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Screening categories and rationale for classification
The operation and construction of such high voltage power transmission lines
have specific environmental, health and safety impacts which, however, can be
readily identified and prevented through adequate measures and application of
good international practice. The project follows an existing transmission line
corridor and will not be associated with either new routing nor will it
traverse environmentally sensitive or populated areas. For the above reasons,
the EBRD has classified the project B/1, requiring an Environmental Analysis
and Environmental Audit.
An independent consultant was engaged to prepare an Environmental Audit and
Analysis of the project, and confirmed no significant environmental issues.
Key Environmental issues and mitigation
This public sector project involves construction of a new power transmission
line. Because the line will follow an existing corridor, 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 from
disposal of construction waste; there is also the issue of occupational safety
during construction. However, these construction related issues can be dealt
with by applying appropriate working practises, thus keeping any negative
impact to a minimum.
The consultant summarized the key environmental aspects of the project as
follows:
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Environmental impacts of transmission line projects are usually well-defined
and limited in time and space; impacts can be mitigated with well-known
practices of sound engineering design and construction management;
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The entire length of the line route from Agadyr to YukGRES passes through
uninhabited steppe (in some areas extensively used pastures); there are no
settlements within a boundary at 1 km on either side of the line route and
therefore, no resettlement is required;
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The line route will follow an existing corridor of power transmission line(s);
there is an existing 500 kV transmission line along the entire line route from
Agadyr to YukGRES as well as one or two other transmission lines along some
shorter sections; hence, the planned transmission line is not a “greenfield”
project;
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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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There are no land acquisition or expropriation issues associated with the
project since the majority of land within the right-of-way is state property;
for privately owned land, KEGOC has already come to agreements with the owners;
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Nearby the line route, there will be an increase in electromagnetic radiation;
since these areas are uninhabited and by ensuring health protection zones or
limited access areas, those impacts are considered to be moderate;
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An environmental monitoring programme will be prepared and implemented as part
of the project implementation plan.
Necessary Action
KEGOC will be required to adhere to Kazakh environmental, health and safety
regulations and design the project in line with EU environmental standards. In
line with national requirements an Environmental Impact Assessment will be
undertaken as part of the design approval process. This will also include
public consultations as required under National legislation. No separate
Environmental Action Plan is required.
Disclosure of information and consultation
In the context of the EBRD’s participation in the project, KEGOC released
locally a summary of relevant environmental issues associated with the project
both in Kazak and Russian language.
Monitoring and reporting
The Company will monitor the environmental impact of its operations in
accordance with the law and regulations of Kazakhstan. 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 covering:
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ongoing performance of project-specific environmental, health and safety, and
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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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