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Environmental classification and rationale
The EBRD has
classified the project B/0. Environmental impacts of the project are mainly
positive. Any adverse impacts can be readily identified, assessed and
mitigated and appropriately addressed in an Environmental Analysis. The
project does not involve existing facilities and, therefore, no environmental
audit is needed.
Information reviewed during the environmental appraisal
The
environmental appraisal has been based on the review of the following
information:
Assessment of the environmental impact for the feasibility study of the
project “The Integrated Public Transport in the Krakow Agglomeration”,
Ekologia I Zdrowie, Krakow, July 2004
Environmental issues
The environmental investigations showed
that the project would result in some environmental improvements and that any
adverse environmental impacts would be limited. The project has been
structured to meet Polish and EU environmental standards and adequate
mitigation measures have been incorporated in the project design.
Construction-related impacts, such as additional noise, vibration and exhaust
gas emissions from construction machines, have been assessed to be localised
and short term in nature. They will be efficiently prevented or mitigated by
applying international construction practices and planning. The trams to be
purchased will comply with Polish and EU standards and make use of best
available technology.
Environmental opportunities
The Project will improve public
transport reliability, safety and efficiency, and help maintain the share of
public transport in total transport, with associated air quality benefits. The
introduction of a new tram fleet will help develop public transport
alternatives as well as reduce traffic congestion, noise and air pollution in
Krakow. The relocation of the bus terminal will reduce the need for
transporting empty buses and result in annual fuel savings of more than 50,000
litres and associated emission reductions. The purchase of “silent trams”,
along with the means to damp the noise and vibration caused by the tramway,
will contribute to reducing noise emissions into the environment and therefore
it will also improve the living standard of the persons who live in the
nearest houses.
Summary of mitigation measures
The project design and
investment plans incorporate a number of measures to protect the environment,
including:
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the construction of a tight pavement in order to protect surface waters,
groundwater and land;
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reconstruction of the draining system of the tramway;
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the construction of a rainwater drainage system including a settling tank and
a separator upstream of the wastewater discharge into the wastewater
collection system at the new bus terminal;
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the protection of the existing greenery for the duration of the construction
works; and
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in order to limit the noise and vibration-related annoyance caused by the
operation of tram carriages, technical means such as an elastic and flexible
technology to fix the tramway to the concrete foundation will be applied.
Disclosure of Information and consultation
Environmental
information on the project has been disclosed in accordance with the planning
and construction procedures of Polish law at the municipal office of Krakow.
No environmental impact report was required for the planned scope of the
project. MPK will continue carrying out the permitting process and disclosure
of environmental information on the project in accordance with the Polish law.
In the context of EBRD’s participation in the project, this environmental
summary has been disclosed locally at MPK and City of Krakow’s offices as well
as in English on EBRD website at www.ebrd.com.
Monitoring and reporting
MPK will report to EBRD annually on
the measured environmental impacts and on the implementation of the mitigation
measures. The Bank will evaluate the project's compliance with the applicable
environmental and social standards during the lifetime of the project by
reviewing these reports. EBRD environmental specialist may also conduct
monitoring visits to the project when and if deemed appropriate.
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