SFG1080 Albania Citizen Centered Public Services Project Environmental Management Plan for new construction of Public Service Mall April 2015 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2 1.1 Legislation and institutional set up....................................................................... 2 2 Identification of environmental impacts ...................................................................... 3 3 Mitigation .................................................................................................................... 4 3.1 Design................................................................................................................... 4 3.2 Construction ......................................................................................................... 4 3.3 Operation .............................................................................................................. 5 4 Public consultation ...................................................................................................... 5 5 Institutional capacity building ..................................................................................... 6 6 Mitigation plan ............................................................................................................ 7 7 Monitoring plan ......................................................................................................... 10 Annex 1: Minutes of Meeting from the Public Consultations .......................................... 11 Annex. 2: Attendance Sheet .............................................................................................. 14 1 1 Introduction The development objective of the Citizen Centered Public Services Project, under the title of “Innovation against corruption: Building a citizen-centric service delivery model in Albania” (ISDA) is to improve efficiency, quality, and access to administrative services in Albania. This objective is expected to be achieved through innovative citizen-centric design of delivering government services and through developing a new service culture. The project will also contribute to reducing petty corruption by reducing opportunities for gate-keeping, greater transparency and oversight in service provision. The government of Albania is planning to construct a new building in the center of Tirana that will house the one-stop-shop Public Service Mall (PSM). It will provide over 300 administrative services in one place. Although this new construction is not directly financed under the Citizen Centered Public Services Project, it will need to abide by the World Bank environmental safeguards, specifically OP 4.01 on Environmental Assessment, and this Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that has been developed as guidance. Furthermore, the fact that the area master plan and PSM concept idea are under design will require that the EMP is subsequently reviewed ad adjusted as needed to fully reflect any additional, site-specific environmental concerns. 1.1 Legislation and institutional set up Economic activities that could have a significant impact on the environment or are connected with the use of natural resources are permitted only after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The newest Law regarding EIA, is the Law no. 10 440, dated 7.07. 2011, on “Environmental Impact Assessment”. This law entered into force in early 2013. In the law the general procedures of EIA, the authorities which formalize and approve procedures are given. Two types of EIA, namely “full-grade” and “preliminary” are also provided and described. The classification of EIA categories in respect of investments are given in the annex I (full-grade EIA) and II (preliminary EIA) of this Law. In the law, the requirements for “Environmental Permit” for both EIA categories are defined, and the National Environment Agency (NEA, as mentioned in the environmental basic Law No. 10 431, dated 9.6.2011, “On Environmental Protection”) is re-declared the competent authority for the definition of the conditions for the Environmental Permit. The Law gives also the rules regarding Public Information during the EIA process. The Law No. 10448, dated 14.07.2011, “On Environmental Permits”, gives rules and procedures related to the EIA process, categorization and permits. This law describes the types of Environmental Permits, defines the competent authority for verification of each type of license, provides consultation procedures, etc. The Law also describes the importance of the Best Available Techniques (BAT) for the determination of the Environmental Permit category and underlines that the documentation should be presented at the National Center of Licensing (NCL) after consultation with NEA for the level of EIA (“full-grade” or “preliminary”). The required documentation needed to be delivered in the NCL for the request of Environmental Permit in respect with all EIA categories is also shown in the Law. The law categorizes activities in terms of issues, discharges and risks 2 into three classes: A, B, and C. Regarding impact significance, the Law defines three level of Environmental Permit: a) Permit of Type A, obligatory for activities listed in category A (annex 1/A of this Law); b) Permit of Type B, obligatory for activities listed in category B (annex 1/B of this Law); c) Permit of Type C, obligatory for activities listed in category C (annex 1/C of this Law); The DCM no. 13, dated 4.1.2013, on ”Approval of the rules, responsibilities and deadlines for development of EIA procedures” gives details for the procedures, clarifies the documentation needed for Environmental Permit requests, defines consultation procedures. The EIA should be delivered at NCL, revised by NEA and RED, with the support of technical/scientific/research institutions, and their comments will be represented at NCL, which inform the client on reviewer requests. The client, after fulfilling the decision makers’ requirements, presents the revised study at NCL, waiting for investment permission from the environmental point of view. The time period for revising of ESIA by decision makers (without the time of fulfilling requirements from revising process) is 20- 30 days. In the Guideline dated 02.12.2013, on “Obligatory documentation requested to get the environmental Permit of type A, B, C, for new and existing activities”, additional requirements for documentation and procedures and for environmental permit are given, regarding activities listed in annex 1/A, 1/B and 1/C of the Law No. 10448, dated in 14.07.2011, on “Environmental Permits”. DCM No. 419, dated 25.06.2014, on “Approval of requests for environmental permits of type A, B and C”, deals with transferring of such permits from one entity to another, conditions of respective environmental permits, as well as several detailed regulations for permits revising from competent authorities till such permissions to be delivered from NCL. Since the project is categorized as a World Bank Category B project, no activities that correspond to the category A of either the World Bank or the Albanian legislation on EIA can be financed. The PIU and/or the responsible agency constructing the new Center, will be responsible to meet all of the Albanian environmental requirements as well as to integrate this EMP with the permitting requirements. 2 Identification of environmental impacts Adverse environmental impacts that could arise from activities to be supported under this sub- component are expected during construction and operation phases. Prevention of negative impacts should be also addressed at preparation/ design phase. The main impacts that can be expected in the construction phase are linked to: - General impacts from construction activities on neighbors and workers; - Generation of construction wastes; - Generation of sanitary wastes and wastewater on the building site; - Dust and noise emissions; - Handling of hazardous materials; and - Impacts on traffic and pedestrian safety. 3 In the operation phase, the main adverse impacts are expected in relation to the energy efficiency, generation of wastewater, heating systems and generation of wastes. A more detailed identification of impacts is included in the section 6 (Mitigation plan). 3 Mitigation 3.1 Design In the design phase, care will be taken that adequate choices are made in respect to layout of premises and construction materials as to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized in the operation phase. Particular attention should be paid to energy efficiency. The design should also aim to create premises that are accessible, in line with all relevant legal requirements, and are well integrated into natural and built environment on the location. 3.2 Construction In the construction phase, mitigation measures will focus on eliminating, reducing or offsetting negative environmental impacts that arise from construction works. Issues that require implementation of appropriate mitigation measures include: a) management of construction wastes; b) minimization of dust and noise; c) construction site management and restoration; d) temporary storage of materials (including hazardous); e) procurement of construction materials; and f) chance finds. Attention also needs to be paid to working hours, possible encroachment into the neighbors’ territory, increased traffic and to workers safety. Construction wastes Waste separation, reuse and recycling should be applied to construction wastes that will be generated during the execution of works, in line with relevant legislation. For wastes that are not reusable or recyclable, adequate disposal should be arranged with municipal waste utilities. Open burning and illegal dumping of any waste is strictly prohibited. Besides the construction wastes, it is possible that some quantities of hazardous wastes will be generated on the site, including for example paints residues, enamels, oiled packaging, oils, materials contaminated with oil, possibly insulation materials containing asbestos etc. Handling of these types of waste should be done in line with relevant regulations. Noise reduction Before works are initiated, it is recommended to inform neighbors on the planned activities. The noise should be limited by using good site management practice and appropriate working hours. The equipment and machinery should comply with relevant noise regulations. Dust minimization For transportation of earth like or any other dusty material to/ from the construction site, watering or coverage of the cargo should be applied, and speed of the transportation vehicles should be adjusted. Reduction of dust on the site itself can be also achieved by watering (while bearing in mind the need to use water rationally) or by covering dusty materials. Keeping the surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) free of debris will also help dust minimization. 4 Procurement of construction material Environmentally sound materials should be selected. Site management and restoration Construction site should be fenced off in order to prevent entry of public and general safety measures should be imposed. Temporary inconveniences (e.g. increased traffic and others) due to construction works should be minimized through planning and coordination between contractors, neighbors and authorities. Sanitary wastes and wastewater from the building site should be handled in line with regulations. After completion of works the site should be restored as planned in the design. All wastes and machinery should be removed from the location. Temporary storage of materials (including hazardous materials) Stockpiling of construction material should be avoided if possible. If not, construction materials should be stored on the construction site, and protected from weathering. Hazardous materials like paints, oils, enamels etc. should be kept on impermeable surface, and adsorbents like sand or sawdust should be kept for handling small spillages. Encroachment into neighboring territory Encroachment into neighboring territory should be avoided. Chance finds If encountering archaeological finds during preparatory or other works, contractor should immediately stop the works and notify the competent authority for protection of cultural heritage and monuments. Working hours Works should be conducted in a daily shift; for other working hours special permits are required. Contractor will respect any other working hours requirements set in the applicable regulations and/ or restrictions imposed by local authorities. Workers safety Appropriate signposting will be ensured to inform the workers of the key rules and regulations. Personal protection equipment (PPE) will be in compliance with international good practice. 3.3 Operation During the operation, mitigation should focus on proper waste management and waste water discharges, as well as energy efficiency measures (other than those implemented during construction) and the heating system. 4 Public consultation The public consultation on the Environmental Management Plan took place on April 27, 2015. The consultation invitation and agenda was published at the official website of the Ministry of Innovation and Public Administration: www.inovacioni.gov.al on April 22, 2015. The consultation notice was also posted in public sight in the nearby area, while individual invitations 5 were sent to representatives of the academia, different state ministries and agencies, local government, NGOs, professional associations, neighbors, area businesses as well as media. The public consultation process was completed with the following recommendations: - Strict abidance by the EMP by the construction company; - Attention should be paid to the disposing of solid waste and waste water during the construction stage; - Care should be taken in noise pollution control while construction to avoid disturbing the communities. List of attendees and Minutes of Meeting from the consultations are included in Annex 1 and 2 of this EMP. Local media also covered the PSM EMP presentation. 5 Institutional capacity building The EMP will be an integrated part of the bidding and contractual documents for the construction of the building. As such, the obligation to implement the mitigation measures will be transferred to the Contractor. The site Supervisor will be made familiar with the requirements of the Environmental Management Plan and will conduct a training of all employees, both from the Supervision and Contractor sides in order to be familiar with the requirements and to facilitate implementation. This will also help the supervisor submit regular reports which shall include a section on environmental management. 6 6 Mitigation plan Design phase Issue Mitigation measures Costs Institutional Comments responsibility Detailed design Integration of energy efficiency requirements, Engineer/Designer use of environmentally friendly construction Contractor’s design team materials, minimization of visual impacts, etc. PIU Construction phase Issue Mitigation measures Costs Institutional Comments responsibility Construction and other wastes Separation of wastes (construction waste from Contractor’s cost Contractor and other Will be specified in bidding general refuse, organic and liquid wastes), entities responsible for documents (compliance with storage in separate containers; reuse and disposal (depending on EMP) recycling whenever possible. the Contract) Disposal of non-recyclable waste organized with municipal service providers; no burning or illegal dumping. Records of waste disposal will be kept Hazardous wastes (possible small quantities, e.g. paints, oils) handled separately, according to relevant regulations; handling of hazardous wastes has to be documented Noise and air emissions from Working hours limited to daily shifts Contractor’s cost Contractor Will be specified in bidding machinery documents (compliance with Use of attested machinery EMP) Keep machinery engine covers closed during operation and place equipment as far away from residential premises as possible Limit idling of machinery on site. 7 Dust Watering or coverage of dusty materials; Contractor’s cost – Contractor Will be specified in bidding adjusting the speed of vehicles in transport approximate cost of documents (compliance with 1m3 of water to be EMP) Spray dusty materials and debris with water supplied to the mist to reduce dust; keep surrounding working site (app. environment free of debris € 0.9 per m3 plus related costs – trucks, workers) Construction materials Requirements for energy efficient and Engineer/Designer Design documents to include environmentally friendly materials integrated in Contractor specifications procurement notices, and adequate choices PIU made at procurement Site organization and restoration Plans to minimize disturbances to the Contractor’s cost Contractor neighborhood made (including plans to avoid Design documents to include traffic jams) specifications for site restoration Fencing off the construction site The site will be cleaned from all debris and waste materials and restored to the state planned in the designed upon completion of works; all machinery will be removed Handling of sanitary waste and wastewater from the building site will be in line with local regulations. Temporary storage of materials and Stockpiling avoided whenever possible; Contractor’s cost Contractor possible soil pollution by leaks otherwise, orderly storage and protection from weathering Temporary storage of hazardous materials in safe containers and with appropriate labeling, and on impermeable surfaces; absorbents kept to handle small accidental spillages Chance finds If encountering archaeological findings during Contractor construction works, contractor should stop operations and notify competent authorities 8 Safety and notifications All legally required permits acquired for Contractor’s costs construction Local inspectorates and communities/ neighbors notified about works Appropriate signposting to inform workers and neighbors/ bypasses of the risks and rules Workers PPE comply with international good practices Working hours regulations respected Heating system Heating system should be using Contractor and end environmentally friendly energy user All risks associated with fire hazards, storage of fuel, operation of furnace must be adequately managed. 9 7 Monitoring plan Design Phase WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN COSTS RESPONSIBILITY Parameter to be Is the parameter to Is the parameter to To monitor the If not included in the monitored be monitored be monitored parameter project budget (frequency) Design plans include In the design documents Visual inspection Before bids are issued PIU requirements from the Engineer or designer ToR and the EMP Construction Phase WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN COSTS RESPONSIBILITY Parameter to be Is the parameter to Is the parameter to To monitor the If not included in the monitored be monitored be monitored parameter project budget (frequency) Construction works are On the site Through regular During construction Site supervisor conducted in line with inspections May be subject to local construction permit inspections Construction waste On the site Inspection of the site (if At start of the works and Contractor, management (including waste management every 30 to 60 days Site supervisor hazardous) system is existing and thereafter May be subject to local operational) and of waste inspections records Noise and dust emissions On the site Inspection At start of the works and Contractor, every 30 to 60 days Site supervisor thereafter May be subject to local inspections Restoration of the site On the site Visual inspection Upon completion of Contractor, works Site supervisor May be subject to local inspections 10 Annex 1: Minutes of Meeting from the Public Consultations Minutes of Public Consultation Meeting for the EMP for the project idea of the construction of the Public Service Mall (PSM) in Tirana April 27, 2015 “Marin Barleti University”, Aula A23 Overview On April 27, 2015, the Ministry of Innovation and Public Administration in cooperation with the Agency for the Delivery of Integrated Services in Albania (ADISA) organized a public consultation meeting for the Environmental Management Plan for the future PSM Construction Project. The meeting was held at the main campus of the “Marin Barleti” University, which is located in the vicinity of the area of interest. The meeting started at 1:00 p.m. and was attended by representatives of academia (Tirana University, “Marin Barleti” University); staff of the National Environmental Agency (NEA); representatives of the Local Government Unit No. 5 of Tirana municipality; representatives of NGOs (Albaforest, BIRD, PSEDA-ILIRIA, QKLA, Adriapol Institute); members of businesses operating in the area (KKG, Atelier, Gavitel Shpk); members from the Union of Architects; staff from the Albanian Development Fund, which is currently organizing the international competition for the area of interest Master plan and building concept ideas; students and citizens living in the area, as well as media (Club FM Radio and Club TV). A full list of participants is under Annex 2. Objectives According to the relevant stipulations of World Bank O.P 4.01, this meeting was organized to consult at an early stage all affected parties, seeking their advice or opinions on the environmental management plan of the project and collecting the input of decision makers on the environmental impact and environmental permitting from the National Environmental Agency. As such, key results of the consultation were: 1. Presentation of the concept of the one-stop-shop and in one place citizen-centric public services at the PSM; 2. Presentation of the Environmental Management Plan, emphasizing both the expected impacts and foreseen mitigation measures; 3. Exchange of opinions, comments and offering of suggestions regarding the project construction from stakeholders. 11 Agenda The meeting opening remarks were given by Mr. Albenc Koni, ADISA’s General Director, who introduced the idea behind the PSM and the public service reform undertaken by the Albanian government. The remarks were followed by a detailed presentation of the PSM idea starting with the Decision No. 11, dated February 16, 2015 of the National Council of Territory (KKT), which approved the possible area for construction of the PSM in Tirana in the southern area of the city, at the entrance of the town's central park (artificial lake). Highlighted details included the following: - The total land area is 47,226 m²; - In the northern part, the area is bounded by residential buildings constructed before '90; - In the east it is bounded by Lake Street - In the southern part it is bounded by Lake Street (the road to the artificial lake dam); - In the west it is bounded by “Dora D’Istria" street. - The main entrance is located in the north-eastern part of the property, creating ample opportunity for circulation access and free movement of vehicles. Examples of similar building in Georgia were also shared with the consultation participants. As part of the EMP presentation, the role of the EMP and its relationship with the Environmental Impact Assessment were explained, as well as the World Bank’s EA Policy (OP 4.01). The expected environmental impact of the proposed project and mitigation measurements were addressed in detail. Lastly, the presentation focused on environmental monitoring issues. At the conclusion of the presentation, the floor was opened to questions and comments. The first exchanges among the participants were about the expected advantages of the PSM. Then the discussion continued on the confirmation that the construction is in line with the city’s general plan. In the meeting, one of the NEA representatives raised the issue of traffic and pedestrian safety during the construction stage and traffic disturbance at the PSM operations stage. The answer pointed out that in compliance with national regulations, the contractor will ensure that the construction site is properly secured and construction related traffic regulated. In addition, the construction site will be signposted. It will be clearly visible and the public warned of all potential hazards. On the traffic disturbance issue, it was mentioned that the afore-mentioned KKT Decision No. 11, dated February 16, 2015 requires the Albanian Road Authority in cooperation with Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to design the project for the road which connects the “Frederik Shopen” square to the “Sami Frashëri” street, which will help ease the traffic in the area. 12 There were several questions by the participants concerning the impact of construction activities, mainly in terms of waste disposal and management. The answer explained the procedures, which were considered satisfactory. After the conclusion of the meeting which lasted close to two hours, the participants visited the future PSM site. Tirana, April 27, 2015 13 Annex. 2: Attendance Sheet 14