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Description of the project
The proposed project involves financing the purchase of up to 35 new buses for the Gdansk Public Transport Company and co-financing with an EU Structural Fund a project with the City of Gdansk for the upgrading and extension of tram tracks.
Screening categories and rationale for classification
The project was subject of an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) which showed that it is not associated with any significant environmental issues. The replacement of the bus fleet, modernisation of the existing maintenance depots and the extension of the tram tracks where basic infrastructure has already been constructed are associated with limited environmental impacts which could be readily assessed and mitigated. For the above reasons, the EBRD has classified the project B/1, requiring an Environmental Analysis of the proposed investment programme and an environmental audit of the existing infrastructure.
Information reviewed during the environmental appraisal
The environmental appraisal has been based on the following information:
- Gdansk Urban Transport Project feasibility study, prepared in July 2004;
- Additional clarifications provided by independent environmental consultants.
Environmental impacts and mitigation measures
The Environmental Analysis did not identify any significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. Purchase of new Euro-3 buses and improvements of the tram system will help to develop public transport alternatives as well as to reduce traffic congestion, noise and air pollution and will contribute to improvement of the air quality in Gdansk. Air emissions and noise generated during the construction phase will be temporary and, given proper work standards, will be kept to a minimum. During the construction phase noise intensive works will be executed only during daytime. Works that require the use of vibrations generating equipment and devices will be conducted to prevent potential damage to buildings. The tender dossier will include the environmental obligations the contractor should fulfil. The contractor will be obliged to follow a proper environmental practice during all construction work activities and to keep damage to vegetation, soil, ground water, surface water, landscape and disturbance to a minimum. The proposed mitigation measures, when implemented, will ensure that the investment will comply with the relevant Polish and European Union environmental standards.
Environmental opportunities
The improvement and extension of public transport services is fully consistent with European best practice. The project is expected to reduce road traffic, traffic congestion, and result in reduced air emissions.
Monitoring
The Bank will evaluate the project's compliance with the applicable environmental and social requirements during the lifetime of the project by reviewing annual environmental reports (AERs) prepared for the project covering: (i) ongoing performance of project-specific environmental, health and safety activities as reflected in the results of periodic and quantitative sampling and measuring programmes, (ii) the status of implementation of environmental mitigation and improvement measures. The Bank’s representatives will also conduct periodic site supervision visits when deemed appropriate.
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