Due Diligence Report - Asian Development Bank€¦ · Due Diligence has been performed to cover the...

Due Diligence Report

Project Number 45432-002 April 2016

TAJ: Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation

Corridor 6 (Ayni–Uzbekistan Border Road)

Improvement Project - Rehabilitation of two steel bridges across the Zeravshan River at

km 32 (Urmitan, Ayni district) and km 74+660 (Dupula, Panjakent

district)

Prepared by Ministry of Transport / Project Implementation Unit Road Rehabilitation for the

Asian Development Bank.

This environmental due diligence report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do

not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be

preliminary in nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or

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

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


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Table of Contents

Abbreviations and Acronyms .............................................................................................................. 3

1. GENERAL ...................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1. Key findings: ............................................................................................................................. 6

1.2. Site Environmental Aspects: ................................................................................................... 6

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS ..................... 8

2.1 Physical Environment .............................................................................................................. 8

2.2 Ecological resources ............................................................................................................... 10

3. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM .................................................................................. 10

4. CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................................... 10

Appendix 1: Photographs of the areas around the bridges ........................................................... 12


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Abbreviations and Acronyms

ADB Asian Development Bank

CAREC Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation

CEP Committee for Environmental Protection

DEP Department of Environmental Protection

DDR Due Diligence report

SSEMP Site Specific Environmental Management Plan

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

ERP Emergency Response Plan

GoT Government of Tajikistan

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

KM Kilometer

KM/H – Kilometers per Hour

MoT Ministry of Transport

NO Nitrogen Oxide

m – Meter m – Meter

PIU Project Implementation Unit

PM Particulate Matter

TA Technical Assistance

TMP Traffic Management Plan

WMP Waste Management Plan

ToR Terms of reference


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1. GENERAL

1. Description of the Project

The Republic of Tajikistan has received Grant 00301 from the Asian Development Bank

(ADB) for implementing Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridor 6 (Ayni-

Uzbekistan Border Road) Improvement Project (the Project). The civil works funded under

the Project comprise the upgrading of the existing road section upgrade the existing 113

kilometer road segment to the required Tajikistan road standards (a 47km category IV

section and a 66km category III section) from Ayni district to the Uzbekistan border and

improvement of facilities at Border Post.

2. Two bridges were recommended for maintenance work to be part of the current Aini

Panjakent Road Project namely, Urmitan Bridge and Dipula Bridge. In order to ensure that

this included tasks will not result to adverse impacts to the environment an Environmental

Due Diligence has been performed to cover the environmental aspects that are associated

with the said maintenance works on these bridges.

3. The Government of Tajikistan is requesting the use of ADB financing for much needed

repairing and rehabilitation of additional steel bridges which connect Yori, Amondara,

Hurmi Jamoats villages and Urmitan village (with the total population of 14,000 persons or

19% of total population in the Ayni districts and 32,685 persons 13% of total population in

the Panjakent district with the main Ayni - Panjakent road. These bridges will also promote

the formation of the transport infrastructure which is a precondition for economic

development and poverty reduction. These two bridges are located at the following sites.

i. Steel bridge across the Zeravshan River, km 1 of Dupula-Veshist access road, at

km74+660 of main Ayni-Penjikent-Uzbekistan boarder road (Panjakent District)

ii. Steel bridge across the Zeravshan river, at km 31+940 (Urmitan village, Ayni

district)

4. Initially the rehabilitation of these bridges was foreseen under Project component Rural roads , but due to the lack of funding they were excluded from the list of objects to be

rehabilitated. It was proposed to include these works to Contract of main road

rehabilitation.

Benefits of the proposed works for the maintenance / reconstruction of bridge across the

Zeravshan River

5. It is expected that proposed works are of vital importance and economically viable. They

will improve the living conditions of the projected area community and women will benefit

greatly due to a better access to medical, market and other commercial services both in

Panjakant and Ayni Districts. Some positive benefits include following:

• The travel time will reduce;

• The freight costs will go down due to the reduction of transportation expenses;

• The passenger fare will go down;


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• The highway length reduction and improvement will help to raise the commodity

value due to the speed increase and lesser travel time;

• The road safety will decrease the number of road accidents.

6. Figures below show the location of bridges proposed for additional rehabilitation.

Figure 1: Proposed bridge of Urmitan for maintenance / rehabilitation at KM31+940

Figure 2: Proposed bridge of Dupula for maintenance / rehabilitation at KM 74+660.


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7. The DDR has been prepared for mentioned above works on bridges rehabilitation as

required under ADB Safeguards Policy Statement which requires due diligence to be carried

out when a change of project design occurs at the implementation stage. The present report

has been prepared by the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan (MOT) and describes the

findings of the initial studies on the subproject.

8. The following tasks were implemented:

Consultation with relevant MOTC staff;

Consultations with Contractor;

Consultations with residents in the project area;

Review of available safeguards documents (IEE, EMP, SSEMP, environmental

monitoring reports);

Field researches of the bridges (from April 2015 to November 2015) and

Compiling the draft Due Diligence Report.

9. Key findings:

Proposed works will not have significant environmental impact;

Existing EMP/SSEMP (with WMP, ERP, TMP and other Annexes) with mitigation

measures can cover all possible environment issues

10. The results of the study suggest that the impact of this sub-project does not incur any major

negative environmental impact.

11. Consultation with local community and local Government representatives: Consultations

with Ayni and Panjakent government authorities, community members have been

conducted during feasibility studies of the sub-project bridges for preparation of this due

diligence report. Discussions were held about impact of this sub-project to local community

members livelihoods and other concerns that are raised by any other stakeholders of the sub-project bridges.

1.1. Site Environmental Aspects:

Urmitan Bridge

12. Urmitan Bridge is located at around km 32 at the right-hand side of the Aini-Panjekent Road

and serves as the primary access over the Zaravshan River to Urmintan. It crosses the

Zaravshan River which runs through the Zaravshan Valley and through which the Project

Road traverses from Ayni to the Uzbekistan Border. In terms of topography, this Urmitan

bridge point is within the mountainous area of the Project road. The bridge itself has an

approximate elevation of 1200 meters with mountain slopes on both sides. The soil cover in

the area consists of gray desert (sierozem), brown-carbonate, and mountain steppe soils. The

water in Zaravshan River was observed to be murky in the previous years, which were due


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to the some activities and discharges upstream.

13. Aside from the normal steppe grass and bushes on the slopes and river banks, no

endangered floral species exists. Likewise, no sensitive or endangered faunal species were

noted near the bridge area. Since, animal herding is among the basic industry in the villages,

only farm animals are expected to roam the area.

14. From the project road, the access to the bridge is via an old semi-paved road that zig-zags

down the slope. A farmhouse at the right-hand side near the south abutment exist, however

no other nearby structure is found; hence social impact to receptors is unlikely. Urmitan

village is at the northern side of this bridge with most of the houses located higher than the

elevation of the bridge. The bridge itself is at considerable distance from any of the sensitive

receptors, such that the maintenance/construction works will not significantly affect any of

them.

15. In general, the maintenance/construction works will consist of replacement of bridge

structural members, deck pavement works, abutment repairs and provision of apron,

railings, slope protection works, and other minor works. Among the environmental concern

for this bridge maintenance work will be certain impacts on:

I. River water quality – during dismantling and replacement of structural components,

construction of slope protection, abutment works, and pavement works

II. Noise and dust generation – general removal/demolition and construction of steel

members;

III. Vegetation Impacts – vegetative covers may be affected in areas where slope clearing

will be done, however will be minimal and regeneration can be expected after some

time;

IV. Disruption to access – during critical phases of the maintenance work

16. No impact on flora and fauna is anticipated for this task since the work will just be confined

in the immediate vicinity. The current contractor can utilize his existing ancillary facility

hence to new impacts would be generated.

Dupula Bridge

17. Dupula Bridge is located at around km 75, right-hand side and about 300m due north of the

Aini-Panjekent Road. This bridge over Zaravshan River links the 5 villages to the project

road which are located at the northern side of the river. The general topography at this

bridge area is somewhat flat and where most of the agricultural lands are found. This area is

further downstream of Zaravshan River, with the same murky quality as that found in the

upstream regions.

18. Vegetation is in the area are that mostly planted by residents such as fruit-bearing trees

(apricot, persimmon, walnut and mulberry), and ornamental types such as poplar species.

Occasionally, herds of animals roam the area but no sighting of wild fauna has been


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reported.

19. In a spot around 100 meters prior to the bridge at the south side, a local produce bazaar is

organized once a week for the surrounding villages to bring their local products and

livestock to be sold. This commercial activity generally last for the entire day which can be

really busy during mid-day. Merchant s stalls and some buildings are found at the road side, but these will not be affected by the bridge maintenance works. Although, the

maintenance works is mainly confined at the bridge, certain measures should be established

during the bazaar days so as not to disrupt the commercial activities of the local population

and to maintain safety to the people and the animals in the area.

20. The envisioned maintenance/construction works will consist of replacement/strengthening

of bridge structural steel members, orthotropic deck and pavement works, fixing of cables

and hangers, installation of bearings and joints, and painting/rust proofing. During the

performance of the works, the environmental concern for this bridge maintenance work will

consist of:

(i) River water quality – during dismantling and replacement of structural steel

components, deck, and pavement works, painting and rust proofing;

(ii) Noise and dust generation – general removal/demolition and construction of steel

members, especially during bazaar day;

(iii) Disruption to access and safety concerns – during critical phases of the maintenance

work and mainly on the bazaar days.

21. Impact on flora and fauna is highly unlikely as the area is no longer forested, but near

farmlands and agricultural areas. No new ancillary facility will be needed, hence no new

impact is anticipated as materials can be obtained from current sources.

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS

2.1 Physical Environment

Topography:

22. The bridge near Urmitan village, Ayni district (km32 of the main Ayni-Panjakent road) is

located in the Zaravshan Valley, a mountainous region in the north of Tajikistan, the

altitude of 1420 meters above sea level (masl).

23. The bridge over Zeravshan river, km 1 of Dupula-Veshist access road), at km74+660 of the

main Ayni-Penjikent-Uzbekistan boarder road (Panjakent District) is located in the area

with mountain slopes and valley floor. Elevations in Panjakent district are approximately

1000 meters above sea level.

24. There will be minor or no impact on the Zeravshan river and Vashan gully due to the type

of works and very short period of their execution .

25. Climate conditions where the bridges located are characterized by dry climate, with hot dry


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summers and cool, winters. The cold period lasts 110-190 days, the warm period – 260-140

days. The climate affects the construction season in the Project area which is between March

and November. Zaravshan valley winds have an average speed of 3-6 m / s and generally

blow down the valley, west, during the day and up the valley, east at night.

26. Air quality is generally acceptable with all parameters measured in 2015 within the

maximum acceptable limits set by Government. The area of bridge near Urmitan in Ayni

district is in relatively barren mountainous landscape interspersed with small villages

clinging to the valley slopes. As such there is little industrial activity that may produce air

quality impacts. Emissions from the combustion of fuel, at present rates, are relatively low

due to the low volume of traffic on the road and via the bridge. Proposed works here will

have minor and temporary effect due emissions from tracks bringing the materials for road

rehabilitation and excavators which will be used for earth works. The impacts can be easily

mitigated in frame of existing EMP/SSEMP developed for these projects.

27. The area of bridge at the 1 km Dupula-Veshist Road (Panjakant District) is in the valley floor

and is dedicated more to agricultural use, again limiting scope for industrial related air

emissions, discusses industrial activity in the region). One of the main sources of air

pollution in the region relates to the burning of fossil fuels for heating, cooking and power

within the urban areas, although this impact is being reduced as more portions of the valley

become powered by hydroelectricity from Tajikistan s vast hydro resources. The other main source of emissions in the Valley is from vehicle movements which can be classified in two

categories; emissions from the combustion engines, and dust related impacts from the

movement of vehicles. Emissions from the combustion of fuel, at present rates, are relatively

low due to the low volume of traffic on the road and via the bridge. Due to the type of

works (replacement of steel structures of the bridge, painting and etc., dismantling of

asphalt-concrete pavement) minor and temporary environment impact is expected. The

impacts can be easily mitigated in frame of existing EMP/SSEMP developed for these

projects

28. Noise from vehicles is not a big concern in the areas around the bridges as they located at

the distance about 100 m (near Urmitan) and about 1 km (near Dupula) from the residential

houses. Noise mitigation measures are included in the environmental management plan to

ensure construction and operational vibration does not escalate to unacceptable levels.

29. Vibration will increase gradually as traffic increases but the improvement of the bridges

should have a beneficial effect to dampen vibration. Mitigation measures are included in the

environmental management plan to ensure construction and operational vibration does not

escalate to unacceptable levels.

30. Soil contamination is not a concern in the areas around the bridges at present and soil

contamination should not be a problem in construction or operation. Mitigation measures

are included in the environmental management plan to control any residual effects (spills,

cement usage).

31. Solid waste disposal in construction or operation will be controlled by mitigation measures

included in the environmental management plan.

32. Water pollution is not a big concern in the area of proposed bridge works. People here take

the underground water from springs and wells for drinking. Mitigation measures are

included in the environmental management plan to control any residual effects.


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2.2 Ecological resources

33. Flora and fauna. No important, rare, endangered, or protected species of flora and fauna are

found within the vicinity of the bridges. No impact on biodiversity is expected from

proposed rehabilitation works. Relevant mitigation measures related to pollution of waters

in regards to aquatic fauna are included to existing EMP/SSEMP developed for the project.

Area with poor vegetation around bridge near Urmitan village, at KM 31+940

Bridge across the Zeravshan River, Dupula-Veshist Road, Panjakant District – no trees or bushes around

and no rare animal species observed here which can be affected by proposed reconstruction works.

2. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

34. Earlier in the project a Grievance Redress Group (GRG) was established according to ADB's

Safeguards Policy Statement (2009). The GRG member in charge shall visit the site regularly

to meet he local residents, and the local residents can contact him/her by mobile

communication in case of any appeals, requests or claims. No claims have been registered so

far, as no works were done at the site.

35. Consultations will continue throughout construction phase as per the Project s communications plan. Records including reports on environmental and social complaints

and grievances will be kept in a simple database in the PIURR office.

3. CONCLUSIONS

36. The bridges are predominantly existing pieces of infrastructure that do not create any

impact previously anticipated. The impact on the environment during the construction at

the site will not be significant and will have temporary and are reversible in nature.


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37. The EMP (IEE dated August 2012) and the SSEMP developed in 2013 remain effective and

has been efficiently monitored in 2013-2015 and will continue to be monitored until the

Project is completed. The two streams of environmental management namely: (i) control

over the contamination sources, and (ii) protection of receptors will remain in place for the

duration of the project, and the implementation of the bridge maintenance works. The

accepted EMP/SSEMP and mitigation measures should be effective and applicable to control

all expected impacts but adjustments will be made if any unexpected impacts occur during

the construction period to minimize the impact on the environment.

38. The proposed works involve the reconstruction bridge works which are acceptable

environmentally and offers some other advantages both financially and socially.

39. During construction or maintenance work, the Contractor will take all measures to mitigate

the possible adverse effects (such as noise and dust) and the Consultant in turn will run

strict monitoring of the Contractor`s activity for timely undertaking of mitigation measures

in line with the accepted EMP/SSEMP. PIURR specialists will periodically visit the site

during the construction active phase of works to monitor the environmental impacts and

check on the implementation of the EMP/SSEMP.

40. The project will not create any additional impacts on cultural or heritage sites. The proposed

project will not create conflicts with natural resource allocation.

41. The construction impacts should be very predictable and manageable and with appropriate

mitigation few residual impacts are likely. Implementation of appropriate measures during

the design, construction, and operation phases will minimize negative impacts to acceptable

levels.

42. To ensure that these mitigation measures are implemented and negative impacts avoided,

the measures have already been included in the contract specification. Environmental

monitoring of the project will continue to be undertaken regularly through the construction

to ensure that the measures are being implemented properly.


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Appendix 1: Photographs of the areas around the bridges

Allowed traffic only one way after found problem – bridge across the Zeravshan River, Dupula-Veshist

Road, Panjakant District

Tension rod upper connections displacement.


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Underside view: Decay of orthotropous deck and cross beams

idge near Area

Area around the bridge near Urmitan village

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