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Environmental classification and rationale
The project is screened A/0, requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) of the new transmission line. The operation and construction of such
high voltage power transmission lines have specific but localized
environmental, health and safety impacts which, however, can be readily
identified and prevented through adequate design and application of good
international practice during construction.
The initial Ukrainian EIA prepared by a local design institute in accordance
with national requirements was reviewed by the Bank and independent
international consultants and was subsequently amended to comply with Bank
requirements. The EIA confirmed the adequacy of the route selection and did
not identify major environmental issues. The routing of the line is not
affecting protected areas and the transmission corridor is at a sufficient
distance to avoid negative impacts on the local population. The EIA includes
recommendations to alleviate any impact during construction and operation.
Key environmental issues and mitigation
This public sector project involves construction of a new 124 km power
transmission line connecting the Usatove and Ajalyk substations in the Odessa
region. The project will also include the expansion of these two substations.
The line will be constructed along a new route and as part of the assessment a
number of alternative routes were considered.
The environmental impacts associated with air emissions, physical alteration
and the impact on sensitive natural habitats, archaeological sites, and
agricultural and commercial areas are expected to be limited. Some impact may
arise during construction and agreement will be sought with local landowners.
Appropriate health and safety management is planned to ensure that
occupational health and safety requirements during construction are fully
addressed.
Some of the key environmental issues are summarised below:
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Environmental impacts of transmission line projects are well known and
generally very localized.; impacts arising from construction activities
(access roads; erection of transmission towers)can be mitigated by applying
sound engineering design and good construction management;
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The entire length of the line route passes through mainly rural areas and
avoids sensitive areas; no resettlement is required;
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The line will traverse agricultural land. Although it has been designed to
limit its impacts on farming practices, appropriate agreements and
compensation will be paid to land owners.;
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The impacts on the physical and biological environment are mainly limited to
the construction stage; those impacts are limited in time and extent and are
therefore considered to be moderate on condition that suitable working
practices and adequate mitigation measures are applied;
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No protected areas have been identified within the transmission line
right-of-way (such as nature reserves, archaeological and cultural sites);
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Close to the immediate line, there will be some increase in electromagnetic
radiation. However, these areas are uninhabited and by ensuring health
protection zones or limited access areas, any such impacts are considered to
be moderate;
An environmental monitoring programme has been prepared as part of the EIA and
will be implemented as part of the project implementation plan.
Environmental opportunities
The objective of this project is to increase the reliability of power supply
to consumers in the Odessa region and to decrease dependency on unstable power
supply from Moldova. The modernization of the substations as well as increased
reliability of the power line will increase efficiency will thus have indirect
environmental benefits.
Summary of Environmental Action Plan
The company will be required to adhere to Ukrainian and EU environmental,
health and safety regulations and standards. All relevant permits will need to
be obtained during the construction period and prior to commissioning the
line. As all environmental protection measures have been incorporated in the
project structure, there is no need for a stand alone Environmental Action
Plan.
Disclosure of information and consultation
In the context of the EBRD’s participation in the project, the Company will
release locally a summary of relevant environmental issues associated with the
project and summarise mitigation measures, action plans and other initiatives
agreed.
The EIA process had already included the first public scoping meeting held on
21 and 22 April 2005 in four project districts of Odessa region
(Kominternivskiy, Ivanivka, Biliavka, Rozdilna districts). The draft final
international EIA documents were made publicly available as required under the
Bank’s policies, in both the national language and in English. The public
hearing is planned for September 2005.
Previous extensive interactions with the public and NGOs on the project have
not revealed any sensitive environmental issues.
Additional information is available on the Ukrenego web site www.ukrenergo.energy.gov.ua
Monitoring and reporting
The Company will monitor the environmental impact of its operations in
accordance with national law and regulations. 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
prepared for the project and may, if required, carry out monitoring visits.
There is an Environmental Impact Assesment available for this project.
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