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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