Download Non-technical summary

Extension of Transmission Network Project
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Construction
of 500 “KSANI-STEPANTSMINDA” TRANSMISSION LINE
DRAFT NONTECHNICAL SUMMARY
Prepared by: Foundation World Experience for Georgia
March
2015
Tbilisi
0
TITLE
PAGE
Project Title:
Extension of Transmission Network Project
Document Title:
Nontechnical Summary of Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment for Construction of 500 “KSANISTEPANTSMINDA” TRANSMISSION LINE
Prepared by:
Foundation World Experience for Georgia
Date Prepared:
March
Principle Authors
Medgar Chelidze; Irakli Kaviladze; Andrei Kandaurov;
Mariam Kimieridze;
WEG Project Manager
Medgar Chelidze;
Project Oversight
Client's Side:
2015
from
EnergoTrans
Mrs. Maya Gikoshvili
Deputy Director, EnergoTrans Ltd.
GSE
Mrs. Maya Pitskhelauri
Reporting & International Project Coordination
Department Manager
1
ABBREVIATIONS
EBRD
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
ESIA
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESAP
Environmental
UNECE
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
EU
European Union
GSE
JSC
GoG
Government
MoE
Ministry of Environmental Protection
NGO
Non-Governmental Organisation
SEP
Stakeholder Engagement Plan
and
“Georgian
Social
State
of
Action
Plan
Electrosystem”
Georgia
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Background Information
4
2.
2.1
2.2
Legal Framework and Screening Determination
Environmental Permitting Procedures in Georgia
EBRD Environmental and Social Policy
6
6
9
2.3
Screening Determination and Applicable PRs
10
3.
Project Description
13
4.
Summary of Baseline Information on Natural
Environment
General Physical-Geographical Description of the Project
Area
16
General Geology and Hydrogeological Conditions of the HV
Power Line Route
Hydrographic Network and mudslide events on AchkhotiPasanauri section of the route of power line
17
Ecology
19
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5.
16
18
Summary of Baseline Information on Social
Environment
5.1. General Socio-Economical Information on Project Area
5.2 Cultural Heritage
44
6.
46
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Proposed
Mitigation Strategies
44
45
3
1. Background Information
Georgian State Electrosystem JSC (hereinafter referred to as “the Client” or “GSE”), a 100%
state-run company providing transmission and dispatch services throughout the territory of
Georgia intends to construct the 500kV “Ksani-Stepantsminda” Transmission Line that will
serve the purpose of evacuation of power from the Dariali and Larsi HPPs being under
construction in Dariali ravine, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region as well as from other perspective
HPPs planned to be constructed in the area and connect such HPPs to the national grid.
The construction of a new 500kV “Ksani-Stepantsminda” power transmission line will:



ensure the connection of HPPs being under construction to the power grid;
contribute to the role of Georgia as of energy transit corridor in the North-South
direction;
improve the uninterrupted and reliable power supply to Mtskheta-Mtianeti region,
meeting the increasing demand of the region as a developing recreation and resort
area.
500kV “Ksani-Stepantsminda” Transmission Line (approximately 95km) will initially operate
under 110kV voltage and handle the surplus hydropower and ensure safe, efficient and highquality power supply operations. The line will be connected to110 kV S/S Kazbegi with the
extension of 110kV Dariali power transmission line. The corridor of the line is KsaniVedzatkhevi-Qartali highway crossing near Fasanauri-Tsinamkhari-Kitokhi-Gudamakari
Pass-Karkucha-Sno-Achkhoti. Pursuant to the geographic location of the region this corridor
is deemed to be of moderate complexity for the construction of 500kV power transmission
line. No sharp elevations variances of heights throughout the whole route is met.
An alternative arrangement near Ksani S/S is proposed in order to avoid the double crossing
of the 110 kV (green) and Kartli lines (yellow). It foresees a bay rearrangement by locating
the Kazbegi line (blue) between the existing 500 kV incomers (Figure 1).
The Client has approached the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
and Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau (KfW) for financing of this new project (hereinafter “the
Project”).
In compliance with the EBRD, KfW and Georgian legislative requirements, it is necessary to
prepare environmental and social Impact assessment of the Project, and the Client seeks
consultant service in elaboration of this document.
The Project is designed to meet all relevant Georgian requirements, the KfW's and EBRD’s
Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) of 2008’s and associated Performance Requirements
as well as best international practice. Performance Requirement 10 requires a Stakeholder1
Engagement Plan (also known as a public consultation and disclosure plan -- PCDP) should
be developed and implemented by the project proponents.
This Project is qualified as Category A under the EBRD's 2008 Environmental and Social
Policy (Policy). Thus, an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) is required.
The project proponents are: Georgian State Electrosystem JSC (“GSE”) and Energotrans
Ltd., The developer of the Project, “GSE” is a 100% state-run company providing
transmission and dispatch services throughout the territory of Georgia. Energotrans Ltd., a
fully owned subsidiary of GSE.
1
“Stakeholder” is a person, group or organization that is affected or can be affected by the environmental and/or social
consequences of a proposed project/activity; this includes individuals/groups/organizations that express interest in the
project/activity and in the participation to round tables and discussion meetings, and/or are able to influence the project’s
implementation and/or operations.
4
JSC GSE has engaged Foundation World Experience for Georgia (WEG) for developing
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment related to the Project. The current document,
which has been developed by WEG at the early stage of ESIA process, describes the
general features of the existing natural and social environment and outlines major
environmental in relation with the Project.
5
2. Legal Framework and Screening Determination
Annex 1 describes in detail the environmental legal framework and administrative structure in Georgia
including environmental regulations, procedure and indicates the institutions at the local and national
levels responsible for issuing permits, licenses, and enforcing compliance with environmental
standards. Below we provide a brief description of the environmental permitting process in Georgia,
EBRD safeguard requirements, and procedures applicable to the current project.
2.1 Environmental Permitting Procedures in Georgia
At present, the environmental permitting procedure in Georgia is set out in three laws and a
project proponent must comply with:
1. The Law on Licenses and Permits (2005);
2. The Law on Environmental Impact Permits (EIP) 2008, and,
3. The Law on Ecological Examination (EE) 2008.
In line with the mentioned laws, a provision “On the environmental Impact Assessment” is
proved by Decree No. 31 of May 15, 2013 of the Minister of Environment and regulates the
legal relations associated with the assessment of environmental impacts.
The Law on Licenses and Permits was adopted by Parliament of Georgia, on June 24,
2005. The Law regulates legally organized activities posing certain threats to human life and
health, and addresses specific state or public interests, including usage of state resources. It
also regulates activities requiring licenses or permits, determines types of licenses and
permits, and defines the procedures for issuing, revising and canceling of licenses and
permits (Article 1, Paragraph 1).
The Laws on Environmental Impact Permit and Ecological Examination, published on
14.12.2007 and in force since 01.01.2008. These new laws integrated all recent Georgian
legislation.
The Law of Georgia on Environmental Impact Permits, determines the list of the activities
and projects subject to the ecological examination (clause 4 p.1) and the legal basis for
public participation in the process of issuing an environmental impact permit.
Where a project needs an Environmental Impact Permit and at the same time requires a
Construction Permit, the administrative body responsible for issuance of the Construction
Permit ensures involvement of MoE. MoE issues its Conclusions with respect to the
Ecological Examination of the project to the the administrative body issuing the Permit (in the
case of highways, the Department of Roads). The Conclusion on the Ecological Examination
of the MoE and compliance with any condition is obligatory for the project proponent and the
conditions become part of the Construction Permit. Where a project requires ecological
examination but does not require Construction Permit, the MoE will issue the Environmental
Impact Permit with any conditions.
The aforementioned laws do not provide details of screening procedure and do not define the
responsibilities of parties. Screening of project proposals, preliminary assessment of
environmental impact and proposed mitigation measures (scoping) are carried out by the
project proponent in consultation with the MoE.
Public Consultation Procedures
Clause 6 of the Law on Environmental Impact Permits provides detailed requirements and
procedures for conducting public consultations and establishes timeframes for information
disclosure and discussion.
According to Article 6, the developer is obliged to carry out public discussion of the EIA
before its submission to an administrative body responsible for issuing a permit. Where an
activity requires a construction permit this must be done before initiating stage 2 of the
6
process for issuing a construction permit. The detailed description of Public Disclosure
requirements is discussed more fully in this document in Chapter 9 on Public Consultation
and in Annex 2.
Procedure of Official Submission of EIA to MoE
Article 8 of the Law on Environmental Impact Permits specifies the documents which must be
submitted by an operator to obtain a permit:
(1) A written statement to the Ministry under the rules established by ‘Law of Georgia on
Licenses and Permits’.
(2) The following information:
(a)
An EIA report drawn up under the standards specified by the legislation of
Georgia [in 5 hard copies and 1 soft copy]
(b)
A situation plan of the planned activity (with the indication of distances)
(c)
Volume and types of the expected emissions (a technical report of inventory of
the stationery sources of pollution and emitted/discharged harmful substances and
project of maximum permissible concentrations of emitted/discharged harmful
substances [in 4 copies])
(d)
A brief description of the activity (as a technical summary)
(e)
A statement about the confidential part of the submitted statement.
(3) An operator is obliged to submit a full diagram of the technological cycle to the permit
issuing body even if the given activity contains a commercial and/or state secret. This
part of the statement, according to sub-clause ‘e’ of clause 2 of the given Article
should be submitted separately by the operator.
Issuance of the Permit on Environmental Impact
Article 9 of the Law on Environmental Impact Permits describes the procedures for issuing
an Environmental Impact Permit. The issue is also addressed in the laws of Georgia on
“Licenses and Permits” (2005) and “on Ecological Examination’ (2008).
1. According to the law on “Licenses and Permits,” the MoE takes a decision on
issuing Permit within the 20 days of the permit request by the project
proponent.
2. MoE, in accordance with the law on Ecological Examination, ensures the
quality of the submitted documentation and the Issuance of Conclusion on
Ecological Examination.
Either the Environmental Permit, or Construction Permit (when the latest is required) is
issued only in case of the positive conclusion of the Ecological Examination.
Provision “On the environmental Impact Assessment” is proved by Decree No. 31 of May 15,
2013 of the Minister of Environment and regulates the legal relations associated with the
assessment of environmental impacts. The requirements related to EIA studies and the EIA
report are set forth in this Regulation. Article 5 “Content of the environmental impact
assessment” specifies the EIA should contain the following:
(a) Analysis of the existing state of the environment;
(b) Identification of the sources, kinds and objects of impact caused by the activity;
(c) Forecast of the changes of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the
environment;
(d) Determination of the probability of emergency situations due to the activity and
evaluation of the expected results;
(e) Evaluation of the environmental, social and economic results of the planned activity;
(f) Specifying the reduction measures for the negative impact on the environment and
human health and specifying the compensation measures as necessary;
(g) Identification of the residual (cumulative) impact and measures for its control and
monitoring;
(h) Undertaking environmental and economic evaluation of the projects;
7
(i) Analysis of the alternative variants of the project implementation, selection and
forming new variants;
(j) Identification of the ways and means to restore the initial environmental condition in
case of terminating entrepreneurship or other activity;
(k) Inform the society and studying the public opinion;
(l) Plan for the post-project situational analysis;
(m) Identification of the kinds and quantities of the expected emissions;
(n) Forecast of the expected environmental state gained through the environmental
impact factors.
It is also necessary to develop a Monitoring Plan to cover project implementation and its
finalization.
date:
1. Announcement in the national and local newspaper
about proposed activities;
2. Copy of Draft EIA report submitted to the MoE ,
copy of Draft EIA report sent to website,
NGOs& offices of local authorities.
Within
50 days following
announcement
receive
comments
and recommendations
date:
Following an announcement conduct public consultation
no earlier than 50 and no later than 60 days.
Within 5 days
Prepare minutes of the public
consultation meeting
Public comments and recommendations to be
incorporated into the EIA report; if there are any
objections, written grounded response should be sent to
the author of the comments.
All comments and concerns to be reflected in
the final EIA report
next 15 days
date:
EIA report is finalized and submitted to MoE through
MoESD together with all other Environmental Impact
Permit application documents
date:
Environmental Impact Permit issued within 20 days after
registration of the incoming application by the MoE
official procedure & activities
date:
Figure 1. Disclosure and Environmental Impact Permit Procedure
8
2.2 EBRD Environmental and Social Policy
Overall approach
All EBRD-financed projects undergo environmental and social appraisal both to help the
EBRD decide if an activity should be financed and, if so, the way in which environmental and
social issues should be addressed in planning, financing, and implementation. The EBRD’s
social and environmental appraisal is integrated into the EBRD’s overall project appraisal,
including the assessment of financial and reputational risks and identification of potential
environmental or social opportunities. This appraisal will be appropriate to the nature and
scale of the project, and commensurate with the level of environmental and social risks and
impacts.
EBRD’s environmental and social appraisal includes consideration of three key elements:
(i) the environmental and social impacts and issues associated with the proposed project;
(ii) the capacity and commitment of the client to address these impacts and issues in
accordance with this Policy; and (iii) the role of third parties in achieving compliance with this
Policy
EBRD categorises proposed projects as A/B/C/FI based on environmental and social criteria
to: (i) reflect the level of potential environmental and social impacts and issues associated
with the proposed project; and (ii) determine the nature and level of environmental and
social investigations, information disclosure and stakeholder engagement required for each
project, taking into account the nature, location, sensitivity and scale of the project, and the
nature and magnitude of its possible environmental and social impacts and issues.
Bank-financed projects are expected to meet good international practice related to
sustainable development. To help clients and/or their projects achieve this, the Bank has
defined specific Performance Requirements (PRs) for key areas of environmental and social
issues and impacts as listed below:
PR 1: Environmental and Social Appraisal and Management
PR 2: Labour and Working Conditions
PR 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement
PR 4: Community Health, Safety and Security
PR 5: Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and Economic Displacement
PR 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management
PR 7: Indigenous Peoples
PR 8: Cultural Heritage
PR 9: Financial Intermediaries
PR 10: Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement.
The EBRD will require clients to structure projects so that they meet all applicable PRs.
Central to this is a consistent approach to seek to avoid adverse impacts on workers,
communities, and the environment, or if avoidance is not possible, to reduce, mitigate, or
compensate for the impacts, as appropriate.
PR 1: Environmental and Social Appraisal and Management
Projects categorized by EBRD as “A” will require special formalized and participatory
assessment processes. An indicative list of such projects is provided in Appendix 1 to the
Policy. Projects which are planned to be carried out in sensitive locations or are likely to
have a perceptible impact on such locations, are attributed to category A even if the project
category does not appear in this list. Such sensitive locations include, inter alia, national
parks and other protected areas identified by national or international law, and other
sensitive locations of international, national or regional importance, such as wetlands, forests
with high biodiversity value, areas of archaeological or cultural significance, and areas of
importance for Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups. Greenfield developments, or
9
major expansions of activities, with potentially significant and diverse adverse environmental
or social impacts, such as those listed in Appendix 1, will require a comprehensive
environmental and/or social impact assessment, to identify and assess the potential future
environmental and social impacts associated with the proposed project, identify potential
improvement opportunities, and recommend any measures needed to avoid, or where
avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts. This assessment will
include an examination of technically and financially feasible alternatives to the source of
such impacts, and documentation of the rationale for selecting the particular course of action
proposed. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)/Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
shall meet PR 10 and any applicable requirements of national EIA law and other relevant
laws.
In exceptional circumstances, a regional, sect oral or strategic assessment may be
required. Projects involving involuntary resettlement or impacts on Indigenous Peoples or
cultural heritage will require an assessment in accordance with PRs 5, 7 and 8 respectively,
in addition to any other environmental or social due diligence studies that may be required.
Projects categorized as “B” may require a variety of due diligence investigations, depending
on the project’s nature, size and location, as well as the characteristics of the potential
environmental and social impacts and risks. Due diligence should identify and assess any
potential future impacts associated with the proposed project, identify potential improvement
opportunities, and recommend any measures needed to avoid, or where avoidance is not
possible, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts. Depending on the potential environmental
and social risks, the Bank may require that existing facilities be subject to an audit to assess
the environmental and social impacts of past and current operations of the existing facilities.
Projects categorized “C”, as having minimal or no adverse impacts, will not be subject to
further environmental or social appraisal beyond their identification as such, and will not
require an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP).
Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) Taking into account the findings of the
environmental and social appraisal and the result of consultation with affected stakeholders,
the client will develop and implement a programme of mitigation and performance
improvement measures and actions that address the identified social and environmental
issues, impacts and opportunities in the form of an Environmental and Social Action Plan
(ESAP). Mitigation measures and actions will be identified so that all relevant stages of the
project
(for
example,
pre-construction,
construction,
operation,
closure,
decommissioning/reinstatement) operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
and the PRs of this Policy. The ESAP should take a long-term and phased approach and
also take into account expected future regulatory requirements. The ESAP shall focus on
avoidance of impacts, and where this is not possible, mitigation measures to minimize or
reduce possible impacts to acceptable levels. Where residual impacts affect biodiversity,
environmental offsets may be required in accordance with PR 6 to promote a “no net loss”
approach; compensation for involuntary resettlement and for impacts on Indigenous Peoples
will be carried out in accordance with PRs 5 and 7. The ESAP will also address, where
appropriate, opportunities to achieve additional environmental and social benefits of the
project including, where relevant, community development programmes. Where stakeholder
2.3 Screening Determination and Applicable PRs
According to the law of Georgia on the Environmental Impact Permits (2008) projects related
to construction of the high voltage (500/220kV) transmission lines and substations require full
scale EIA and Environmental Impact Permit. This requirement is relevant for the project
“Construction of the 500kV Ksani-Stepantsminda Transmission.
For the sake of EBRD Requirements:
10



construction of high-voltage overhead electrical power lines is included in the
indicative list (Annex 1 to ESP 2008) of the A category projects
the project involves substantial new construction and some sections of the
transmission line cross Greenfields and sensitive environmental areas (forests).
the project implementation is associated with the need for private land acquisition
with the possibility of physical relocation of affected households.
Accordingly, the project “Construction of the 500kV Ksani-Stepantsminda Transmission Line
has been classified as of Category A in Compliance with the EBRD ESP 2008.
Full scale ESIA should be prepared to comply both regulations: the requirements of the
EBRD ESP 2008 and the Provision “On the environmental Impact Assessment” is proved by
Decree No. 31 of May 15, 2013 of the Minister of Environment
The public consultation meetings should be conducted in the administrative centers of the
affected communities.
Following Performance Requirements have been considered as applicable for the current
project:
PR 1: Environmental and Social Appraisal Full scale ESIA, ESAP and all appraisal
and Management
stage procedures applicable for A category
projects
PR 2: Labour and Working Conditions
H&S at work places (substations etc.) is an
item of particular importance for the ESIA
PR 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement
Prevention and abatement of pollution at the
construction stage (waste management;
fueling and vehicle/equipment maintenance
practices) and operation stage (transformer
oil
and
other
hazardous
material
management;
waste management)
is
important aspect of the project.
PR 4: Community
Security
Health,
Safety
and Health and safety issues related to the
construction stage, as well as operation of
substations and transmission lines (safety
zones; influence of electro-magnetic fields
etc.)
PR 5:
Land Acquisition, Involuntary More than 700 private land plots will be
Resettlement and Economic Displacement
affected either temporarily (transmission line
corridor) or permanently (at the substation
and power tower locations). Certain amount
of residential houses or ancillary structures
may require physical relocation outside the
safety zones.
PR 6:
Biodiversity Conservation and Substantial length of both transmission lines Sustainable Natural Resource Management
500kV and 220kV goes through forests and
the project implementation will entail
substantial lodging.
PR 8: Cultural Heritage
The project area is not sufficiently studied in
terms of potential presence of archaeological
sites. However, according to the historical
context, the project should take care and
prevent potential impacts on archeological
11
remnants. Preliminary studies are required in
agreement with the Ministry of Culture and
Monuments. Monitoring and mitigation
procedures should be elaborated in the ESIA
and incorporated into the ESAP.
PR 10:
Information Disclosure
Stakeholder Engagement.
and I accordance with the requirements for A
category projects
12
3. Project Description
Overall Context
Stage 1: Construction of the 500 kV OHL between the Ksani 500/220/110 kV S/S and a
new Stepantsminda 110 kV S/S
Operated initially at 110 kV, the OHL will serve mainly for connection of the regional HPPs
capacity now under development to the GSE transmission system evolving from Ksani. The
line length according to the preliminary route survey is 100km.
Stage 2: Construction of the 500 kV OHL between the new Stepantsminda 500kV S/S and
Mozdok 500kV S/S
Based on the available regional development data for demand and generation, the targeted
transmission capacity shall be minimum 400 MW for the operation at 110 kV and 1100 MW
for the operation at 500 kV.
The Ksani-Stepantsminda-Mozdok 500 kV OHL represents an essential element for the
economic use of the cross-border interconnection capacities already under construction,
especially those with Turkey and Armenia which might require for full utilization a significant
share from UPS should there be constraints on generation in Georgia. At the same time, the
Project enhances the security of the GSE system supply by better integration of the 500 kV
transmission network into the regional grid with the resulting increased immunity against
internal outages.
Current Project
The present Scoping Report and related ESIA are focused on the first stage sub-project:
Construction of the 500 kV OHL between the Ksani 500/220/110 kV S/S and a new
Stepantsminda 110 kV S/S.
The Stepantsminda substation is located on a flat hill top about 1750 m above sea level,
close to Stepantsminda town. The Ksani substation area is located on a flat hill top about 550
m above sea level near the town of Ksani.
The proposed 500 kV transmission line starts from the Ksani SIS near Tbilisi and goes North
up to the future Stepantsminda SIS. With a length about 100km, the 500 kV line will reach an
altitude of about 2500m.
An alternative arrangement near Ksani SIS is proposed in order to avoid the double
crossing of the 110 kV (green) and Kartli lines (yellow). It foresees a bay rearrangement by
locating the Kazbegi line (blue) between the existing 500 kV incomers.
OHL construction can be rated as difficult for approximately 30% of the line length, due to the
high altitude and narrow corridors in the Kazbegi mountainous area. For approximately 10%
of the line length, the study recommended using catenary suspension instead of towers, for
both new SOOkV and existing 110 kV OHLs. Since this corridor is exposed to avalanches,
floods and landslides, this solution lowers the risks of construction and operation of the Iine
and has already been successfully used around the world in construction areas of similar
difficulty, among others for the Kavkazonia SOOkV OHL.
13
Fig. 1 MAP of the Project Transmission Line
OHL Basic Design
In terms of transfer capacity, the Feasibility Study proposed different 500kV conductor types
suitable to line sections with normal or special construction difficulty levels, enabling a
throughput of minimum of 1100 MW under rated site condition. This design capacity was
validated by the power system analysis considering the vertical peak load of the GSE system
within the planning horizon onto the regional trade scenarios, making full use of the crossborder HYDC BtB transfer capacity in operation or committed.
Considering the construction and access difficulties, the study proposed to use single
structure European types of towers due to:
 easy transportation and erection
 "in situ" foundation casting which avoids higher stresses of the steel tower
structure caused by manufacturing tolerances or transport of pre-casted
foundations
 economic design using body and leg extensions
The extension of the Ksani 500 kV and 110kV switchgears is not a critical issue but requires
a careful coordination with on-going substation rehabilitation, especially if the study proposal
to rearrange the 500 kV bay sequence in order to minimize outgoing OHL line crossings is
adopted. There are no technical or time schedule difficulties foreseeable for construction of
14
the new Stepantsminda S/S which is located in a flat area with good access roads and can
make use of the well proven GSE standard transmission substation design.
Implementation Schedule
The scheduled completion of the Georgian section of the line up to Stepantsminda S/S is by
the end of 2016, coincident with commissioning of the new Dariali HPP. While being
ambitious, the line construction schedule is technically feasible assuming parallel working of
line construction teams, quick construction route approval and work permitting procedures
and upgrade of access roads in the mountainous sections as far as possible in the preconstruction phase.
15
4. Summary of Baseline Information on Natural Environment
4.1 General Physical-Geographical Description of the Project Area
According to the physico-geographical zoning of Georgia, the HV power transmission line path
will lie in western Georgia, within Inner Kartli, Mtiuleti and Khevi regions under the Mtskheta,
Dusheti and Kazbegi municipalities. The power line route will stretch across lowlands and
highlands, foothills and alpine areas. The principal hydrographical network lying within its
boundaries is represented by the rivers of Black Aragvi and Snotskali.
Mtskheta Section
In the Mtskheta municipality, the route will mainly run across Mukhrani-Saguramo plain with its
relief mainly formed of alluvial, proluvial and delluvial deposits (conglomerates, pebbles, sands
and clays) of the Upper Pliocene or Pleistocene.
Mtskheta region lies within an area characterized with a moderately humid subtropical climate.
As to the climate of Mukhrani-Saguramo plain, it is a transitional one changing from a
moderately warm steppe climate to a moderately humid climate with hot summers and two
precipitation minima per year. Mean annual temperature is 10.8°C to 12°C; the mean
temperature in January is -1.1°C to -0.3°C while the mean temperature in July is 22°C to
23.6°C. The absolute minimum is -25 -29°C whereas the absolute maximum is +39 to 40°C.
The annual precipitation totals 591 to 636 mm with the maximum occurring in May and the
minimum occurring in January. Winters are moderately cold while summers are long and warm.
The design extreme wind speeds (20-year return period) range from 32 to 37 m/sec. The
regulatory values of the wind load, occurring once in a 5-year’s period, make 0.48 to 0.73 kPa
while those of the wind occurring once in 15 years make 0.60 to 0.85 kPa.
The prevailing wind directions are easterly and westerly. Snow cover weight will make 0.50 kPa.
Geomorphologically, the section of the HV power line path, lying in Mtskheta region, will
comprise some areas upon the Skhaltba range and Mukhrani-Saguramo plain.
Dusheti Section
In Dusheti region, the route will mainly run upon a hilly, foothill or mountainous terrain, with
rugged foothill country and plains in its southern extreme. In the northern part of the above area,
the Lower Jurassic shales and sandstones are to be observed. To the south, the latter get
replaced by sandstones, marls and limestones of the Upper Jura. The flat country terrain
exhibits presence of Quartenary conglomerates and clays.
Dusheti region that lies within a moderately humid subtropical climatic area is notable for its
being divided into to a number of climatic subareas i.e. for its altitude zoning. Hence, the
lowlands are characterized by a moderately humid climate with cold winters and long warm
summers.
Its highlands are characterized with a moderately humid alpine climate, and in fact deprived of
real summers whereas its high-mountain areas lying at altitudes higher than 3300 or 3400 m
are characterized by alpine climate with eternal snow and glaciers. The mean annual
temperature making 11°C in the lowlands would fall to 0°C at an altitude of 2350m and be still
much lower at greater altitudes. In the lowlands, the mean January temperature is a few
degrees below 0°C whereas in the highlands it would fall below -15°C. The mean July
temperature is 22.5°C in the lowlands and would never rise higher than 4°C in the highlands.
The absolute minimum is _30°C in the lowlands and less than _40°C in the highlands. The
absolute maxima make, correspondingly, 39°C and 17°C. The maximum annual precipitation
makes 739 mm in the lowlands, rising to 800 m or even to 1500 mm in the highlands. Maximum
16
precipitation would generally occur in spring (May). During winter, all parts of the district
experience snowfall. In the lowlands, snow cover is usually of insignificant thickness whereas in
the highlands the height of the snow cover may sometimes reach 3.5m.
The design extreme wind speeds (20-year return period) range from 23 to 25 m/sec. The
regulatory value of the wind load occurring once in a 5-year’s period makes 0.30 kPa while that
of the wind load occurring once in 15 years makes 0.38 kPa.
The prevailing wind directions are notherly and north-easterly.
Weight of the snow cover will range from 0.50 to 0.93 kPa.
Geomorphologically, the section of the HV power line path running within in Dusheti region
would comprise the crest portion of the Alevi range as well as parts of both the Black Aragvi
gorge and the foothill terrain stretching to the west of the Gudamakari range.
Kazbegi Section
Within Kazbegi region, topography of the above route will be represented by both mountainoushilly and river-gorge relief the most part of which is formed of volcanic rocks (andesites).
The lowlands of Kazbegi region (lying not higher than 2000 m) are characterized with a
moderately humid climate, with relatively dry cold winters and long cool summers. The mean
temperature is -3°C to - 8°C in January and 17.8°C to 13.8°C in July. The annual precipitation 9
makes 650-1000 mm (with the minimum precipitation occurring in January, and the maximum
precipitation observed in May). Steady snow cover would persist for 3 or 4 months.
The climate of the areas lying at altitudes of 2000-2600 m should be characterized as humid
temperate with rather dry cold winters and short summers. The dominating winds are mountain
and river gorge ones whereas in the upper zone (highlands), westerly winds would prevail. The
annual precipitation will average 1000 to 1200 mm. Duration of continuous snow cover will
make from 5 to 7 months.
The zone within altitudes of 2600-3600 m is characterized by humid temperate climate actually
deprived of a real summer. The mean January temperature is -11 - -15°C. In July, the
temperature would never reach +10°C anywhere in the area.
The area lying above 3600 m is distinguished with a moderately humid alpine climate, eternal
snows and glaciers. Air temperature in January and February would average -13°C to -15°C. In
July and August, the temperature would rise above zero. Precipitation would mainly be
represented by snow.
Geomorphologically, the section of the route’s path within Kazbegi region would embrace
portions of the northern slope of the Mtiuleti range and of the Snotskali river gorge.
4.2 . General Geology and Hydrogeological Conditions of the HV Power Line Route
Within Mtskheta region, the most part of the path will lie across Mukhrani-Saguramo plain which
represents a young intermountain synclinal depression built up of coarse Molasse sediments
dated back to the Mio-Pliocene. The coarse detritus is charged with with Upper Pliocene or
Pleistocene deposits (pulverescent conglomerates, pebbles, sands and clays).
The southern portion of the plain is elevated owing to accumulation of delluvial and delluvialproluvial deposits brought down from the northern slope of the Skhaltba range. The Skhaltba
range is formed of continental conglomerates, clays and sandstones.
Within Dusheti region, the topography of the route’s path is mainly represented by mountain
relief. It is only its southern extreme where foothills and plains are to be met.
The northern portion of the plain is formed of argillaceous slates and sandstones.
17
Southwards, the above material are followed by the sandstones, marls, and limestones of the
Upper Jura; then, further to the south, the Upper and Lower Cretaceous sandstones, marls, and
limestones as well as the Tertiary sandstones, marls, clays and conglomerates are to be found.
Within Kazbegi region, the route’s path will lie across mountainous-hilly or river-gorge relief
formed of black-coloured (aspide) argillaceous slates of the Lower Jura.
As to the hydrogeological conditions, some sections of the route’s path would exhibit presence
of water-saturated horizons of the Quarternary alluvial deposits and bedrock fissure water fields.
4.3 Hydrographic Network and mudslide events on Achkhoti-Pasanauri section of the
route of power line
The whole length of the said power transmission line, according to the 1:25000-scale
topographic map, crosses 59 long and short rivers and nameless gullies. Among long rivers, the
Narekvavi, Dushetskhevi, Arkala, Aragvi, Shavi Aragvi, Kvenamtistskali,
Basin of river Shavi Aragvi from the north is surrounded by Mtiuleti ridge, westwards by LomisAlevi ridge, but eastwards by Gudamakari ridge. Source of river Shavi Aragvi is from Mtiuleti
ridge from 2940 m height (from Baltic Sea level), length 30 km, average slope 63,3%, area of
basin 240 km2, average height of basin 2030m, flows to river Aragvi to borough Pasanauri.
Basin of river Shavi Aragvi above 2500 m has a glacial shape of relief, greatly broken down with
the gorges of flows, erosive and characterized with a great inclination. Above 2200 m are alpine
and subalpine plants, below 900 m height mixed mountain forest, woodiness 27 % [4].
In geological construction of basin are participating sandy and limestone –loamy rocks. Below
baring rock and offal are dominating mountain plants and forest soils. River gorge from the
source below 2-3 km on entire length has V type shape; in some places of flows’ joining it has
box type shape. The width of gorge below village Bursachiri is 10-20 meters, it becomes 100120 m wide, in upper part the slope mainly is greatly inclined by 35-600, but in lower and middle
flow inclined by 20-300, upper slope is broken down at villages Bursachiri, Torelani and
Makarta, greatly broken down by narrow and deep gorges of flows, are greatly inclined and
forming avalanche taking cones at the source. Right lope of gorge are composed mainly by
shales changing to the lower flow by sandy soil, the same on the left bank. Parent material
(bedrock) is covered by loamy soil from above, but the source is redundant with gravelly soil
composed of rock cuttings.
Upper part of slope is covered with alpine plants, below with thick leafy forest. At village
Bursachiri is developed a terrace and below on a high terrace are villages: Bursachiri,
Dumatskho, Didubaani, Makarta, Dikhcho and Gospital. There is not almost a grove in 10-12 km
of the source region of river Shavi Aragvi, it appears below village Bursachiri and it has two
ways, mostly with even surface, gravelly-pebbled, with a height amounting 0,3-0,4 m, width of
grove in its beginning amounts 60-80 k, it widens below to the flow by 100-120 m and gets
narrow only at the estuary up to 15-18 meters.
During spring floods and at the time of summer and autumn torrents the river grove is covered
with 0,6 m water layer, width of flood is 50-60 m, upon maximal rising of water level it is
completely covered with 0,6-1,0 m water layer. River bed is moderately wriggled and almost is
not branchy, river becomes branchy only between village Gami and village Zanduki and strolls
on a grove, islands are open and unstable, length 10-20 m, width 3-5 m, height 0,3-0,4 m.
Water regime of river Shavi Aragvi is characterized with flood and torrents, in spring and
summer the river is full of water and flows 72% of yearly flow, in autumn compared with the
winter it is more flowing. At the end of March flood begins on river and ends in August. Maximal
level of flood is higher than average level by 1,6-1,8 m.
River Snostskali’s source is from 3035 meters from northern slope of Mtiuleti’s watershed ridge,
18
cachment of basin is 256 km2, length of river is 27.3 km, it is maintained by snow, rain and soil
water, flood is in spring and in the second half of summer, in winter it lacks water, average
yearly water consumption amounts 6.72 m3/sec, gorge of river is longitudinal structural basin
forming mountain system, located among main watershed ridges of Caucasus Mountains and
oriented north-west. Forest is maintained in the form of shrubberies in fragments on the
northern slope up to 2350 m from sea level.
River Kvenamtistskali is the left tributary of river Snostskali, its length is 10 km, below its
connection the river bed of Snostskali is becoming wider to estuary, grove has two ways, it is full
of gravel and stone pieces, it is moderately wriggled and branchy, river strolls on a grove. Flow
of river is characterized by summer flood and has 54% of yearly flow, flood takes place in
summer and autumn.
In the source of river Snostskali’s gorge are developed U-shaped valleys/ glacial troughs,
cirques, door and other forms of glacial relief. Relief of gorge is greatly broken down with the
gorges of flows, erosive and very inclined. Mudflows are found along the route of power line
both with old and new flowing cones. On the right side the river Shavi Aragvi are 6 mudflow
gorges, from the left side 5 mudflow gorges are joining to river Kvenamtistskali, but on the right
side 2 mudflow gorges to river Snostskali. 80% of mudflow events are formed in May and
August, when there is a great probability of having abundant precipitations and also at the time
of intensive melting of snow.
Places of installation power line towers do not coincide to the sections of danger of mudflows.
Along the route of power line being under the research are found some 1-2 km length mudflows
with a type of gorges, with water accumulating area of 2 km2, consumption of mudflows of 200
m3/sec and material for taking out of more than 0.2-10,0 mln/m3. Mudflows with average
dimensions amount 1-3 km in length along the gorges and with water accumulating area of 25mk2 developed on moraine, erosive and landslide sections with water accumulating area of 210 km2, water consumption 200 m3/sec and volume of material for taking
out amounting 2-10 mln/m3.
Snow Avalanches
According to the standpoint of avalanche hazardous it is important to pay attention to
Pasanauri- Achkhoti section of “Ksani-Stepantsminda” 500 kW power line by passing
Gudamakari Pass with a length amounting 40 km. 86 geomorphologically various types of
avalanche hazardous sites are found on aforesaid section. Sites represent broken down and
deformed slopes of typical alpine relief peaks that inclination angle varies up to 200-600, but
absolute height from 3100 m. to 1800 m.
From the formation of stable snow cover at 1000 m height and after its disappearance at 2000
m height can be calculated the period of avalanche hazard on mentioned section of power line
approximately lasting for 150 days.
Repeatability of snow avalanches from the same avalanche hazardous site varies according to
the months and weather conditions, mainly from 4 to 14 and is greatest in February and March,
but minimal is in may and October
4.4. Ecology
Geobotanical Characteristics of the project area
The project route crosses Shida-Kartly lowland, Pshav-Mtiuleti, Khevi and Pirikita (Northern)
Khevsureti geobotanical areas.
The first section of the transmission line passes Shida-Kartly lowland geo-botanical area.
The forest vegetation is predominantly represented by oak-trees (Quercus iberica). From mixed
species should be noted Fraxinus excelsior, Acer campestre, Carpinus caucasica, lime-tree
19
(Tilia caucasica) etc. Underbrush is mostly represented by Carpinus orientalis, Cornus mas,
hazelnut (Corylus avellana), Ligustrum vulgare, Mespilus germanica, Juniperus rufescens,
Juniperus oblonga, Rosa canina etc.
On plain areas and slopes of hills shrubbery is developed at the places earlier occupied by the
plain, floodplain and mountainous forests. Dominant species are: Paliurus spina-christi, Spiraea
hypericifolia, Carpinus orientalis, Rhamnus pallasii, Paliurus spina-christi, Spiraea hypericifolia,
Juniperus oblonga, J. rufescens, Rosa canina, R. corymbifera, Jasminum fruticans, Cotinus
coggygria, Rhus coriaria, Crataegus kyrtostyla, Lonicera caucasica, Prunus spinosa,
Cotoneaster racemiflora etc.
Small fragments of wetland vegetation occurre near the floodplains. The larger areas of the
wetland vegetation are presented near the lakes and water reservoirs, with dominant
Phragmites communis and Typha latifolia etc.
The second section of the transmission line passes Pshav-Mtiuleti geo-botanical area,
where the vegetation has been severely affected by anthropogenic impact. The forest
vegetation is represented from 500-600m altitude up to 1800 -1850m. The lower section (1000
– 1100m) is represented by oak forests (Quercus iberica) with the undergrowth consisting of
Carpinus orientalis, Poa nemoralis, Dactyrus roseus etc. Mostly the oak tree forests are
degraded noiw and replaced by shrubber, consisting of Carpinus orientalis, Paliurus spina
christi, Paliurus spina Christi, Rhamnus pallasii, Spiraea hypericifolia, Crataegus kurtostyla,
Cornus mas, Carpinus orientalis, Ligustrum vulgare, Piracantha coccinea etc., and grass-stepe
vegetation Bothriochloa ischaemum, etc. Northern exposition is covered by hornbeam (Carpinus
caaucasica) and Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis), as well as Carpinus caucasica), oak
(Quercus iberica), Fraxinus excelsior, lime-tree (Tilia caucasica), Acer laetum, Acer platanoides,
Fagus orientalis etc.
In higher sections from1000-1100m up to 1800-1850m-m the dominant species of the forest
vegetation are Fagus orientalis and Carpinus caucasica. Sporadically the coniferous forests are
presented, particularly spruce forest (Picea orientalis). Pine-forests (Pinus sosnowskyi) are
represented at the left bank of the r. White Aragvi.
Subalpic zone is spread at the altitudes from 1800 – 1850m up to 2450-2500m. The vegetation
is mostly presented by not dense forests of Fagus orientalis, Betula litwinowii, Quercus
macranthra, Acer trautvetteri, Sorbus caucasigena. Currently these forests are strongly
degraded due to anthropogenic impact. Within the subalpine zone it is spread Rhododendron
caucasicum, as well as Juniperus oblonga, J. Depressa, Corylus avellana and Rhododendron
luteum.
Alpine zone covers altitudes from 2450-2500m-up to 3000m. Dominant vegetation is
represented by Geranium gymnocaulon, Sibbaldia semiglabra, Nardus glabriculmis, Festuca
varia, Carex tristis etc. At the Northern slopes - Rhododendron caucasicum.
The third section of the transmission line passes within the Khevi and Pirikita (Northern)
Khevsureti geobotanical areas. Vegetation here differs from the vegetation in other regions.
Here the one may see pure pine-trees (Pinus kochiana) and birch-trees (Betula pendula B.
litwinowii, B. raddeana). The pine forests are more typical for the Southern and Southern- East
steep slopes. Here are also presented Populus tremula, Carpinus caucasica, Tilia caucasica,
Fraxinus excelsior, rock-oak (Quercus petrea), spruce-tree (Picea orientalis) etc. From the
shrubbery it is common Lonicera caucasica, Padus racemosa, Viburnum lantana etc. Grass
species -Festuca montana, Poa nemoralis, Zerna variegata, Carex buschiorum etc.
20
Zoogeographic Characteristics of the Caucasus and Project Area
From the viewpoint of zoogeography, the entire Caucasus is located in the Holarctic or
Palaearctic kingdom or zone, depending on the terminology used by experts in zoogeographic
zoning. The zoning of the World Geographic Atlas of 1964 published in Moscow2 is used in the
report. According to Vereshchagins map (1964), the Caucasus includes several zoogeographic
sub-zones. In the north of the region there are two districts of the Kazakhstan-Mongolian
province of the Central Asian sub-zone. The middle of the Caucasus is mountains of the
Greater and Lesser Caucasus and Talish that belong to the Caucasus district of the
Circumboreal sub-zone isolated from the main part of the sub-zone by steppes. The
Circumboreal sub-zone is sometimes referred to as the sub-zone of Western Eurasia, which in
principle does not change its characteristics and boundaries in the Caucasus (World of
Geography 1984). Southern boundaries of the Caucasus region lie within the Anterior Asia
district of the Mediterranean province and Kura district (almost entire Azerbaijan) of the IranTuran province. Both these provinces belong to the Mediterranean sub-zone. Thus, three
zoogeographic sub-zones and four zoogeographic provinces neighbour in the Caucasus. Map 1
shows that in some locations boundaries of the zoogeographic sub-zones come very close to
each other. (Map from Regional Bat Conservation Plan for Caucasus, 2008, prepared by
A.Kandaurov).
Territory of Georgia spreads on the almost all biogeographic regions represented throughout
Caucasus isthmus. It is rather difficult to outline correct border between faunistic regions
represented throughout Georgia because of the mutual penetration of species between them.
Complicated, sometimes mosaic spatial structure of biological communities representing
different biogeographic regions is specifics of Caucasus, from the biodiversity point of view.
Map 1. Boundaries of Zoogeographic Sub-zones
1. Central-Asian 2. Circumboreal 3. Mediterranean; Solid line is the
zoogeographic sub-zone boundary; Dash line is the state border; Red
oval – Project area
Fig. 2 Zoogeographical Zoning
2
We refer to the zoning presented in the World Physical-Geographic Atlas (1964) first of all because one of the map authors was N.K.
Vereshchagin, author of The Mammals of the Caucasus; a History of the Evolution of the Fauna (1959), a fundamental monograph also
including a detailed map of the Caucasus zoogeographic zoning based on theriology data.
21
One can outline, throughout territory of Georgia two areas with important landscape differences.
The first - Caucasus district, including Colchic and Caucasus regions, unify forest landscapes
with plenty of autochthonous animals and representatives of European fauna. The second - the
Mediterranean sub-zone is composed with two other types of biological communities. There are
Anterior Asia district with highlands of Lesser Caucasus (landscapes very similar to those in
Turkey and the most part of Middle East) and arid, semi-dessert landscapes in Kura district with
many elements of Turanian fauna (this region, also is genetically connected with biological
communities typical for countries of Central Asia). Significant part of Georgian territory (northern
slopes of Trialeti ridge and part of southern slopes of Great Caucasus in East Georgia) are
covered with forest areas with communities including elements of Colchic, East-European,
Middle East and Turanian fauna. In difference from other Caucasian countries, significant part
of Georgia is occupied with communities of mixed origin, which could not be unified with any
enumerated districts. Relief causes relatively clear borders between some biogeographic
districts, but these borders remain conditional. E.g., all Colchic district is situated in the basin of
the Black Sea, whereas most other districts (except western part of Caucasian) - in the basin of
the river Kura, entering Caspian Sea. However, Colchic elements are found along southern
slopes of Greater Caucasus up to the eastern border of Georgia and in Borjomi Gorge, which
belongs to the basin of Kura; Turanian elements are found in the valley of Alazani, which
belongs, in general, to the Caucasian district etc.
The largest part of the Project Area is situated within the limits of the Caucasus region of the
Caucasus district of the Circumboreal sub-zone. The Caucasus zoogeographic region covers
mountains, usually at an altitude higher than 2000 m. On the northern slopes of Caucasus
Mountain Chain it spreads much on lower elevations. The main landscapes of the Caucasian
zone are mountain woods, sub-alpine forest and sub-alpine meadows. Climate in the most part
of the zone is mountainous, severe, with high precipitation (≥1,000 mm per year). The lower
borders of this zone are well delimited by the edge of temperate forest. This region covers upper
parts of the Caucasian mountain ranges and its spurs. The Kazbegi National Park is situated
within this zoogeographic region of the Caucasus district.
Noteworthy, that the smaller, southern part (from pylon point #1 till pylon point #24) part of the
area is occupied with communities of mixed origin, with a considerable admixture of EastEuropean, Middle East and Turanian species, which are character to the Kura district (KuraAlazani sub-district) of the Iran-Turan province, which belong to the Mediterranean sub-zone.
Terrestrial fauna of the lower part of the Project area is quite degraded because of dense
human population and in result of long time usage for agriculture and for livestock breeding.
From the hydrobiological and ichthyological standpoint, presented on the website Freshwater
Regions of the World (http://feow.org/) the northern part of the Project area – Tergi river basin
(Snostskali and Jutatskali with tributaries) lies within the ecoregion “411: Western Caspian
Drainages” (http://www.feow.org/ecoregions/details/411). This ecoregion is one of four
Caucasian ecoregions that is clearly different by its composition of true riverine fish fauna.
Geographically it belongs to the northern Caucasian slope and overlaps with drainages of the
Caspian Sea basin. The ecoregion includes rivers of the Western Caspian coast from the Kuma
to Samur River and small rivers in Azerbaijan to the north of the Greater Caucasus Range. The
main rivers in the ecoregion include the Kuma, Tergi (Terek), Sulak, and Samur rivers. As in the
other Caucasian ecoregions, the upper part of the rivers are mountainous in character, the
middle reaches are depending on the degree of development of foothills, and the lower reaches,
particularly of large rivers, have broad, partly swampy, floodplains.
Project area on southern slope of the Greater Caucasus mountain chain belongs to the
ecoregion
“434:
Kura
–
South
Caspian
Drainages”
(http://www.feow.org/ecoregions/details/kura_south_caspian_drainages)
This ecoregion covers the largest area in the Caucasus River system that represents all
possible ecological zones from mountains to the plain. The northern border of the ecoregion lies
along the Main Caucasus Range. The western border follows the slopes of the Likhi Ridge and
the divides of the Meskheti and Arsianis mountain ranges. This ecoregion encompasses the
22
whole Kura-Aras catchment. The Aragvi river and it tributaries, as well as Ksani river with
tributaries, belong to this ecoregion. The Aragvi river in the upper part and in the middle reaches
is of mountain character, their tributaries network is well developed. In the lower reaches it flows
through the lowland, and receives few tributaries.
Landscape (habitats) of the Project area.
Ranges of the animal species and areas of distribution of species complexes often coincide with
borders of biotopes or landscapes. Landscapes are mosaic scattered within each of physicalgeographic or zoogeographical regions. Best systems of division of landscapes of the
Caucasus, and in particular of the Georgia, are given By Ketskhoveli (1957, 1973), Gulisashvili
Et Al. (1975), Beruchashvili et al., (1988), Sokolov and Tembotov (1989). System of Prof.
N.Beruchashvili provides more detailed view on types of habitat spread on the territory (See
landscape map below – Map 2).
Natural habitats within the project area belong to the three different types of landscapes – to the
open arid grasslands with bushes, to the forest of foothills and middle mountain belt, and to the
Caucasian upper-mountain forest and sub-alpine meadows. They are distributed along the
power line construction corridor as follows:
Most southern site (pylons points #1-5) of the construction corridor is covered by shibliak and
derivates of hornbeam-oak forest. The natural type of the vegetation at the existing Ksani
500/220/110 kV sub-station and RoW of the 500 kV power line at the sub-station is a floodplain
poplar-oak forest (tugai forest) and meadows (51). It should be noted that natural vegetation
cover, within the area of construction of new facilities, is destroyed totally. Today, this area is
treeless, covered with degraded low grasses with dense bushes of Jerusalem Thorn (Paliurus
spina-christi) and sparse small suppressed trees. Small sites of the remnants of the secondary
dry scrubland (shibliak) are located at the proposed construction site of pylon # 1 and along the
power line route.
Next part (about 13 km) between pylons point # 5 and the line connecting villages Lomovani
and Tsikhevdavi (pylon # 24) lies within the Kura river depression. It is covered with shibliak and
derivates of two similar landscapes: South-East Caucasian sub-Mediterranean (transitional to
semi-humid) foothill landscapes with shibliak and derivates of hornbeam-oak forest, partly with
arid light forest, phrygana and Bothriochloa steppes, in some places with badlands (19) and
Subtropical Semi-Arid East Georgian foothill landscapes with Bothriochloa steppes and shibliak,
in some places with meadow vegetation (23). Natural habitats on this area are heavily degraded
due to human impact. Most area is occupied by arable lands, kitchen-gardens, permanent
plantations (fruit trees and vineyards) and, in less extent, by pastures and by meadows for haymaking.
From the line connecting Lomovani and Tsikhevdavi villages (pylon point # 24) till the river
Arakala at the village Bantsurtkari (pylon point # 67), about 18-19 km, the construction corridor
lies within the South East Caucasian low-mountain landscape with oriental hornbeam-oak, oak
forests and secondary dry scrublands (shibliak) (82). Natural habitats on this area are quite
degraded under anthropogenic pressure. Most area is occupied by arable lands, kitchengardens, permanent plantations (fruit trees and vineyards) and pastures in vicinities of villages.
There is one exception: the power line lies within the South East Caucasian middle-mountain
hornbeam-oak forest with beech (89) between pylon points #44 and #57, in surroundings of
village Bazaleti and town Dusheti.
To the North from the village Bantsurtkari (pylon point # 67), up to village Pasanauri, the
construction corridor lies on eastern slopes of the Lomisi (Lomissky) mountain range. The
landscape is South East Caucasian middle-mountain beech forest alternating with hornbeamoak, partly with pine forests and secondary grasslands (89); farther to the north, the construction
corridor is situated on the bottom of the gorge of the Black Aragvi river, and up to the point of
23
confluence of rivers Boseli and Bakurkhevi, at the village Dumatskho (pylon point # 153), it lies
in the same landscape, which is slightly modified due to ravine vegetation. The natural habitats
are less impacted by human and thus less degraded within this section of the construction
corridor. Area is used for fuel-wood harvesting, for cattle and pig grazing under forest canopy
and, in less extent, for hay-making, as kitchen garden, plantation and arable lands.
Next, construction corridor lies along the gorge of the river Bakurkhevi. About 2,5 km, between
village Dumatsko (pylon point # 153) and place named Bursachili - (pylon point # 162) RoW is
going through the Caucasian upper-mountain birch and park-like forests of eastern oak (130).
The natural habitat is less degraded. Area is used for fuel-wood harvesting, for cattle grazing
under forest canopy and, in less extent, for hay-making.
The most northern part of the power line route, situated from Bursachili (pylon point # 162) to
Gudamakarsky Pass and after the pass running along the river Kvenamtistskali and, farther
along the Snostskali up to village Achkhoti (pylon point # 208) on the bank of the Tergi river, lies
within the Caucasian high-mountain landscape with combination of sub-alpine meadows, crookstem forest and bushes (137). All small plots of forest and bushes there are included in the
Kazbegi National park. The natural habitat is quite degraded. Area is used for cattle and sheep
grazing and for hay-making.
This landscape on upper reaches of slopes is surrounded with Caucasian high-mountain paleoglacial denudational landscape with alpine meadows and Rhododendron bush thickets (147);
The natural type of the vegetation at the planned sub-station at Achkhoti village and RoW of the
500 kV power line at the sub-station is a floodplain meadow with high grasses.
Fig.3. Map – Landscapes (ecosystems) of the Project area
19 - South-East Caucasian sub-Mediterranean (transitional to semi-humid) foothill landscapes
with shibliak and derivates of hornbeam-oak forest, partly with arid light forest, phrygana and
Bothriochloa steppes, in some places with badlands.
23 - Subtropical Semi-Arid East Georgian foothill landscapes with Bothriochloa steppes and
shibliak, in some places with meadow vegetation.
51 - Floodplain poplar-oak forest (tugai forest) and meadows
82 - South East Caucasian low-mountain landscapes with oriental hornbeam-oak, oak forests
and secondary dry scrublands (shibliak);
89 - South East Caucasian middle-mountain landscapes with beech forests alternating with
hornbeam-oak, partly with pine forests and secondary grasslands;
130 - Caucasian upper-mountain birch and park-like forests of eastern oak.
137 - Caucasian high-mountain landscapes with combination of sub-alpine meadows, crooked
forest and bushes;
139 - Caucasian high-mountain volcanic landscapes with sub-alpine meadows and steppemeadows;
147 - Caucasian high-mountain paleo-glacial denudational landscapes with alpine meadows
and Rhododendron bush thickets;
150 - High-mountain subnival landscapes with plant micro-communities, mosses and lichens
Red dots – the proposed pylon points, Dark red line – construction corridor, Red numbers –
numbers of pylon points (objects), Black numbers – landscape identifier.
24
Fig.3. Map of Landscapes (ecosystems) of the Project area
25
Animal complexes in the ecosystems
However we can accept here the simplified scheme, more appropriate from zoological
standpoint. Construction and operation will affect four different habitats containing specific
animal complexes and different environmental receptors - species, which a protected by law
and are sensitive to impact factors (drivers of change in terms of “Voluntary Guidelines on
Biodiversity-Inclusive Impact Assessment”, 2006) of construction and operation of the Dariali
HPP.
From zoogeographic standpoint and for the animal conservation purposes we can aggregate all
landscapes into three complexes.



Agriculture lands in Kura river depression, which are surrounded by shibliak and
derivates of phrygana and Bothriochloa steppes in open landscape (about 13 km)
between pylons point # 5 and the line connecting villages Lomovani and Tsikhevdavi
(pylon # 24). Natural habitats on this area are heavily degraded.
Forested area between line connecting Lomovani and Tsikhevdavi villages (pylon point #
24) till the Bursachili - (pylon point # 162). There are the oriental hornbeam-oak, oak
forests and secondary dry scrublands (shibliak) in lower part of this section, the middlemountain beech forest and hornbeam-oak forest and secondary grasslands in the middle
part of it, and a small site of upper-mountain birch and eastern oak forests in the upper
reaches of this section.
High-mountain landscape with combination of sub-alpine meadows, crook-stem forest
and bushes between pylon points # 162 and # 208. The natural habitat is quite
degraded. Area is used for cattle and sheep grazing and for hay-making.
Ecosystems impacted by Project
Agricultural lands in open landscapes are presented in the southern part of the project area.
There are orchards, arable/cultivated land, haymaking meadows and pastures. As rule such
areas does not support rich fauna. It should be noted that the towers of the transmission line are
often located not directly in the cultivated lands, but in the ecotone ecosystems located between
agrocoenosis and natural landscape. The diversity and density of animal species are quite high
in such ecosystems. The agricultural land represents habitats for several protected species. It's
noticeable that the transmission line crosses range distribution (and thus, probably, a few homeranges) of some threatened species, which are dwelling within Georgian territory mostly on
cultivated lands (E.g. Brandt's hamster - Mesocricetus brandti and Common Tortoise - Testudo
graeca).
Brandt's hamster lives in colonial mode of life. It is everywhere rare and very sensitive for
human impact species. Large part of local sub-population can be destroyed in case when during
construction a new tower will be placed on such colony.
Cultivated lands are feeding place for many animals, especially for birds - nesting in a forest
strips and the passengers on flyway. Here are established not diverse and numerous, but
constant animals complexes.
Of certain importance are wild animals complexes established on pastures and meadows, which
are being mown. Mainly these are connected with species complexes in the surrounding natural
landscapes, but have a reduced numbers of populations. Many protected species occur there.
Pastures and arable lands are important feeding place of bird-of-prey. Especially importance of
these for soaring raptor birds is increasing during the spring and autumn passages (migration)
as stop-over sites and place with plenty thermals, up-rising air currents, generated by sunheated land surface. Birds use all possible structures for perching (as roosts), thus the poles of
the transmission line will be constantly used by birds.
26
Forested area can be divided into two a little bit different parts:
Low-mountain forest
Low-mountain forest covers lower parts of the Project area south of pylon point # 67(342) at
Ananuri from the lower edge of middle mountain forest (long-boled deciduous forest) down to
the grasslands and arable lands on the plain in valley of Aragvi River till the pylon point #
24(409). The area is covered with oak and hornbeam-oak forest, secondary forest derivates and
shibliak and open areas with grasses. Fauna is quite degraded, because of the heavy
anthropogenic pressure. Numbers of species and populations are low. Here are fixed about 40
mammal species; 85-90 species of birds are nesting and migrating there, no more than 14
reptilian, and six amphibians are recorded there; About 12-14 of fish species are found in the
rivers.
Among protected by law species there are three mammals, one Endangered (Brown Bear Ursus arctos), and two Vulnerable species (Caucasian Squirrel - Sciurus anomalus, and Gray
Dwarf Hamster - Cricetulus migratorius); among birds - one Vulnerable bird species Black
Stork (Ciconia nigra); one Vulnerable reptile (Mediterranean Tortoise - Testudo graeca); one
Vulnerable fish species Golden Spined Loach (Sabanejewia aurata); and five Vulnerable
insects, among them Small Night Peacock Butterfly (Eudia pavonia), Scarlet Tiger (Callimorpha
dominula), Apollo (Parnassius apollo), Violet Carpenter bee (Xylocopa violaceae) and dragonfly
Dark Pincertail (Onychogomphus assimilis). Totally - 11 species.
Most sensitive to human presence and activity impact are: Brown Bear, lack Stork, and, in case
of poaching or water pollution - fish species in small streams.
Middle- and high-mountain forest
Middle-mountain forest complex covers slopes of the Greater Caucasus range from the upper
border of long-boled (full-grown) deciduous forest down to the lower frontier of forest vegetation,
or to upper border of the low-mountain forest. The area contains South East Caucasian middlemountain landscapes with beech forests alternating with hornbeam-oak, partly with pine forests
and secondary grasslands. Mountain forest have sustainable and certainly rich complex of
animals, with number of endemic to Caucasus species and species included in the Red Data
List of Georgia and number of sensitive to anthropogenic impact ecosystems and species. The
most vulnerable ecosystem is the beech forest.
Here are fixed 44 mammals and occurrence of five species are supposed (totally 49); 99
species of birds are nesting and migrating there, ten reptilian are recorded and few more
species of reptiles can be supposed here (totally about 15-16); six amphibians are dwelling
here. About 12 fish species are found in the rivers.
Among protected by law species there are 10 mammals, one of them are Critically Endangered
(Eurasian Lynx - Lynx lynx),
two species Endangered (Brown Bear - Ursus arctos and
Chamois - Rupicapra rupicapra), and two Vulnerable species (rodent Caucasian Squirrel Sciurus anomalus, and bat Western Barbastelle - Barbastella barbastellus); two Vulnerable
bird species (Black Stork - Ciconia nigra); one Vulnerable reptile (Dinnik’s Viper -Vipera dinniki);
one Vulnerable fish - Brook Trout (Salmo fario); and 9 insects, among them three Endangered
(Nordmann’s Apollo - Parnassius nordmanni, Death’s Head Sphinx - Manduca atropos and
Rosalia Longicorn - Rosalia alpina) and seven Vulnerable (Small Night Peacock Butterfly Eudia pavonia, Scarlet Tiger - Callimorpha dominula, Apollo - Parnassius apollo, Caucasian
Festoon - Anthocharis caucasica, and dragonfly Dark pincertail - Onychogomphus assimilis).
Totally - 16 species.
Most sensitive to human presence and activity impact are: Chamois, Black Stork, and, in case
of poaching or water pollution - Brook Trout
High-mountain sub-alpine meadows
The high-mountain sub-alpine meadows are covering upper part of the Greater Caucasus range
from the watershed till border with the Russian Federation on northern slope and from the
27
watershed down till the upper border of long-boled (full-grown) deciduous forest on the southern
slope. This complex is widespread in upper part of the Project area. The area contains subnival
habitats with rocks, screes, and plant micro-communities (mosses and lichens), Caucasian
alpine landscapes with alpine meadows and Rhododendron bush thickets, subalpine
landscapes with combination of meadows, tall-herb communities, elfin woods and thickets and,
mainly, on the northern macro-slope of the Greater Caucasus range (there rivers are flowing to
the north) - Caucasian upper-mountain landscapes with birch and pine forests. Actually, the
project area (the construction corridor of the Ksani-Stepantsminda Power line and Achkhoti substation) is occupied by sub-alpine meadows, the crooked forest and bushes are scattered
outside the construction corridor close to it.
Animals that occupy this area belong to Caucasian region of the Caucasian district of
Circumboreal sub-zone. This zone is characterized with high level of endemism and with
number of fragile ecosystems and sensitive species. The most vulnerable ecosystems are subalpine meadows, tall-herb communities, and elfin woods (crooked-stem forest). In the same
time, these landscapes are richest and the most important for a wellbeing of mountain fauna.
Here are fixed 18 mammals species and more four mammals are supposed (totally about 23
species); 31 bird species (both nesting and migrating); five reptilians are recorded and two are
suspected (totally – seven species), two amphibian and one fish.
Among protected by law species there are four mammals, two of them species Endangered
(Brown Bear - Ursus arctos and Chamois - Rupicapra rupicapra), and two species Vulnerable
(small rodents Long-Clawed Mole-Vole - Prometheomys schaposchnikovi and Grey Dwarf
Hamster - Cricetulus migratorius); seven birds – all Vulnerable – four large birds-of-prey
(Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos, Lammergeyer - Gypaetus barbatus, Eurasian Griffon - Gyps
fulvus, Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus), two small passerine species (White-winged
Redstart - Phoenicurus erythrogaster and, Great Rosefinch - Carpodacus rubicilla) one endemic
Caucasian Black Grouse - Tetrao mlokosiewiczi; one Vulnerable reptile - Dinnik’s Viper (Vipera
dinniki); one Vulnerable fish - Brook Trout (Salmo fario); and five insects, among them one
Endangered (Nordmann’s Apollo - Parnassius nordmanni) and four Vulnerable (Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula, Gruner’s Orange Tip - Anthocharis gruneri, Wurfleni Humble-bee Bombus alpigenus ( or B.wurflenii)). Totally - 17 species.
Most sensitive to human presence and activity impact are: Chamois, Lammergeyer, Caucasian
Black Grouse, Long-Clawed Mole-Vole and, in case of poaching or water pollution - Brook
Trout.
Two more ecosystems could be affected during the power line re-habilitation or construction.
These are the following:
River bank ecosystems, usually differing from surrounding landscapes by the higher humidity,
less developed soil layer, sometimes – the higher density of shelters, more developed bush
vegetation and less covered with agricultural landscapes. These ecosystems usually form
narrow belts along rivers up to several hundred meters wide. Generally, they are quite diverse in
regard of species composition of plants and animals. They are important for many species as
shelter and feeding place. Animal community of these ecosystems can be affected if large part
of the vegetation will be destroyed. The ecosystem can be affected in case of fuel leakage
during construction work.
Freshwater ecosystems. Attention must be paid to fish, association of amphibians and
invertebrate species. Such ecosystems are sensitive to the impact of the construction and
operation of chlorination. These ecosystems can be affected during construction work in case of
fuel leakages and turbidity increasing during work within floodplain of the river.
28
Shibliak scrubland
Middle-mountain forest
General Characteristics of Animal Species` Composition (according to Taxonomic
Groups)
Mammals.
108 species of mammals occur in Georgia. These species are associated in 64 genera of 28
families that belong to 7 orders. From this amount 4 species, probably, do not meet any more in
wild nature of Georgia. Seven species were acclimatized in Georgia or have penetrated after
acclimatization on adjacent territories (Bukhnikashvili, Kandaurov 1998, 2002; Gurielidze,
1997).
Within the study area (including Kazbegi National park a) are known ranges of distribution of
about 40 terrestrial mammal species. Among these mammalian species most are known from
published issues (Bukhnikashvili 2004, Shidlovsky 1976, Шидловский М.В., 2013, Janashvili
A., 1963). 20 species are recorded in results of authors field surveys in 2001-2013th years.
Seven species are named in locals interview, among them two species (otter and brown bear)
are confirmed by our observation during the field survey in August 2014. Taken into the
consideration the habitat features, the presence of more bat species can be expected.
The route of the Ksani-Stepantsminda power line runs trough the key-habitats of the
endangered mammals. Parts of populations or some individuals of the protected by law species
can be affected during construction and operation transmission line, as well as, in results of
vehicle accidents within the construction zone (the feeding strategy of some medium-sized
carnivore species, picking up dead animals from the road, leads in increased mortality).
All bats that occur in Georgia are included in the Appendix II of Bonn Convention and
protected under EUROBATS Agreement. Bats are extremely restricted in finding shelters
for breeding colonies. Suitable for the roosting shelters – trees hollows, caves and
abandoned buildings are of great importance for their wellbeing. Wintering and maternity
roost can be destroyed if some trees with hollows will be cut during the clearing works
(tree cutting before construction) in not proper time. In addition, a spill of a fuel in
stagnate water on the floodplain can destroy the food resource of the maternity colony,
which will substantially reduce number of young.
Evaluation of impacts, related with construction, require surveys of summer colonies (nursing
and maternal) and winter roosts of bats.
Presence of not less than 17 bat species is confirmed within the construction area. (The Atlas of
European Mammals, 1999; The Red List of Threatened Animals IUCN, 1994, 2003). On the
northern slopes of Greater Caucasus mountain range the presence of the 6 bat species is
29
confirmed by direct observation using Ultrasound bat detectors (Pettersson D 200) (Dr.
A.Bukhnikashvili, personal communication, 2014).
Some species of bats recorded in the project area are listed in the National Red Data List and
IUCN Red List as threatened (The Red List of Threatened Animals IUCN, 2003; Red Data List
of Georgia, 2006). Some of them are included in the Action Plans of Bat Conservation for
Caucasus and Georgia, as well (Kandaurov A. ed. 2008; Bukhnikashvili A., et al., 2008)
Most of recorded bat species are preferring shelters in buildings. The destroying of any old
buildings during construction is not planned, thus adverse impact on bats is unlikely. Moreover,
climate of the study area and bats behaviour during observations forces us to conclusion that
only summer associations of males are found within the construction area, and thus adverse
impact on maternal colony may be excluded.
In additional it should be noted that the Project area lies within the ranges of distribution of
some mammalian species, which are of certain community interest. There are game species
and species attractive for tourists. Among them are nine mammals, of middle and large size,
which are listed in the Table 1.
Table 1. Some mammal species occurring within the work area
IA – Impact Area Darial Pass; ES – sites extracted of National park; CS – Compensation sites;
OA – other areas of Kazbegi municipality
Wolf
მგელი
Status of
HM
presence
Resident y
Jackal
ტურა
Resident
2 Vulpes vulpes
Fox
მელა
Resident
y
y
3 Ursus arctos
Brown Bear
დათვი
Resident
y
y
4 Meles meles
Badger
მაჩვი
Resident
y
y
5 Martes foina
Stone Marten
კლდის კვერნა Resident
6 Capra
cylindricornis
7 Rupicapra
rupicapra
8 Lynx lynx
East-Caucasian
tur
Chamois
ჯიხვი
Resident
არჩვი
Resident
Lynx
ფოწხვერი
Resident
?
y
9 Lutra lutra
Common Otter
წავი
Resident
y
?
Latin name
1 Canis lupus
Canis aureus
English name
Georgian
name
FA
OL
y
y
y
?
y
?
y
Presence of five species is confirmed via direct observations and by tracks. Information on other
four species is obtained during interview of locals. Two most common species - fox (Vulpes
vulpes) and stone marten (Martes foina) are dwelling everywhere. Their presence is confirmed
by direct observations and footprints. Presence of the most attractive mammals: EastCaucasian tur (Capra cylindricornis) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) are known form
published issues and from interview with locals. Chamois is reported in scientific publications for
the whole Kazbegi municipality (Соколов В.В., Сыроечковский Е.Е. Ред. 1989) and reported
by locals for all subalpine meadows. The East-Caucasian tur is known for mountains that are
not far from the construction corridor, but not for the corridor itself, locals say. The wolf (Canis
lupus) is reported by locals, footprints of wolf seen at the village Juta in 2010. Tracks of the
badger (Meles meles) found at the village Juta in 2010. Faeces of the brown bear (Ursus arctos)
were seen within the construction corridor at the pylon point # 68(139). This specie is also not
30
reported in scientific papers for forested areas and subalpine meadows. According to locals,
bear occurs in Project area from pylon point # 67(342) to pylon point # 186(481).
The otter (Lutra lutra) is only species, connected in his lifestyle with river, and sensitive to
changes of water flow. Occurrence of the otter within the Kazbegi municipality as a whole is not
reflected in the scientific publications or collections (Бухникашвили А. И др., 2007). Tracks of
the otter were seen near village Sno during the field survey in 2014.
During field excursions and in result of an analysis of the published issues (literature data),
sites, which can be considered as those having an important significance from the mammals’
biodiversity preservation standpoint, should be defined within the impact area of the Project .
Birds.
There are approximately 400 bird species recorded for Georgian avifauna. (A. Abuladze,
personal communication, 2013, Boehme et al, 1987; Kutubidze, M., 1985, Zhordania R., 1979).
More than 220 of these species breed regularly or incidentally in Georgia, others appear in the
country during migrations or in wintertime.
Territory of Georgia is important to Western Palaearctic birds' migration. Diversity of the bird
species and numbers of each species greatly increase in spring and in autumn during seasonal
transit migrations and on lowlands in winter. The south-eastern coast of the Black Sea is one of
the most important sites of Western Palaearctic birds' migration. One of the migration routes is
going along the valley of the rivers Aragvi and Tergi. The Project area is used by a various
species of birds-of-prey and passerines as a stopover site on passage.
At least of 148 bird species were recorded in the region of the Project area. 24 bird species are
classified as year-round residents; 38 are migratory summer breeders. About 108 species are
recorded (regularly or irregularly) during seasonal migrations in spring and autumn, from which
at least 26 species are also recorded in study area during breeding season as breeders, and at
least 82 species were recorded only during passage. Winter avifauna is presented of yearround resident bird species and more than up to ten species winter visitors or occasional
visitors. About ten bird species are rare irregular in small numbers visitors to study area or
occasional elements (vagrants).
Avifauna of the impact zone of the Project is well studied. The scientific ornithological station of
the Institute of Zoology of Georgian Academy of Sciences operated in the town Stepantsminda
(Kazbegi) since 1975 till 1990 under leadership of Dr. A. Abuladze. Moreover, expeditions of the
Institute of Geography Academy of Sciences USSR investigated bird species composition and
ecology every year in 70 – 80-th years under leadership of Dr. T. Zimina and Dr. M. Zhuravlev
(Зимина Р., и др., 1988, 1990). Last census of the birds was carried out by Dr. A. Abuladze in
May of 2013. Dr. Abuladze kindly consulted authors of this report. According to him not less
than 142 species are direct observed within the study area in different years and seasons. Five
species are known from travel reports of birders and foreign ornithologists. These species are
as follows: Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Armenian Gull (Larus armenicus), Tawny Owl (Strix
aluco caucasica), Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra), and Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
only in forest.
For the impact assessment not only breeding bird species are of interest. Migrating species and
occasional visitors have enough space to avoid negative effect of the construction, but
accidents with pylons and wires, as well as electro caution are still a danger for migrating birds.
Number of birds breeding within the study area is not large.
The high mountain meadows in surroundings of Gudamakari (Bursachili) Pass, with top at the
2345 masl, covered with natural vegetation. Press of livestock grassing is relative low. Thus
avifauna of this area is rich. During number of ornithological excursions since 1988 year totally
31
21 species were recorded during breeding season. Noteworthy species, which are usually
nesting on elevations higher than 2500 masl, - Gueldenstaedt’s Redstart (Phoenicurus
erythrogaster) and Caucasian Great Rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla). Within the study area,
only here are known endemic Galliformes: Caucasian Snow Cock (Tetraogallus caucasicus),
Caucasian Black Grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi). The nests of the large birds-of-prey: Bearded
Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco
peregrinus) are expected to be found in this area. All of above noted species with exception of
Caucasian Snow Cock and Peregrine Falcon are listed in the Georgian National Red Data List
(2006) as threatened species. List of birds breeding in sub-alpine meadows includes, but is not
limited by following species: Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Bearded Vulture
(Gypaetus barbatus), Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus),
Caucasian Snow Cock (Tetraogallus caucasicus), Caucasian Black Grouse (Tetrao
mlokosiewiczi), Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta),
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), Black Redstart
(Phoenicurus ochruros), Gueldenstaedt’s Redstart (Phoenicurus erythrogaster), Winter Wren
(Troglodytes troglodytes), Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia), European Goldfinch (Carduelis
carduelis), Caucasian Great Rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla), White-winged Snowfinch
(Montifringilla nivalis), Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), Yellow-billed Chough
(Pyrrhocorax graculus), Common Raven (Corvus corax). Among these 21 species, 9 were
recorded during ornithological excursions in last years, and 12 species are known from
published issues and birder reports. Five of them are listed in the Georgian National Red Data
list. Totally 24 species are found on the all compensation sites.
The dominate group of breeding birds are forest and meadow passerine. Noteworthy is a fact
that surroundings of this area contains a breeding sites of Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
exactly above the impact area, feeding area of Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) and Common
Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).
Based on all available data and taking into account the viewpoint of bird conservation, it can be
concluded that breeding avifauna of the most southern section of the construction corridor with
open agricultural lands can be classified as a poor by breeding species and is presented in
general by common, widely distributed and numerous bird species.
Bird migration routes across project area
Bird migration and nomadic movements take place in Georgia during the whole year. However,
there are sharply seen two migratory periods – spring and autumn passage. The important
Euro-African and Euro-Asian migratory fly-ways of many bird species cross the territory of
Georgia. Not less than 215 species, or more than half of bird species of Georgia, are migratory
birds, which are absent in the winter. Not less than 230 species are regularly noted at the period
of seasonal migrations in the spring and autumn. Also, about 40 species are irregular migrants.
The fly-ways of migratory birds’ on the territory of Georgia are linked with natural “guiding” lines
– with the outlines of the Black Sea coast line, valleys of the large rivers (Inguri, Khobistskali,
Rioni, Mtkvari and with their tributary - Aragvi), mountain ranges, mainly with the Greater
Caucasus Chain and its spurs, and less with the Surami ridge and with ranges of the Lesser
Caucasus. There are known primary, secondary and additional flyways, as well as
concentration places of migratory flocks, so-called “migratory bottle-necks” and stop-over sites
(places of their stay for the resting). The “bottle-necks” are situated on the passes in mountains
(especially passes of the Great Caucasus including Cross pass) and in valleys of large rivers –
Mtkvari, Rioni, Aragvi, Tergi (Terek), Alazani, and in valleys of some tributaries of them. The
most important bottle-neck is located in south-western part of Kolkheti Lowland on the coastal
lowlands of Kolkheti and Adjara. The general flyway within the Project area lies along the Aragvi
and Tergi rivers. Number of the migrants varies noticeably from year to year. Unfortunately, the
available data, does not allow defining an exact number of the birds, which are flying during the
seasonal migrations through the Project area. The general fly-way within the project area is
going through the valleys of the rivers Aragvi, Baidara and Tergi, over the Project area.
32
Spring (second decade of March – first decade of May). General direction of the migration is
from the South to the North. There are using all suitable valleys of the rivers and the coast of
the Black Sea. One can see four waves of the birds’ migration on the territory of Georgia in the
spring - form the beginning of March till the middle of March, in second half of March, from the
first week of April till the third week of April, from the end of April till the second week of May.
Arrivals of the migrant birds, which are nesting in Georgia, continue from 5-10 May to 20-25
May, with peak between 10 and 20 May. The most important factors of intensification of spring
migration are the meteorological conditions on the plains of the North Caucasus and the
existence in Transcaucasia.
Autumn (September – end of October). General direction of the migration is from the North to
the South. The birds’ flocks cross the Main Caucasus Ridge through the passes in the gorges of
the main rivers and go down to the intermountain plains. They do not follow to the bends of
these riverbeds. The main part of the birds flies along the coastline of the Black Sea and above
the sea. Birds gather in large flocks in the Kolkheti/Colchic Lowlands. Autumn passage is longer
and more active than the spring passage. The first autumn migrants appear even at the
beginning of August. The autumn passage ends at the turn of November. There are shown
three waves of the autumn migration - at the beginning of September, from the second week of
September till the first week of October, at the end of October. The most numerous groups are
passerines (Passeriformes), waders (Charadriiformes), birds-o-prey (Falconiformes), geese
(Anseriformes). The cold snaps on Russia territory, as well as also weather conditions (direction
and force of winds, intensity and character of precipitation, height and density of the cloudiness)
in some regions of Georgia and in adjacent regions of Russia and Turkey influence the intensity
of the autumn passage.
Number of the migrants varies noticeably from year to year. Unfortunately, the available data,
does not allow defining an exact number of the birds, which are flying during the seasonal
migrations through the territory of the Project.
The power lines will affect the migratory birds, especially in the places where the wires are
situated across the direction of fly-way (e.g. were the wires are going across the river valleys).
One can consider the birds killing on transmission line and poles, because of electrocutions and
accidents, as one of the assumed (conjectural) residual impacts of the high-voltage power-line
(transmission line) on the animal biodiversity (Katherine H., 2004). Of course, the high-voltage
power line is not so much dangerous for birds like e.g. the power lines of medium voltage (1 kV
to 60 kV). But, still one can expect that certain number of electrocutions will have place. Group
of species most likely to be affected by electrocution includes Ciconiiformes, Falconiformes,
Strigiformes and Passeriformes (Bevanger K., 1998). Ciconiiformes – the white stork and black
stork are listed in the Red Data List of Georgia, as well as a number of raptors (Falconiformes).
Not only do power line poles pose a lethal threat to birds. Birds can be killed by colliding with
power lines or severely injured and thus die from the injuries. Birds that migrate at night are
especially threatened. Bird species which are characterized by rapid flight and the combination
of heavy body and short wings run a high risk of colliding with power lines, because of restricted
speed of reaction to unexpected obstacles. Among such birds most likely are Galliformes,
Gruiformes and Ciconiiformes (Bevanger K., 1998). Galliformes – quail (Coturnix coturnix) an
important game species in Georgia. Collisions with wires for this species are well-known. The
Dariali Pass is one of important flyway for two species of Gruiformes common crane (Grus grus)
and demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo). The common crane migrates through it even in
greater numbers than along the Black sea coastline (Dr. A. Abuladze, personal communication,
2013).
The additional field surveys and cameral work of an ornithologist is needed for more detailed
impact estimation (after the power line design will be finished).
33
Reptiles.
54 species of reptiles were ever recorded for Georgia (Bakradze & Chkhikvadze, 1992;
Tarkhnishvili et al., 2002). The major part of reptile species is restricted in their distribution in the
south-eastern part of Georgia, and can not be affected by the construction. About 17-22 species
of reptiles are recorded for the region. Eight species of reptiles are recorded for the upper
mountain part of the Project area. Two species are presumed to occur within the area of the
proposed Project: the Artvin Lizard (Darevskia derjugini) and the Daghestanian Rock Lizard
(Darevskia daghestanica) (Tarkhnishvili D., 2012). Fauna of reptiles contains number of species
which are endemic to Caucasus. There are one regional endemic of the Middle East that is
found only in the Caucasus and the northern part of the Asia Minor (Georgian or Spiny-Tailed
Lizard - Darevskia rudis) and two species - found exclusively in the Caucasus (Artwin Lizard Darevskia derjugini and Daghestanian Rock Lizard - Darevskia daghestanica). The rock lizards
are very much depended on specific places of dwelling - rocks rich with insects. Therefore, they
meet in a plenty on a few sites removed from each other. Destruction of such sites can strongly
reduce a population or even to threaten to population of some species in Georgia. It can
happen, during the construction, if rocks, on which they today live, will be blown up during the
construction.
Five of eight reptiles were catch during last three years by specialists of the Institute of Zoology,
of Ilia State University. Two species of rock lizards are found within the study area: Caucasian
Rock Lizard everywhere, in 2013, and Daghestanian Rock Lizard at the Sakhizari mountain on
the left –hand bank of the Snostskali river in 2010 (Bukhnikashvili A., et al., 2013,). The Ring
Snake (Natrix natrix) was seen on the river Tergi bank in 2013, as well as in many water bodies
along the construction corridor inn the Aragvi river basin in the broad sense (sensu lato).
Noteworthy is a venomous snake – the Dinnik’s Viper (Vipera dinniki), which was fixed in
vicinities of the impact area on northern slopes in 2010 and 2013-th years by professional
herpetologist David Bekoshvili (personal communication). The Dinnik’s Viper is one species of
reptilian found in the study area, which is listed in the National Red Data list. Some individuals
of this adder can be killed by workers or will be run over by a car. Personal of working crew
should be instructed to how they must deal with the snakes. Harm to snake population in the
Snostskali river valley will be insignificant in case of implementation of proper mitigation
measures.
The Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca) is included in the Red Data List of Georgia, also. It
occurs in southern part of the construction corridor. The Mediterranean tortoise is numerous in
the open grassy habitats. This species lay eggs in burrows on foothills and on slow slopes of
small hillocks of soil, which is excavated out of the channels and stored along the channels and
access roads. The negative impact could be only during the construction works - destroying of
places where the tortoises are laying eggs will reduce numbers of population in the region.
Amphibians.
There are 12 species of amphibians found in Georgia (Tarkhnishvili, 1995, 1996). Five species
of amphibians are noted for the Project area. Long-legged Wood Frog (Rana macrocnemis) is
found everywhere. Two species, Eurasian Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) and Green Toad
(Bufo viridis) are seen within the impact area in the water pools on the road and in the roadside
ditch. Two newt species, Northern Banded Newt (Ommatotriton ophryticus) and Southern
Crested Newt (Triturus karelinii) are noted for Kazbegi State Reserve by R. Zhordania
(Жордания Р., 1960) as vouchers in the Zoological Collection of the Georgian State Museum.
No other data, which confirms information on presence of these species within the study area,
were found by authors of this report.
There are 12 species of amphibians found in Georgia (Tarkhnishvili, 1995, 1996). About 8-9
species of amphibians are recorded for the Project area. Within the area of the proposed
Project there is not recorded amphibian species protected by Georgian legislation. Among
amphibians that are or can be found within the Construction area, two species are regional
endemic of the Middle East are found only in the Caucasus and the northern part of the Asia
Minor (Ommatotriton ophryticus, Rana macrocnemis). Certainly, species that belong to the later
two groups desire an especial attention from the conservation point of view. All amphibian
34
species are in need of stagnant, or of very slowly current, fresh water – pools and oxbows on
the flat floodplain and in the forest (e.g. on the forest roads).
Long-legged Wood Frog (Rana macrocnemis) is found everywhere. Two species, Eurasian
Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) and Green Toad (Bufo viridis) are seen within the impact
area in the water pools on the road and in the roadside ditch.
The presence of one more species - Caucasian Parsley Frog (Pelodytes caucasicus) can be
assumed according to their habitat preferences and maps on the web-site of Red Data List of
IUCN (http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/39422/0).
Among amphibians that are or can be found within the Construction area, two species Longlegged Wood Frog and Northern Banded Newt are regional endemic of the Caucasus and
northern part of Anatolia.
All amphibian species are in need of stagnant, or of very slowly current, freshwater bodies for
reproduction. Frogs and toads can breed in small pools, ditches on flat slopes, and in oxbows
on the floodplain. Places, suitable for the newts’ reproduction, are small lakes.
Fish
There are 25-26 species of fish in the Mktvari River basin within the Georgian borders. About
15 of them could be found in the Aragvi river within the impact zone of construction. Among
them are six endemic species of the River Mktvari basin Kura nase (Chondrostoma cyri), Kura
gudgeon (Romanogobio persus), Mursa (Barbus mursa), Blackbrow bleak (Acanthalburnus
microlepis), Kura stone loach (Barbatula brandti), Kura bleak (Alburnus filippi) and one endemic
subspecies of Bulatmai barbel (Barbus capito)O. Six species are used for fishery, some of
them are important for a subsistence fishery e.g. barbel species (Barbus spp.), as well as
Khramulya (Capoeta capoeta). These species, plus Kura barbel (Barbus lacerta cyri) and chub
(Leuciscus cephalus orientalis), are found in high densities in downstream of the Aragvi river
(near Mtskheta town). The latter two have been found their spawning grounds to the west of
Mtskheta in Mtkvari River and to the north in the Aragvi River.
Impact of construction will be in increasing water turbidity and in the drying out of the riverbed
sites during spawning season. Which species and in which numbers spawns within the zone of
impact of construction is unknown and needs involving of the ichthyologist in the preconstruction surveys.
About 33 species of freshwater and anadromous fish are known in the scientific literature from
the whole basin of the Terek River (or Tergi River in Georgian part). Larger part of species
inhabits the lower parts of the river basin with slow flow velocity, and sand and clay bottom of
the river. Up to ten species are recorded for upper reaches of the Tergi river within the borders
of the Russia: Brown trout (Salmo trutta), Terek Barbel (Barbus ciscaucasicus), North
Caucasian longbarbel gudgeon (Romanogobio ciscaucasicus), Caucasian Chub (Leuciscus
cephalus orientalis), Terek nase (Chondrostoma oxyrhynchum), North Caucasian bleak
(Alburnus
hohenackeri),
Schneider
(Alburnoides
bipunctatus),
Krynicki's
loach
(Oxynoemacheilus merga), Ciscaucasian spined loach (Sabanejewia caucasica). Among them
Only five species are recorded for upper reaches of the Tergi river and its tributaries within the
borders of Georgia: Brown trout (Salmo trutta), Terek Barbel (Barbus ciscaucasicus), Caucasian
Chub (Leuciscus cephalus orientalis), Schneider (Alburnoides bipunctatus), and Krynicki's loach
(Oxynoemacheilus merga).
Brown trout was seen during the field visits of ichthyologist in 2013th year at the village Sno. The
Terek Barbel and Schneider were caught by the ichthyologist Dr. T. Kokosadze during the field
survey in the same area in 2006Th year (personal communication, 2013). The Caucasian Chub
noted in the published issues and can be expected due to habitat preferences and presence of
the Schneider. The upper edge of the Chub distribution range is some above of the lower edge
of the trout distribution edge (Эланидзе Р., 1983). The Krynicki's loach is noted in the work of
Ninua N., Japoshvili B., 2008, as Barbatula barbatulus caucasicus Berg, 1899 (in accordance
35
with Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), [see
Encyclopedia of Life
http://eol.org/pages/220230/names], and referred, as a species living on the Georgian territory,
on the map on the IUCN Red Data List site (http://maps.iucnredlist.org/map.html?id=135495).
Though, occurrence of this species in the impact area of the Project (in the river Tergi is
doubtful while in collections are not evidences of it presence here, and because of the velocity
of flow on this site of the river, and habitat preferences of the species.
Terek Barbel (Barbus ciscaucasicus) - occurs in clear, fast and cold rivers. It feeds on benthos
and periphyton (freshwater algae) on stones. This species spawns in May - August.
Schneider (Alburnoides bipunctatus) - occurs in the lower sections of the mountain sites of river
with relative slow flow velocity. It feeds on benthos, plankton and periphyton on stones. This
species spawns in May – August. This species is listed in the Appendix III of the Bern
Convention.
Caucasian Chub (Leuciscus cephalus orientalis) – occurs in the lower sections of mountain
rivers, prefers relative warm water and slow flow velocity. It feeds on with benthos, plankton and
partly on periphyton. This species spawns in April – July.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario) occurs in mountain rivers in cold and clear water. It feeds on
rheophilic forms of benthic organisms. The non-migratory form of the trout spawns since
October till March. The migratory form attends spawning grounds in the same time with peak of
spawning in October-November.
Brown trout is only fish species which forms more or less valuable population within the impact
area in the river Snostskali, and has some significance for local population as a subject of
poaching. This species is listed in the Red Data list of Georgia as Vulnerable, thus destroying
of its habitat and fishing are prohibited by law.
Invertebrates.
Thousands of invertebrates species occurs in Georgia and most of them are very poorly studied
(Foster-Turley P., Gokhelashvili R., 2009). Invertebrates, and in particular insects, a new group,
which is included in the EIA process in last decades. Nine invertebrate species, occurring in
Georgia, are listed as threatened - Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable in the 2008
IUCN Red Data Book. 43 species of invertebrates are listed in the Georgian National Red Data
list (2006). Conservation status of the most of other species can be characterized as DD (Data
deficient), except narrow-ranged forms, which are a priori threatened. There is only fragmentary
bibliography on spatial distribution of most of them in the region under consideration. In
Georgia, we have not State Register of fauna, as an officially accepted document for the use in
the EIA. Such document is prepared only for Adjara - the Register of the Fauna of Adjara
(Bukhnikashvili A., ed., 2011). That is obstacle to consider the wholly spectrum of invertebrates
in this report.
Valery Petrov, entomologist of Georgian State Museum, carried two field surveys in the valley of
the Tergi river in it lower part on the Georgian territory, at the river Khdistskali (Kistinka) mouth,
in 14-20 May 2013 and in 4-8 June 2013. He had counted about 40 species of Butterflies
(Lepidoptera), four bumblebees (Apoidea, Bombini) and one bee species (Apoidea, Halictodae),
one species of Neuroptera, four beetles (Coleoptera), one Cicada (Cicadoidea) and two
mollusks. About 135 species of bees and bumblebee (Apoidea) and up to 105 species of
beetles (Coleoptera) are noted in the scientific publications as found in the Kazbegi municipality.
Four species of the insects fixed on the northern slopes of the Caucasus mountain range are
listed in the National Red Data list of Georgia.
36
It is expected that invertebrate species hardly could be affected by the construction of the any
power line on a population level or on a species level, because of very limited area of habitat
destroying in results of construction. There are not large areas of the key-habitats of the
endangered invertebrates within the Project area. Thus the Project can not be considered as
one which will have significant adverse impact on these species. That’s why we do not describe
here invertebrate species occurring within the area of interests. Invertebrate species listed in the
Red Data List of Georgia will be noted below.
Endemics to Caucasus within the project area
The Caucasus has high concentration of endemic species, exceeding those in the vast majority
of non-tropical regions. The total number of regional endemic species varies between 20-30%
for fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals (Badridze J. et al, 1996) and is possibly even higher
for some groups of invertebrates. Largely, this is explained by presence of Pliocene forest
refugia in the western Caucasus, where many species currently absent from the rest of the
Planet survived both sharp decrease of humidity 5 millions of years before present and the Ice
Age (Tarkhnishvili, 1996; Tarkhnishvili et al., 2000, 2001). 21 vertebrate taxa, considered
endemic to the Caucasus, are listed in the IUCN Red Data List under categories DD, LR(nt),
VU, EN, and CR. Those include eight mammals, one bird, ten reptiles, and two amphibians.
There are at least five mammals, one bird, 17 reptiles, 18 fish and hundreds of invertebrates
(insects, snails, crustaceans) endemic to the Caucasus but not included in either national or
international Red Lists. For instance, some of the sixteen narrow ranged lizards of genus
Darevskia, several unisexual taxa among them, have the area of occupancy so little that they
obviously fall under the IUCN Red List criteria but little attention is paid to the conservation of
these species.
Within the territory of Georgia the region of the Western Lesser Caucasus, with its extremely
high humidity level and landscapes, has the highest diversity of forest plants and animals
throughout the South Caucasus and harbors a high proportion of the regional endemics,
including Pliocene relict species (nearly 50% of the vertebrate species endemic to the
Caucasus). Another area which is reach with endemic to Caucasus species is sub-alpine and
alpine belts of the Greater Caucasus.
The power line construction corridor is situated outside of the Western Lesser Caucasus, but
partly lies in the sub-alpine belt of the Greater Caucasus. Within the Impact Area of the project,
one can find among mammals – endemic to Caucasus species: Caucasian Mole (Talpa
caucasica), Robert's Snow Vole (Chionomys roberti), Caucasian Snow Vole (Chionomys gud),
East Caucasian Tur (Capra cylindricornis) and two endemic bird species Caucasian Grouse
(Tetrao mlokosiewiczi), Caucasian Snow Cock (Tetraogallus caucasicus) and one endemic
subspecies Caucasian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita lorenzii). Among reptiles there are one
regional endemic of the Middle East that is found only in the Caucasus and the northern part of
the Asia Minor - Georgian or Spiny-Tailed Lizard (Darevskia rudis). Three species are regional
endemic found exclusively in the Caucasus – the Caucasian Rock Lizard (Darevskia
caucasica), Daghestanian Rock Lizard (Darevskia daghestanica), and Derjugin’s Lizard
(Darevskia derjugini). One reptilian species the Dinnik’s Viper (Vipera dinniki) is strictly endemic
to the Great Caucasus mountain chain. Among the amphibian species one can see two regional
endemic species of the Middle East are found only in the Caucasus and the northern part of the
Asia Minor: Northern Banded Newt (Ommatotriton ophryticus) and Caucasian Wood Frog (Rana
macrocnemis). Certainly, such species desire an especial attention from the conservation point
of view. As it is shown above no one of the endemic species will be negatively affected (on
species or population level) during construction and operation of the power line.
Red Data List of Georgia.
46 species, listed in the National Red Data list, are recorded within the Project Area. According
to Criteria of Georgian Red List out of 11 mammals - eight species are Vulnerable (VU), two
Endangered (EN) and one Critical Endangered (CR); among 18 bird species two are Critical
37
Endangered, three species - Endangered and 13 are Vulnerable; three reptile species are
Vulnerable; two fish species - Vulnerable; 12 invertebrate species are Vulnerable.
Among all the NRDL species, 38 have their home-ranges within the territory under
consideration, eight species are regular migrants through the area. For details see Table
below.
Presumably, lynx is a rare visitors in the Project area and it is unlikely that it will be suffering due
to construction or operation of the transmission line. Bats protected under Bonn Convention,
can be suffered if some roosts will be destroyed during renovation of the bridges and other old
buildings. Operation of the power line will not have any impact on bats populations.
The project area is of importance for one-two redlisted bird species. One of them
Tengmalm's Owl can be considered as a potential breeder within this area, and two
species are regular migrants during passage (Black Stork and Egyptian Vulture). All
other are rare passage migrants, visitors or even rare visitors during autumn or spring
migration or in winter. For many others not protected by law birds this area is a flyway
and stop-over site during passage. The Aragvi River valley is of importance for migrating
birds, especially during worse weather conditions on Russian part of Caucasus in the
winter, when large amount of birds find there flyway, shelter and feeding ground.
Fortunately, it could be excluded that within the area of pylons and substation
construction will fall nest of any raptor bird, which should be protected from disturbance.
The sub-alpine meadows are of importance for five bird species included in the National
Red Data list, which have nests on this site. These species are as follows: Bearded
Vulture, Griffon vulture, Caucasian black grouse, Gueldenstaedt’s redstart, Caucasian
Great Rosefinch. Eight other protected by law species use the mountain as a stop-over
site during migration. Surroundings of this area contain a foraging area of year-round
visitor species - Golden Eagle.
One of reptiles, included in the NRDL, the venomous snake – the Dinnik’s Viper (Vipera
dinniki) is found within the impact area. Personal of working crew should be instructed to
how they must deal with the snakes. Harm to snake population will be insignificant in
case of implementation of proper mitigation measures. Distribution of this species on the
lands of the Kazbegi National park is in need of investigation. No amphibian species
listed in the National Red Data list occur within area under consideration.
12 species of the insects fixed on the study area are listed in the National Red Data list of
Georgia (Didmanidze E., 2005, Skhirtladze I., 2008). It is expected that invertebrate species
hardly could be affected by the construction of the power line on a population level or on a
species level, because of very limited area of habitat destroying in results of construction. There
are not large areas of the key-habitats of the endangered invertebrates within the Project area.
It seems that the Project can not be considered as one which will have significant adverse
impact on these species.
38
Table Animal species, included in the Red Data List of Georgia (2006), which are occurring within the impact area of the Project.
NRDL categories: VU – Vulnerable, EN – Endangered; CR – Critical Endangered;
Latin name/ ლათინური
დასახელება
Georgian name/ ქართული
დასახელება
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
ძუძუმწოვრები
ევროპული მაჩქათელა
კავკასიური ციყვი
ყაზბეგის თაგვანა
ნაცრისფერი ზაზუნელა
ამიერკავკასიური ზაზუნა
პრომეთეს მემინდვრია
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
ფოცხვერი
წავი
მურა დათვი
დაღესტნური ჯიხვი
არჩვი
ფრინველები
ყარყატი
ლაკლაკი
თეთრკუდა ფსოვი
ველის კაკაჩა
ბექობის არწივი
მთის არწივი
ფასკუნჯი
ბატკანძერი
სვავი
ორბი
გავაზი
წითელთავა შავარდენი
მცირე კირკიტა
Barbastella barbastellus
Sciurus anomalus
Sicista kazbegica
Cricetulus migratorius
Mesocricetus brandti
Prometheomys
schaposchnikovi
7. Lynx lynx
8. Lutra lutra
9. Ursus arctos
10. Capra cylindricornis
11. Rupicapra rupicapra
Ciconia nigra
Ciconia ciconia
Haliaeetus albicilla
Buteo rufinus
Aquila heliaca
Aquila chrysaetos
Neophron percnopterus
Gypaetus barbatus
Aegypius monachus
Gyps fulvus
Falco cherrug
Falco biarmicus
Falco naumanni
English
name/ინგლისური
დასახება
Western Barbastelle
Caucasian Squirrel
Grey Dwarf Hamster
Brandt's Hamster
Georgian
RDL
category
/დაცულო
ბის
სტატუსი
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
Eurasian Lynx
Eurasian Otter
Brown Bear
East Caucasian Tur
Chamois
CR
VU
EN
VU
EN
Black Stork
White Stork
White-tailed Eagle
Long-legged Buzzard
Imperial Eagle
Golden Eagle
Egyptian Vulture
Lammergeier
Cinereous Vulture
Eurasian Griffon
Saker Falcon
Lanner
Lesser Kestrel
VU
VU
EN
VU
VU
VU
VU
VU
EN
VU
CR
VU
CR
High
mountai
n
Forest
Open
grassl
ands
/agric
ultural
lands
+
+
+
?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
39
Latin name/ ლათინური
დასახელება
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Aegolius funereus
Tetrao mlokosiewiczi
Grus grus
Phoenicurus erythrogaster
Carpodacus rubicilla
1.
2.
3.
Testudo graeca
Eirenis collaris
Vipera dinniki
1.
2.
Salmo fario
Sabanejewia aurata
1.
Eudia pavonia
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Manduca atropos
Callimorpha dominula
Parnassius apollo
Parnassius nordmanni
Polyommatus daphnis
Zygaena fraxini
Bombus alpigenus (B.wurflenii)
9. Bombus persicus
10. Xylocopa violacea
11. Rosalia alpina
12. Onychogomphus assimilis
Caucasian Black Grouse
Common Crane
White-winged Redstart
Great Rosefinch
Georgian
RDL
category
/დაცულო
ბის
სტატუსი
VU
VU
EN
VU
VU
Mediterranean Tortoise
Collared Dwarf Snake
Dinnik’s Viper
VU
VU
VU
Brook Trout
Golden Spined Loach
VU
VU
VU
სფინქსი მკვდართავა
დათუნელა ჰერა
აპოლონი
კავკასიური აპოლონი
ცისფერა მელეაგრი
იფნის ჭრელურა
ალპური ბაზი
Small Night Peacock
Butterfly
Death’s Head Sphinx
Scarlet Tiger Moth
Apollo
Nordmann’s Apollo
Meleager’s Blue
Ash Burnet
Wurfleni Humble-bee
ირანული ბაზი
იისფერი ქსილოკოპა
ალპური ხარაბუზა
მსგავსი ნემსიყლაპია
Persian Humble-bee
Violet Carpenter bee
Rosalia Longicorn
Dark pincertail
VU
VU
EN
VU
Georgian name/ ქართული
დასახელება
ჭოტი
კავკასიური როჭო
რუხი წერო
წითელმუცელა ბოლოცეცხლა
დიდი კოჭობა
ქვეწარმავლები
ხმელთაშუაზღვეთის კუ
საყელოიანი ეირენისი
დინიკის გველგესლა
ძვლოვანი თევზები
მდინარის / ტბის კალმახი
წინააზიური გველანა
მწერები
ღამის მცირე ფარშევანგთვალა
English
name/ინგლისური
დასახება
EN
VU
VU
EN
VU
VU
VU
High
mountai
n
Forest
Open
grassl
ands
/agric
ultural
lands
+
+
+
+
+
?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
40
Protected Areas
The Georgian Law "On the Protected Areas System" (7 March 1996), determines following
categories for protected areas: State Nature Reserve, National Park, Natural Monument,
Managed Nature Reserve, Protected Landscape, Multiply Use Protected Area, and protected
areas included in international network - Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage Unit, Wetland of
International Importance.
The project area is situated in close proximity of the Kazbegi National park, status of which is
equal to status of the protected area of II category according to IUCN Protected areas
categories. The territory of the park is fragmented in its part located within the ravine of the r.
Snostskali and r.Juta. The upper section of the transmission line, as it is planned now, passess
between these small separate fragments of the Kazbegi National Park. Precise route refining
should be carried out together with the engineering team to ensure that all fragments of the
National Park are avoided, if this is technically possible. At this stage, according to the provided
drawings, preliminary location of three towers (454; 463 and 469) may overlap with the borders
of the Kazbegi National Park ( see maps below).
Kazbegi National Park is located on the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountain Chain. The
territory of Kazbegi Protected Areas is fragmented. More than 105 plots of different size and
shapes, with a total area of 8707 hectares, are situated on elevations above 1400 masl. The
main aim of the protected area is to protect biodiversity and landscapes of high mountains in
Central Caucasus. Administration of Kazbegi National Park manages the following territories:
Kazbegi National Park - 8686.6 ha, with former Kazbegi Strict State Reserve as a core, Nature
Monument of Sakhizari Cliffs - 335,7 ha, Nature Monument of the Abano Mineral Lake - 0,04 ha
and
Nature
Monument
of
the
Truso
Travertine
4,2
ha
(http://www.apa.gov.ge/index.php?site-id=39&page=4&id=1).
The Kazbegi National park was established according to the “Law about the status of protected
area (ს ა ქ ა რთვ ე ლოს კ ა ნ ონ ი "და ც ული ტე რი ტორი ე ბ ი ს ს ტა ტუს ი ს შ ე ს ა ხ ე ბ )”
#5486-l, issued by Parliament of Georgia 22 November 2007. Changes in size and boundaries
were approved by the in law of Parliament of Georgia #5853, of 28 March 2012. In this Law it
was amendment about the increasing area and establishment of above noted Natural
Monuments.
41
Fig.4. Map of Kazbegi National park – green polygons, compensation sites – red polygons
42
Fig.5. Enlarged Map of Kazbegi National park – green polygons, compensation sites – red polygons
43
5. Summary of Baseline Information on Social Environment
5.1. General Socio-Economical Information on Project Area
5.1.1. Affected Municipalities
Mtskheta Municipality
Mtskheta Municipality is the self-governing unit, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.
Mtskheta Municipality consists of 24 administrative-territorial units: 1 town - Mtskheta and 16
village unions - Tsilkani, Aghdgomliantkari, Zakaro, Galavani, Bitsmendi, Navdaraantkari,
Mskhaldidi, Lisi, Dzegvi, Nichbisi, Mukhrani, Saguramo, Natakhtari, Chardakhi, Ksovrisi,
Tskhvarichamia. 7 separate villages - Ksani, Vaziani, Misakcieli, Dzalisi, Tsikhisdziri, Tserovani,
Kanda.





Population (total) - 64,829
Population according to gender: female - 34,020; male - 31,228
Population according to residence: urban - 13,178; rural - 52,070
Population according to ethnicity: Georgian - 58,808; Azeri - 2,236; Ossetian - 1,464;
Russian - 583; Armenian - 427; Greek - 129; Ukrainian - 113; Yezidi - 94; Abkhaz - 20;
Kist - 1
Size of the territory - 805 km2
Dusheti Municipality
Dusheti Municipality is the self-governing unit, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. Dusheti
Municipality borders with Russian Federation on the north, Kazbegi Municipality on the northwest, Akhalgori Municipality (which falls under the Occupied Territories) on the west, Kaspi
Municipality on the south-west, Mtskheta Municipality on the south, Tianeti Municipality and
Akhmeta Municipality on the east.
Dusheti Municipality consists of 18 administrative-territorial units: 1 town - Dusheti and 1 urban
settlement - Zhinvali. 17 village unions - Pasanauri, Ananuri, Bazaleti, Gremiskhevi,
Gudamakari, Lapanaantkari, Magharoskari, Mchadijvari, Ukanapshavi, Kvesheti, Shatili, Chartli,
Chonkadze, Choporti, Khevsureti, Kheoba, Barisakho





Population (total) - 33,636
Population according to gender: female - 17,562; male - 16,169
Population according to residence: urban - 10,923; rural - 22,808
Population according to ethnicity: Georgian - 32,229; Ossetian - 1,167; Russian - 103;
Armenian - 43; Abkhaz - 31; Greek - 19; Ukrainian - 18; Azeri - 5; Kist - 3
Size of the territory - 2,982 km2
Kazbegi Municipality
Kazbegi Municipality is the self-governing unit, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. Kazbegi
Municipality borders with Russian Federation on the north, Java Municipality (which falls under
the Occupied Territories) on the west, Akhalgori Municipality (which falls under the Occupied
Territories) on the south and Dusheti Municipality on the south and south-east.
44
Kazbegi Municipality consists of 6 administrative-territorial units: 1 urban settlement Stepantsminda and 5 village unions - Goristsikhe, Gudauri, Kobi, Sioni, Sno.





Population (total) - 5,261
Population according to gender: female - 2,680; male - 2,584
Population according to residence: urban - 1,786; rural - 3,478
Population according to ethnicity: Georgian - 5,142; Ossetian - 89; Russian - 14;
Armenian - 5; Ukrainian - 5; Azeri - 1; Kist - 1
Size of the territory - 1,082 km2
5.2 Cultural Heritage
14 Objects of the archaeological interest have been identified along the OHL route during the
preliminary studies (100m width corridor):
1. Archaeological object No 1; Km 10 (Remnant of ancient settlement)
2. Archaeological object No 2; Km 10 (Remnant of ancient settlement)
3. Archaeological object No 3; Km 12- Presumably, part of the Dzalisa Settlement (late antique
and the Early Middle Ages Settlement)
4. Archaeological object No 4; Km 20 - Remnants of the old church (Midle Ages)
5. Aboveground Object No 5; Km 30 – old cemetery (late XIX – early XX century)
6. Object No 6; Km 34 – current village cemetery and new church
7. Archaeological object No 7; Km 42 (Remnant of ancient settlement)
8. Object No 8; Km 47 – cemetery of XVIII – XIX centuries
9. Object No 9; Km 71 – remnants of the Tsutsukunauri old settlment
10. Object No 10; Km 71 – cemetery (XX century)
11. Object No 11; Km 71 – remnants of monument at the cemetary
12. Object No 12; Km 85 – old retaining wall
13. Object No 13; Km 89.8 – cemetery of v. Karkucha
14. Object No 14; Km 90.2 - v. Karkucha
45
6. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Strategies
Description of anticipated environmental and social impacts and proposed strategy for mitigation
is given in accordance with the project phasing: impacts related to design, construction and
operation phases are presented separately.
Environmental and Social Impacts – Design and Pre-construction Phase
Under this headline we consider the environmental and socio-economic impacts that are taking
roots in Design stage engineering solutions and planning quality. This mainly comprises
decisions on principle alternatives (site/route selection and facility layouts; capacity of
substations and transmission lines; etc.), technical specifications of facilities (e.g. those affecting
the size of substation and towers and hence - the size of project footprint), as well as siteselection and design of ancillary facilities (access roads, camps, dumping sites; borrow pits) and
protective engineering structures (anti-erosion and slope stabilization design; revetments for
bank protection etc.). Design decisions related to major facilities and permanent access roads
have long-term impact. Impacts related to temporary access roads used only for construction
needs, as well as camps, construction waste storage sites, are mostly temporary but could be
severe (in case of protected areas or other sensitive receptors). In different cases, design of
slope stabilization and bank protective structures may have limited significance for construction
period or long-term impact for operation period as well.
Properly designed Resettlement Action Plan, Community Liaison Plan and Environmental and
Social Action Plan (including Emergency Response Procedures) is important in terms of
minimizing adverse environmental and social impacts.
Environmental and Social Impacts – Construction Phase
Transmission line and substation construction related impacts are not so much specific and
reflect typical impacts generally observed during large scale industrial constructions. Mostly
these impacts are related to land clearance, earthworks, temporary draining activities in wetland
areas, transportation of materials. Usually, adherence to common good construction practices is
sufficient for minimizing impacts. For sensitive environmental sites the magnitude of impacts
and consequences may be high and certain specific protective or offset measures could be
required. Generally, adverse social impacts of construction activities are related to disturbances
caused by noise, emissions, disruption of traffic patterns and limitation of access to sites, traffic
safety etc. There is potential risk of unsanctioned temporary land take for spoil and waste
storage, competition for limited water resources, other conflict situations that should be
managed by proper community liaison mechanisms. Beneficial social impacts for the local
communities could be associated with some additional employment opportunities.
Environmental and Social Impacts – Operation Phase
Transmission line and substation operations are related to certain specific environmental and
social impacts: avian collisions and electrocutions causing loss of bird species, impact of
Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF) on workers and communities, community and occupational
health and safety risks associated with accidents, emergencies, risks of electrocution, risk of
fire. Less specific impacts are related to maintenance activities: Noise and fugitive dust and
vehicles’ emissions from maintenance visits, waste generation, pollution related to fuelling
operations and storage of fuel, lubricants and other chemicals.
46
Environmental and Social Impacts – Design and Pre-construction Phase
Project Activities
1
Design
of
substations,
towers, permanent
access roads;
Design
of
temporary facilities
(ancillary facilities
and
protective
structures)
1.1
Potential Impact
Expected Magnitude
Character of
Impact
Mitigation Strategy
1. In sensitive areas impact is
anticipated to be high for both permanent
and
temporary
facilities;
1. Permanent
and
irreversible in
case
of
permanent
facilities;
Proper site/route selection and design
of major facilities, camps, access
roads, as well as site selection for
borrow pits and construction waste
dumping sites, is important in terms of
minimizing the project footprint,
disfiguring and degradation of natural
landscapes; Within the areas of low
sensitivity the magnitude of impacts is
expected to be low or moderate and
could be minimized to low by further
mitigation measures.
Site specific considerations related
to the “project footprint” and
physical
existence
of
the
transmission line and substations, as
well as access roads, dumping sites,
borrow pits, camps :
Disruption and degradation of natural
landscape. Under this item we do not
mean only visual and aesthetic aspects,
but a complex of adverse local impacts
that are usually understood under the
term "footprint" and include changes of
relief, soil cover, vegetation, natural
terrestrial and aquatic habitats and
ecosystems.
Impact
related
with
permanent
occupation of land at substation sites,
towers and other major facilities and/or
temporary land take for ancillary
facilities.
Receptors:
Landscape,
natural
habitats,
ecosystems
Floral communities and individuals;
Terrestrial and aquatic fauna
2. In areas of medium sensitivity
the magnitude of impacts may
vary from moderate to high for
permanent facilities and from
moderate to low (in case of
proper mitigation) for temporary
facilities;
3. In areas of low sensitivity the
impacts may vary from moderate
to low for permanent installations
and mostly are expected to be
low or very low (in case of proper
mitigation) for temporary facilities;
2. Temporary
(short-term or
long-term)
and
mostly
reversible in
case
of
temporary
facilities;
Develop and implement pre-entry
survey plan for identification of
protected and endangered floral
communities and individuals and nests
of birds and animal dens at the
construction sites;
Site specific design of reinstatement
and landscaping plans, to be applied
after
demolition
of
temporary
structures or at the affected sites
adjacent to the permanent facilities, is
necessary measure for minimizing
47
residual
adverse
landscapes.
1.2
Protected Areas and sites of special
importance; (e.g. Kazbegi National
Park)
In sensitive areas impact is
anticipated to be high for both permanent
and
temporary
facilities;
1. Permanent
and
irreversible in
case
of
permanent
facilities;
2. Temporary
(short-term or
long-term)
and
mostly
reversible in
case
of
temporary
facilities
1.3
Fragmentation of natural habitats
related to physical existence of the
transmission line
1.4
Destruction archaeological artefacts and
sites of archaeology and cultural
significance; destruction of cemeteries,
religious objects and other sites of
This type impact is mostly low
and very low and could be of
moderate magnitude only in case
of sensitive forest habitats. The
habitat fragmentation impact is
not high even in forest, so far as
the width of the RoW and related
land clearance is limited to 7590m and in general do not create
any real barriers for animal
migration.
There are no aboveground
monuments
or
known
archaeological sites in close
vicinity of the designed facilities.
Permanent
and
irreversible
Permanent
and
irreversible
impacts
on
Offset eco-compensation programs
(habitat
for
habitat
restoration;
replanting
or
conservation
of
endangered species)
There are special zones (e.g.
Protected
areas,
airports
etc.)
determined by Georgian legislation
and international standards, where
construction of the planned facilities is
prohibited or limited and requires
special consent of the Government.
Restriction zones and terms of
restriction should be identified at the
early stages of project planning. All
affords should be made to avoid
Protected areas and other restricted
zones. If this is not possible,
appropriate inter-sectoral discussions
between the major stakeholders
should be initiated to find feasible and
acceptable solution.
Impact of transmission lines in terms of
habitat fragmentation is not as much
severe as in case of roads and
pipelines.
However,
rout
for
transmission lines should be selected
in a way to avoid or at least minimize
natural habitat fragmentation risks.
Preliminary studies at the design stage
and avoidance sites of archaeological
interest, monuments and other sites of
cultural significance is important
48
cultural significance;
1.5
element of project planning aimed on
prevention of irreversible damage of
cultural heritage
Temporary land take for construction
camps, temporary access roads,
construction waste storage sites;
However, it is difficult to predict
severity of the project impact on
archaeological sites, because of
lack of archaeological research
data for the project area. Under
the historical context, the sites
designated for construction of
permanent facilities (substations,
towers, camps, borrow pits and
quarries, dumping sites) should
be considered as potentially
sensitive sites.
Currently, all the land in Georgia
is either State owned or private
(no community owned land plots
or state land plots leased to
private persons are available any
more). Therefore, the landuse
impacts could be subdivided on
impacts on private land and
impacts on State lands.
Restriction of use of the land for
residential needs, limitation of certain
types of activities, loss of trees within
the RoW (restriction zone) of the
transmission line;
Impact on private land is either
moderate or severe (in case if
more than 10% of the household
income is affected by the project
related land acquisition).
In case of unavoidable acquisition of
private land plots, develop and
implement Resettlement Action Plan to
compensate related losses (land,
attached assets, crops, incomes etc.).
Compensation
and
rehabilitation
allowances should be calculated
according to EBRD PR 5 requirements
to ensure as minimum restoration of
pre-project life standard of the affected
households. Resettlement Action Plan
should be implemented prior to start up
of any construction activities.
Existing human activities and land use –
residential and farming land.
Permanent land take for substations,
towers and permanent access roads;
In general, Impact on State
landuse depends on existing or
planned landuse patterns. The
impacts could be high in case of
existing and operational industrial
facilities, public buildings or
infrastructure, natural resources,
lands of high real estate value
(e.g. in resort areas) etc.
In relation with the particular
project, territories of the Kazbegi
Sites for locating major and ancillary
facilities, as well as the rout for
transmission lines and towers, should
be selected in a way to avoid or at
least minimize impacts on private
and/or
community
land
plots,
residential areas, agricultural land
plots, commercial structures and
businesses.
Losses imposed due to partial
restrictions on agricultural activities
within the transmission line RoW
should be compensated based on
49
National Park and Forestry Fund
lands crossed by the transmission
line should be considered as
zones of moderate or high
landuse impacts and the zones of
dense settlements should be
carefully analized to minimize the
resettlement impacts.
1.6
Existing infrastructure
(railways, highways, other transmission
lines etc.)
Impacts could be high in case if
international design standards for
infrastructure crossing are not
respected and could be no
impacts at all if the design
standards are applied (we do not
consider here construction related
impacts).
Servitude Agreement.
No impacts in
case
of
adherence to
international
design
standards
In case of impact on Forestry Fund
lands, appropriate procedures for
exclusion of land from Forestry Fund
should be implemented (including
required
detailed
studies
and
compensation).
At
the
design
stage
existing
infrastructure facilities should be
revealed and potential impacts of the
project on these facilities should be
assessed.
Application
of
the
international design and construction
standards will allow to minimize the
impacts to negligible level.
Relocation of some infrastructure
elements,
like
underground
or
aboveground electric cables, opticalfibre cables, utilities, may be required
before starting construction at the sites
of substation or tower installations.
2
Design
of
substations,
towers, permanent
access roads;
Impacts
related
to
geological processes
hazardous
Design
of
temporary facilities
(ancillary facilities
and
protective
structures)
50
2.1
Potential
impact
of
hazardous
geological
processes
on
the
transmission
line
infrastructure
(earthquakes, landslides, flash-floods
and debrisflows, avalanched, river
meandering and lateral erosion of river
banks, land subsidence etc.)
The impacts could be high in case
of improper site selection and
neglecting preliminary studies and
standard requirements;
Long term in
geohazard
prone areas.
Seismic risks
- permanent;
According
to
preliminary
data
thegeneral line of the route is planned
optimally to avoid major debris-flow,
landslide and avalanche risks.
Preliminary detailed geological studies
and site selection for refining the route
for transmission line, selection tower
locations - to avoid geohazard risk
sites (landslide prone areas, land
subsidence zones, avalanches and
debris-flow sites etc.)
Adherence to accepted international
design standards; Due consideration
given to the seismic risks and other
geohazards in the design (factors of
seismic stability; setbacks from river
banks and river bank protection
measures; surface water drainage,
berms and other anti-erosion and
slope stabilization measures where
required)
Affected Receptos:
Safety of Facilities;
Safety of Workers
Planning of
anti-erosion design
elements, reclamation design for
temporarily affected sites is important
for minimizing geohazard risks.
2.2
Risks of triggering erosion and
destabilizing slopes in erosion- or
landslide-prone areas due to excavation
or
blasting
operations
(tower
deployment sites);
Placement of towers in floodplains can
impede flood flows and produce flooding
in upstream areas.
Affected
Receptors/induced
secondary impacts:
Safety of Community;
Safety of Workers;
Could be moderate to high at the
sites, where forest felling will be
required at stepe slopes.
From moderate to high adverse
impact;
Moment
of
imposing
impact
is
limited
to
construction
period,
but
the
impact
could
be
long-term
and
irreversible;
Avoid forest felling at stepe slopes.
Preliminary detailed geological studies
and site selection - to avoid geohazard
risk sites (landslide prone areas, land
subsidence zones, river bank erosion
etc.).
Design of temporary and permanent
drainage systems, retaining walls,
berms and embankments, design of
anti-erosion engineering measures and
reinstatement plans. Proper design is
important to minimize potential erosion
and secondary impacts: landscape
degradation
and
increased
sedimentation of watercourses.
51
Safety of Facilities
landscape degradation; impact
habitats;
increased
sedimentation
watercourses;
3
Design of towers,
permanent access
roads;
Design
of
temporary facilities
(ancillary facilities
and
protective
structures)
-
-
-
Design
of
substations,
towers, permanent
access roads
of
Construction and Operation Phase
related
environmental
impacts,
magnitude of which is to great extent is
determined by decisions of design stage
(site and route selection; specification of
facilities; etc)
-
4
on
Air emissions and dust (mainly
construction phase; to lesser
extent - operation stage)
Noise
(mainly
construction
phase)
Contamination of surface water
and
groundwater
resources
(construction
and
operation
phases)
Contamination
of
soil
(construction
and
operation
phases)
Community Health related impacts
- Impact of electro-magnetic fields
(operation phase)
- Accidents
related
to
transmission cable breakdown
Temporary
Proper site/route selection of major
facilities, camps, access roads, as well
as site selection for borrow pits and
construction waste dumping sites, is
important in terms of minimizing
magnitude and consequences of these
impacts.
Magnitude of the mentioned
impacts depends on proximity to
sensitive receptors: residential
areas, sensitive ecosystems,
surface water and groundwater
resources
Proper Waste Management and
Hazardous Materials Management
Plans should be elaborated to
minimize contamination risks related to
the
construction
and
operation
activities.
Magnitude of the mentioned
impacts depends on proximity to
residential areas
Accidental
impacts could
be
severe
and
irreversible
Proper site/route selection of major
facilities, camps and access roads is
important in terms of minimizing
magnitude and consequences of these
impacts;
52
-
5
Design
of
substations,
towers, permanent
access roads
(operation phase)
Traffic related risks (construction
phase)
Occupational Health and Workers safety
issues
- Impact of electro-magnetic fields
(operation phase)
- Accidents
related
to
transmission cable breakdown
(operation phase)
- Emergency
situations
on
substations
- traffic accidents
Probability of accidents and
severity of impacts depends on
design characteristics of facilities
and compliance with the design
standards
6
Design
insulators
of
SF6 gas
emissions from insulators
during Operation Phase
Minor with proper mitigation
7
Design
overhead lines
of
Collision risk and risk of electrocution for
birds.
Minor with proper mitigation
Accidental
impacts could
be
severe
and
irreversible
Ongoing
impact
for
operation
phase
Ongoing
impact
for
operation
phase
Periodical monitoring of EMF in
residential areas adjacent to the
substations and transmission lines
- Prepare and print in all local
languages safety brochures regarding
exposure to EMF, and measures
aimed on prevention of excess
exposure for humans and animals.
Adherence
to
the
accepted
international standards for substations
and transmission line design and use
of modern safe technologies is
important prerequisite for minimizing
accidents and OHS impacts.
Development of OH&S Plan, provision
of Personal Protective Equipment is
important element of planning aimed
on
minimizing
safety risks at
workplaces.
Use of Insulators with alternative gas,
having less Greenhouse effect should
be determined in design.
- Design overhead high voltage line in
a way
to reduce or eliminate
electrocution risk for birds inhabiting
the project area.
- Route selection aimed to avoid
critical aquatic habitat (wetlands,
riparian
areas, watercourses etc.) where
migratory waterfowl may congregate.
- Design separation of conductors on
the circuit and other energized
hardware by the maximum protected
bird species wingspan to prevent
electrocution.
- Elaborate an Avian Protection
53
Program to be used at the operation
stage for ongoing operations.
- In order to reduce collision risk
Include in the design marking
overhead lines with bird deflectors and
diverters.
54
B
Environmental and Social Impacts - Construction Phase
Project Activities
1
Construction
of
substations,
towers, permanent
access roads;
Construction
of
temporary facilities
(ancillary facilities
and
protective
structures)
1.1
Land
clearance
from
vegetation
cover,
grabbing,
topsoil
stripping,
levelling,
excavations,
blasting etc.
Potential Impact
Expected Magnitude
Character of
Impact
Mitigation Strategy
1. In sensitive areas (Kazbegi
National Park; Forests, especially
on stepe slopes) impact is
anticipated to be high;
Temporary
(short-term or
long-term)
and
mostly
reversible in
case
of
temporary
facilities;
Clearly
demarcate
necessary
construction
zone
and
avoid
excavations, storage of spoil or waste
and other type invasion on adjacent
territories;
Site specific considerations related
to the “project footprint” and
physical
existence
of
the
transmission line and substations, as
well as access roads, dumping sites,
borrow pits, camps.
Unavoidable and total destruction of
natural landscapes at the sites
permanently
occupied
by
the
transmission line facilities are discussed
in section A. “Design Impacts”. Here
below we consider only the impacts
related to construction activities that
could be minimized in case of due
diligence or made severe – in case of not
proper
environmental
management
practices applied.
Disruption and degradation of natural
landscape: complex of adverse local
impacts including changes of relief, soil
cover, vegetation and terrestrial and
aquatic natural habitats.
Impact related to the
temporary
occupation of land at ancillary facilities
(temporary access roads, construction
camps, construction waste storage or
dumping sites, borrow pits) and
territories adjacent to the major facilities
(substations and towers)
Receptors:
Landscape,
ecosystems
natural
habitats,
2. In areas of medium sensitivity
the magnitude of impacts may
vary from moderate to low (in
case of proper mitigation);
3. In areas of low sensitivity the
impacts are expected to be low or
very low (in case of proper
mitigation);
Prepare and implement site specific
reinstatement and landscaping plan.
Upon completion of construction,
restore the original conditions of
landscape to the extent possible.
Enhance landscape by introducing
anti-erosion
measures
and
revegetating areas with the native
floral species, as well as local floral
species most appropriate as antierosion protection
55
Floral communities and individuals;
Terrestrial and aquatic fauna
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Land clearance;
Excavations;
Demolition
of
existing structures;
Destroying nests of birds and dens of
small animals;
Risk of falling of animals into the
excavated pits;
Impact on bats, birds and small animals
inhabiting old structures;
Noise
and
emission
generated
by
vehicles
and
heavy machinery
during
construction;
Topsoil stripping,
grabbing, levelling,
excavations,
blasting etc.
Disturbance of wildlife
Land
from
cover,
Impacts related to unavoidable land
acquisition are described within the
section of Design stage impacts (p.1.5)
clearance
vegetation
topsoil
1. In sensitive areas impact is
anticipated to be high;
2. In areas of low or medium
sensitivity the magnitude of
impacts may vary from moderate
to low (in case of proper
mitigation);
1. In sensitive areas impact is
anticipated to be moderate;
Ongoing
during
construction;
Ongoing
during
construction;
2. In areas of low or medium
sensitivity the magnitude of
impacts is expected to be low;
Destruction of archaeological artefacts
and sites of archaeology and cultural
significance,
There are no aboveground
monuments
or
known
archaeological sites in close
vicinity of the designed facilities.
However, it is difficult to predict
severity of the project impact on
archaeological sites, because of
lack of archaeological research
data for the project area. Under
the historical context, the sites
designated for construction of
permanent facilities (substations,
towers, camps, borrow pits and
quarries, dumping sites) should
be considered as potentially
sensitive sites.
Minor if properly managed
Permanent
and
irreversible
Archaeological monitoring during any
excavation and other earthworks.
Stoppage of works in case if
archaeological artefacts are found.
Recommence
works
only
after
permission given by archaeological
authorities (Ministry of Culture and
Monuments) upon completion of
expertise and appropriate actions
implemented to protect the detected
artefacts.
Temporary if
properly
managed
Losses related to unavoidable impact
on private land
should be
compensated according to RAP before
56
stripping,
grabbing, levelling,
excavations,
blasting etc
Temporary storage
of
spoil
and
construction
waste.
and will be addressed in RAP. Under
present item we consider only
construction
related
land
loss
(temporary or permanent)
imposed
beyond the frame of RAP (on the land
plots, which were not acquired before
construction start up).
construction start up.
Clearly
demarcate
necessary
construction
Corridor.
Conduct
permanent
supervision over the construction
works to prevent any not sanctioned
invasions on private land plots not
acquired for the project.
Existing human activities and land use –
residential and farming land.
Compensate any losses related to
damages to the private property,
business interruption etc.
Permanent land take for, towers and
permanent access roads;
Temporary land take for construction
camps, temporary access roads,
construction waste storage sites;
1.6
2
General
earthworks at sites
of permanent and
temporary
facilities;
Erection of towers;
Construction
of
towers, permanent
access roads;
Existing infrastructure
(railways, highways, other transmission
lines etc.)
Impacts
related
to
geological processes
Damages of infrastructure that
has not been relocated
Temporary in
case
of
restoration
Restore any infrastructure elements
damaged during the construction
works.
hazardous
Construction
of
temporary facilities
(ancillary facilities
and
protective
structures)
57
2.1
Compliance
design and
technical
standards
with
with
Potential
impact
of
hazardous
geological processes on the substations
and transmission line infrastructure
(earthquakes, landslides, flash-floods
and debrisflows, avalanches, river
meandering and lateral erosion of river
banks, land subsidence etc.)
The impacts could be high in case
of improper site selection and
neglecting preliminary studies and
standard requirements;
Long term in
geohazard
prone areas.
Construct all anti-erosion geo-hazard
protection engineering
systems
envisage in the Detailed Design.
Seismic risks
- permanent;
Conduct geological supervision during
the construction works and introduce
additional protective measures, when
and where required.
Moment
of
imposing
impact
is
limited
to
construction
period,
but
the
impact
could
be
long-term
and
irreversible;
Avoid blasting operations during the
avalanche risks seasons.
According to preliminary data there are
a lot of debris-flow prone rivers and
avalanche risk sites along the planned
OHL route, however the rout and
preliminary location of the towers is
planned optimally to avoid the risks.
Affected Receptos:
Safety of Facilities;
Safety of Workers
2.2
Excavation
and
blasting operations
in hilly areas;
Risks of triggering avalanches and
destabilizing slopes in avalanche or
landslide-prone areas due to excavation
or
blasting
operations
(tower
deployment sites);
Could be moderate to high along
the significant part of the route.
The route needs further refining
during the detailed design.
Affected
Receptors/induced
secondary impacts:
Safety of Community;
Safety of Workers;
Safety of Facilities
landscape degradation;
increased
sedimentation
watercourses;
3
Excavation
and
blasting operations
in
hilly
areas;
Preparation
of
tower basements;
of
Erosion stimulated from fresh cuts and
fills and temporary sedimentation of
natural drainage ways.
Erosion of lands below the tower
Could be moderate to high along
the significant part of the route.
The route needs further refining
during the detailed design.
Ongoing
during
construction
Compliance with international design
and construction standards.
Implement temporary and permanent
drainage systems, retaining walls,
berms and embankments.
Restore relief and reinstate landscape
where possible revegetate construction
sites with the native floral species or
enhance anti-erosion potential by
introducing appropriate floral species
(first grass species, further bushes and
shrubs).
Establish temporary and permanent
drainage
systems,
berms
and
embankments.
Establish drainage system in a way to
58
Borrow pits and
spoil dumping sites;
4
5
Excavation
and
blasting operations
in hilly areas near
gorges
and
watercourses;
Preparation
of
tower basements;
Borrow pits and
spoil dumping sites;
Excavation
and
blasting operations
in hilly areas near
gorges
and
watercourses;
Preparation
of
tower basements;
Borrow
spoil
sites;
6
7
platforms receiving concentrated outflow
from covered or open drains.
Increased suspended sediment in
streams affected by erosion at
construction sites and fresh cuts, fills
and waste dumps. Declined water
quality and increased sedimentation
Could be moderate along the
significant part of the route. The
route needs further refining during
the detailed design.
Ongoing
during
construction
Establish proper drainage system and
sediment catchment basins near
erosion prone sites, fresh fills and
waste dumps.
Impact of construction activities on
aquatic ecosystems of the rivers and
streams crossed by the transmission
line RoW due to increased water
sedimentation, change of hydrological
and hydrogeological regime
Sedimentation
related
contamination of aquatic habitats
could be moderate to high in hilly
areas;
Ongoing
during
construction
Establish proper drainage system and
sediment catchment basins near
erosion prone sites, fresh fills and
waste dumps.
Ongoing
during
construction
Strip topsoil before starting any
excavations and store it separately
from subsoil in a heaps not exceeding
2m in height.
pits and
dumping
Earthworks, topsoil
stripping
and
storage at major
and
ancillary
facilities
Operation
of
vehicles and heavy
machinery during
construction
activities;
Fuelling
and
maintenance
operations at camp
avoid any concentrated flows of
stormwater below the towers and other
facilities and construction grounds.
Losses of topsoil
Soil contamination during construction
by fuel, lubricants, paint.
Change of hydrological regime
due to installation of towers in
floodplain
or
change
of
hydrogeological regime related to
deep excavation, blasting or
construction of tower basements
is less probable impact of low to
moderate magnitude.
Could be major impact in case if
topsoil is not stripped and stored
properly;
Could be major impact in case of
improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
59
8
9
sites;
Transportation
of
materials
Operation
of
vehicles and heavy
machinery during
construction
activities;
Fuelling
and
maintenance
operations at camp
sites;
Transportation
of
materials
Construction
operations
10
Excavations;
Demolition of old
structures;
11
Construction
operations
12
Construction
operations
13
Excavations;
Surface
water
and
groundwater
contamination during construction by
fuel, lubricants, paint
Could be major impact in case of
improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Contamination due to poor sanitation
and solid waste disposal in construction
camps and work sites (sewerage,
sanitation, waste management)
Spoil, rocks, inert construction wastes
alongside the RoW and at the major and
ancillary facilities
Could be major impact in case of
improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Could be major impact in case of
improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Air pollution from vehicle operations
during construction in populated areas
traversed by the RoW, notably
metropolitan areas or densely settled
rural areas. Fugitive dust generation at
construction sites and access roads.
Noise pollution from vehicle operation
during construction in populated areas
traversed by the transmission lines,
notably metropolitan areas or densely
settled rural areas.
Could be moderate impact in
case of improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Could be moderate impact in
case of improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Creation of temporary breeding habitats
for mosquito vectors of disease e.g.
sunny, stagnant pools of water. Creation
of stagnant water bodies in borrow pits,
quarries, etc. suited to mosquito
breeding and other disease vectors.
Could be moderate impact in
case of improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
60
14
Construction
operations
15
Material Supply
Material Supply;
Blasting operations;
Construction
operations
General
earthworks;
Excavation
operations;
Recontamination by infectious biological
materials (e.g. Anthrax) during earth
works near the pest holes (i.e. not
registered Anthrax sites)
Health hazards by noise, air emissions
and dust raised and blown by vehicles
during construction activities.
Hazardous driving conditions where
construction interferes with pre- existing
roads.
Could be moderate impact in
case of improper management
Could be moderate impact in
case of improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Ongoing
during
construction
Accident risks associated with vehicular
traffic and transport, that may result in
spills of toxic materials, detonation of
explosive load, injuries or loss of life
Poaching by construction workers
Could be major impact in case of
improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Could be moderate impact in
case of improper management
Creation of temporary breeding habitats
for mosquito vectors of disease e.g.
sunny, stagnant pools of water. Creation
of stagnant water bodies in borrow pits,
quarries, etc. suited to mosquito
breeding and other disease vectors.
Could be moderate impact in
case of improper management
Ongoing
during
construction
Ongoing
during
construction
- Construct base camps away from
villages.
Recontamination by infectious biological
materials (e.g. Anthrax) during earth
works near the pest holes (i.e. not
registered Anthrax sites)
61
C
Environmental and Social Impacts - Operations Phase
Project Activities
Potential Impact
Expected Magnitude
Character of
Impact
Mitigation Strategy
Fugitive dust and vehicles’ emissions
from maintenance visits. Transmission
line maintenance activities involve gaspowered trucks, lawn mowers, grass
trimmers, and other equipment. The
operation of such vehicles and
equipment result in emissions of carbon
monoxide, NOx, SO2, hydrocarbons, and
particulate matter.
Minor adverse
Ongoing
during
operation
- Restrict unnecessary traffic
- Implement regular vehicle inspection,
maintenance and repair procedures.
- Use modern fuel efficient equipment
and vehicles.
- Utilize emission control devices such
as catalytic converters
1.2
Disruption to overhead power lines and
towers due to irregular maintenance of
vegetation within the ROW.
Negligible adverse
Periodically
during
operation
1.3
Soil erosion, related Increase of
sediment
Load and surface water quality impacts:
periodic clearing of vegetation as part of
normal right-of-way and access road
maintenance activities may make the
soil more susceptible to erosion and
increase stormwater runoff.
Negligible to Minor adverse
Could be a
longterm
and
permanent
impact along
right-ofway areas
- Implement an integrated vegetation
management approach: the
selective removal of tall-growing tree
species and the encouragement of
low-growing grasses and shrubs
- Avoid excessive vegetation clearings
(trees and shrubs). This is especially
true for the towers located on the
floodplains, stream terraces and hill
slopes.
- Apply specific anti-erosion measures
at the sites of high erosion risks
(bemrs, drainage system, planting of
native species of grass and bushes
with efficient anti-erosion features
- Place catchment basins or silt fence
downgradient of all areas of exposed
soil within ROW to capture sediment in
runoff.
- Where clearing slopes covered by
forested or shrubs, the ground should
1
Transmission line
operation
and
maintenance;
1.1
Typical activities :
- Energizing the
transmission line
- Site inspection and
maintenance
- Vegetation control
in ROW
- Tower repairs
- Foundation repairs
- Repair of damaged
or downed wires;
62
be tilled and seeded with native grass
species most suitable for prevention of
erosion.
- Develop spillage and fire prevention
and response plans and ensure
emergency preparedness
-Thorough
monitoring
of
ROW
vegetation and periodic clearings.
- Remove blowdown and other
highhazard
fuel accumulations.
- Timely vegetation thining and
slashing
- Proper disposal of maintenance
slash by trucks
- Control vegetation using manual
techniques which do not require the
use of herbicides.
1.4
Forest fires due to accumulation of
underlying growth or slash from routine
maintenance along the ROW
Negligible adverse
Accidental
1.5
Negligible to Minor adverse
Only in case
of
using
herbecydes
N/A
N/A
- Implement mitigation required by
Flora Conservation Plan.
1.7
Soil contamination along the route with
herbicides.
Vegetation
control
techniques that
use
herbicides
can
introduce
environmental contaminants into the soil
and adjacent habitats.
Protection of flora: impacts on flora
during operations is negligible. However,
the long-term mitigation measures aimed
on restoring flora damaged during
construction require specific actions at
the operation stage.
Wildlife and habitat
N/A
N/A
1.8
Avian collisions and electrocutions
Negligible to Minor adverse
Periodically
during
operation
- Scheduling ROW maintenance
activities to avoid breeding and nesting
seasons for any critically endangered
or protected wildlife species.
- Implement mitigation required by
Fauna Conservation Plan
- Maintain spacing between energized
components and grounded hardware
or, where spacing is not feasible,
cover energized parts and hardware.
- Mark overhead lines with bird
deflectors/diverters to reduce collision
risk
1.6
63
2
2.1
2.2
Occupational
Health and Safety
and
Community
Safety Issues
Occupational Health
and
Safety
(substation
and
RoW operations)
Community Safety
(substation
and
RoW operations)
Health
and
Safety
issues
for
maintenance workers include:
- Live power lines
- Working at heights on poles and
structures
- Risks of electrocution
- Electromagnetic interference
- Exposure to chemicals (PCB
containing oil; used oils, solvents, paint,
fuel etc.)
NA
Ongoing
during
operation
- Electro-Magnetic Fields
NA
Ongoing
during
operation
- Allow only trained and certified
workers to install, maintain or repair
electrical equipment.
- Allow only trained workers to work at
heights
- Ensure that live-wire work is
conducted by trained personnel with
strict adherence to specific safety and
insulation standards.
- To prevent hazards of electrocution,
use signs, barriers (locks, doors,
gates,
steel
posts
surrounding
transmission towers) at all towers.
- To prevent shocks, ground
conducting objects (e.g. fences, other
metal
structures) installed near power lines.
- Do not use PCBs as a transformer
oil. Do not work with transformer oil,
which is suspected to contain PCBs.
- Measure EMF levels in all buildings
within 100 meters of the line. If levels
are higher than average peak
exposure
reference levels for
General Public Exposure, developed
by the International Commission on
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP, install shielding or some
other mitigation.
64
65