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Environmental impacts associated with the construction of a new phase to the airport terminal building, related road access and parking are mainly positive. No runway extension is planned. Any adverse impacts can be readily identified, assessed and mitigated. For the above reasons, the project has been classified B/1 requiring an Environmental Analysis and an Environmental Audit has been conducted by an independent consultant (Environmental Audit Update of Zvartnos and Gyumri Airports, ERM GmbH, September 2008).
The environmental investigations showed that the project will result in some environmental improvements and has no significant adverse impacts. The environmental and health and safety situation at ZIA has already been significantly improved through upgrades financed by the Bank’s earlier loans in 1994 and 2007 and the implementation of the Environmental Action Plan (EAP) agreed in connection with the previous loans. The Bank’s consultants observed well organized housekeeping and secure passenger handling. This will further improve through the implementation of the proposed investment programme and the updated EAP. The 2008 environmental report indicates that there are some actions of the previous EAP which still have not been completed at ZIA and the report proposes the implementation of a separate EAP for Gyumri Shirak Airport, which became part of the concession as an overflow airport for ZIA and its runway use is shared with the Armenian Ministry of Defence.
The Sponsor is committed to implement further environmental improvements needed at the existing facilities as well as measures for mitigating adverse impacts arising from the construction works and operation of the airport. The proposed EAPs include specific measures for fuel storage and handling, waste management, wastewater and storm water purification, soil protection, health and safety and disclosing information to stakeholders. The terminal facilities are accessible for disabled people.
The project will be structured to meet international safety and environmental standards of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as well as of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). As a result, the project will upgrade environmental, health and safety standards of the airport and help improving the level of service.
A specific monitoring programme has been established to ensure air emissions, wastewater discharges and noise will remain within regulatory limits. The EBRD will evaluate the project's compliance with the applicable environmental and social requirements during the lifetime of the project by reviewing annual environmental reports covering: (i) ongoing environmental, health and safety performance; and (ii) the status of implementation of environmental mitigation and improvement measures. The EBRD’s representatives may also conduct periodic site supervision visits when deemed appropriate.
As part of the concession agreement between the operator and the Government, the Government of Armenia (GoA) is responsible for resettling 566 people (156 families), who live within the boundary of the airport. The GoA agreed that the resettlement would be carried out in line with the IFC Safeguard Policy requirements. There have been delays in implementing this commitment, which was made in 2006, but it now seems that they have identified a potential site and started the consultation and planning work. The cost of building the new houses will be covered by the Borrower. As part of the due diligence the status of the resettlement process has been reviewed and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) has been developed in compliance with EBRD Environmental Policy requirements. The Bank’s social experts are monitoring the implementation of the RAP.
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