wildlife from materials stored along the Length of TL

• Remove all stored materials as soon as work is completed; • Inform locals in advance of work schedule

Contractor

Uzbekenergo

Work Camp Operation and Location (if required)

To ensure that the operation of work camps does not adversely affect the surrounding environment and residents in the area.

• Identify location of work camps in consultation with local authorities. The location shall be subject to approval by SNPC within the overall ecological expertise, based on location map and detailed design of the camps, including technical infrastructure. If possible, camps shall not be located near settlements or near drinking water supply intakes.

• Cutting of trees shall be avoided and removal of vegetation shall be minimized – in contrary, work camps shall be greened.

• Water and sanitary facilities (connected to septic tanks) shall be provided for employees. Worker camp areas need to be rehabilitated through breaking up the soil, re-plant with vegetation upon vacation of the sites.

• Solid waste and sewage shall be managed according to the national and local regulations, best within the existing official waste collection and disposal system. The Contractor shall organize and maintain a waste separation, collection and transport system. As a rule, solid waste must not be dumped, buried or burned at or near the project site, but shall be disposed of to the nearest sanitary landfill or site having complied with the necessary permits of local and central authority.

• The Contractor shall document that all liquid and solid hazardous and non-hazardous waste are separated, collected and disposed of according to the given requirements and regulations.

• At the end of the project, all debris and waste shall be removed. • All temporary structures, including office buildings, shelters and toilets shall be

removed. • Exposed areas shall be planted with suitable vegetation.

Uzbekenergo

Loss of trees and vegetation cover of the areas for towers and temporary workspace

To avoid several negative impacts due to removing of landmark, sentinel and specimen trees as well as green vegetation and surface cover.

Land holders shall be paid compensation for their standing trees in accordance with prevailing market rates (LARP). The land holders will be allowed to salvage the wood of the affected trees. They will also be encouraged to plant suitable new trees outside the 50 meter corridor of each transmission line in lieu of tree removed. The contractor’s staff and labor will be strictly directed not to damage any vegetation such as trees or bushes. Clearing of green surface cover for construction, for borrow of for development, cutting trees and other important vegetation during construction should be

Contractor

Uzbekenergo

minimized. Landscaping and road verges to be re-installed on completion.

Safety Precautions for the Workers

To ensure safety of workers

• Providing adequate warning signs • Providing workers with skull guard or hard hat • Contractor shall instruct his workers in health and safety matters, and require the

workers to use the provided safety equipment. • Establish all relevant safety measures as required by law and good engineering

practices. • Following all guidance and obligation referring Norms of Construction Safety,

providing detailed regulations on construction worker’s health and safety. Workers need to be informed and trained about sanitation and health care issues and the specific hazards of their work.

Contractor

Uzbekenergo

Traffic Condition

Minimize disturbance of vehicular traffic and pedestrians during haulage of construction materials, spoil and equipment and machinery, blocking access roads during works; damage / maintenance problems for roads and bridges used by the haulage trucks, dust nuisance in the vicinities of the transportation ways, especially to schools and hospitals

• Submit temporary haul and access routes plan one month prior to start of works. • Formulate and implementation of a plan of alternate routes for heavy vehicles. • Vicinity of schools and hospitals to be considered. • Installation of traffic warning signs, and enforcing traffic regulations during

transportation of materials and equipment and machinery. Conditions of roads and bridges to be considered.

• Provision of culverts on water channels and drains. • Widening/upgrading of access paths/roads • Consider vibration damages to village houses (old clay brick or adobe buildings)

along narrow and unpaved village streets

Uzbekenergo

Impact on Flora and Fauna during construction activities

• Determination of necessary lay down areas together with the environmental site manager to prevent the cutting of vegetation.

• Instruction of the employees not to disturb animals, hunting shall be prohibited in general.

• Vegetation shall be replanted on unused areas to provide prevention of sand deflation and habitat for birds, reptiles and insects.

Uzbekenergo

Social Impacts

To ensure minimum impacts from construction labor force. To ensure minimum impacts on public health.

Potential for spread of vector borne and communicable diseases from labour camps shall be avoided (worker awareness orientation and appropriate sanitation should be maintained). Claims/complaints of the people on construction nuisance/damages close to ROW to be considered and responded to promptly by the Contractor

Contractor

Uzbekenergo

To ensure minimum effects of indirect impacts of constructions to the people who are living close to the boundaries of RoW; Dust, Noise, Vibration and rock blasting effects etc. To minimize access problems for local population during construction To solve problems from new land acquisition To mitigate impacts on agriculture land with expected losses on income

Contractor should organize temporary means of access and make alternative arrangements to avoid local community impacts and to avoid such short-term negative impacts. LARP need to be finalized within detail design Logistics on land acquisition and temporary land claim need to be considered to provide temporary substitute.

- Provision of compensation with time line considering minimum on disturbance of affected people

OPERATION PHASEIncomplete removal of project materials

Risk of soil, water, waste impacts from residuals left after project completion

• Clean up of all worksites/work camps after project completion; • Revegetation of all sites

Operation and Maintenance of TL

Risk of electrocution of Maintenance workers and locals

• Inform locals in advance of maintenance work being carried out • Educate Public and locals on risks of TL

Electrocution of birds

Birds accidently hitting the TL leading to injuries and death

• Construction of cage box on conductors • Placing colourful/fluorescent tape on the Towers • Sufficient phase-to-phase and phase-to ground wire spacing

Disasters Risks and hazards from catastrophes

• Selection of tower foundation areas based on detailed geological studies • Cut trees that may fall on TL from upper slopes • Enforce appropriate building codes and infrastructure design • Public awareness of about disasters, developing emergency • Conduct regular check and maintenance

FLAGGING

1. During the construction phase the general mobility of the local residents and their livestock in and around the project area could be hindered.

2. Usage of Community’s common resources like potable water, fuel wood etc. by contractor workforce may create conflicts between the community and the Contractor.

3. Community will have to face the noise and dust problems during the construction activities. 4. During the construction activities of tower foundations, erection, and conductor stringing people will loose their annual

income due to the loss of crops, trees, etc. 5. The land under the towers during the operation stage may restrict its current use for agriculture purpose. 6. The restriction of plantation of trees above a defined height during the operation stage may also cause the reduction of

income of the farmers. 7. Due to the erection of towers and passing of the transmission line, the value of land may depreciate in the long term. 8. As the project route is passing through the rural areas and rural community, women activities in the field may become

affected due to the construction activities. 9. The rural women normally use the open field latrines and their privacy may suffer due to the project activities. 10. The induction of outside labor may create social and gender issues. It can cause hindrance to the mobility of local women.

Disturbance to the privacy of the local women when workers will work on the erection of towers. 11. Disturbance to the privacy of the local women when workers work on the erection of towers.

Annex 2. Environmental Monitoring Plan  

Issue What parameter is to be monitored?

Where is the parameter to be monitored?

How is the parameter to be monitored?/ type

of monitoring equipment

When is the parameter to be monitored?

(frequency of measurement or

continuous)

Institutional responsibility for

monitoring

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD Top soil preservation

Stockpiling and means of protection

Job site

Inspections; observation

Upon preparation of the construction site, after stockpiling and after completion of works on shoulders

Uzbekenergo / SNPC 

Equipment servicing and fuelling

Prevention of spilling of oil and fuel

Contractor’s yard

Inspections; observations

Unannounced inspections during construction

Uzbekenergo / SNPC 

Worker’s safety and health

Official approval for worker’s camp; Availability of appropriate personal protective equipment; Organization of traffic on the construction site

Job site and worker’s camp

Inspection; interviews; comparisons with the Contractor’s method statement

Unannounced inspections during construction and upon complaint

Uzbekenergo / SNPC 

Surface water protection

Contractor’s compliance with his approved method statement

Works near watercourses

Inspection

Unannounced inspections during works near watercourses

Uzbekenergo / SNPC

Tree protection

If applicable, i.e. trees close to construction site installation of tree protection fence.

At sites where trees and forests are located along the construction site.

Supervision

After begin of construction works at the respective site

Uzbekenergo / SNPC

Air pollution from improper maintenance of equipment

Exhaust fumes, dust

At site

Visual inspection

Unannounced inspections during construction works

Uzbekenergo / SNPC

Damaged drainage or uncontrolled erosion

Leakages in drainage system and damages due to erosion

Culverts and drainage facilities

Documentation

Throughout the Year

Uzbekenergo / SNPC