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Both project components have been screened A/0 requiring preparation and
disclosure of an Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for each component.
The Russian Regional Environmental Centre (“RREC”) was appointed to provide
independent assistance to the Bank and Rosavtodor with finalisation of the
EIAs and Executive Summaries, reviewing compliance with the Bank’s
environmental policy and Russian environmental legislation and investigating
any environmental issues arising. This co-operation has been very successful.
The EIAs were disclosed for a 120-day period, in accordance with the Bank’s
Environmental Procedures and the Public Information Policy. Corresponding
public announcements were made in the following Russian newspapers: Tribuna,
Saint-Petersburg Vedomosti, Amurskaya Pravda, Zabaikal’sky Rabochii. Public
consultation meetings on the St Petersburg Eastern Bypass and Chita-Khabarovsk
road will take place in April 2003. A key issue to be addressed with respect
to the St Petersburg Bypass is the resettlement of residents on the proposed
alignment of this road. RREC has confirmed that Rosavtodor is complying with
Russian legislation and is reviewing whether or not additional measures are
needed to comply with the Bank’s environmental requirements. RREC has
confirmed that the Chita-Khabarovsk road does not encroach on a protected
area, as had been feared. It is reviewing the need for special tunnels under
the road for animals. Procedures of collating and summarising public comments
will be exercised throughout the whole public consultation period.
The environmental impacts associated with project implementation are those
which are typical for road construction of this kind and include impact on air
quality, soil, water, biological resources, noise, and health and safety.
None of these impacts appear to be significant within the project components
proposed to be financed by the Bank and will be adequately addressed through
mitigation measures. Construction of the St Petersburg Bypass will divert a
considerable part of traffic beyond the borders of the built up areas and thus
improve the environmental situation in the city of St Petersburg. Rosavtodor
will be required to prepare Environmental Management Plans, acceptable to the
Bank, outlining specific mitigation and monitoring measures together with
their cost estimates and implementation timeframe during the construction and
operation phases for each component. RREC will assist Rosavtodor with the
preparation of these plans.
There is an Environmental Impact Assesment available for this project.
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