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Environmental classification and rationale
Environmental
impacts associated with the rehabilitation of two sections (18 km and 3 km) of
an existing 2 lane transit road and the construction of a third,
climbing/passing lane for a part of a 3 km section can be readily identified
and assessed in an Environmental Analysis. Preliminary due diligence confirmed
that the project will not have significant environmental impacts and will
bring about some safety benefits. Any adverse impacts can be efficiently
mitigated through project design, planning and work practices. For the above
reasons, the EBRD has classified the project B/1.
Information reviewed
In accordance with the EBRD Environmental
Policy, environmental investigations have been undertaken to assess the
current environmental status of the sites and the environmental impacts of the
project. A preliminary study on the existing environmental conditions and the
environmental impacts of the proposed rehabilitation was carried out by
independent consultants. The study was undertaken in accordance with
Montenegrin Environmental Law. It builds on the extensive quantity of reports
and local information made available to the consultants. Detailed design of
the whole scheme has been completed and this provided the basis for the
preliminary study.
Significant environmental impacts
The investigations showed
that the most significant impact of the project is the improvement of road
safety. All other impacts are likely to be minor and they can be readily
prevented or mitigated.
The project will improve the safety and appearance of the 10 tunnels, 5 Grade
III slopes, 3 bridges and the road surface. The road rehabilitation will also
introduce drainage system that will direct rainwater to flow under the road,
as opposed to over the road as presently happens.
Traffic densities will not change significantly as a result of the proposed
work. There will, however, be a reduction of traffic accidents, obstructions
and delays, and this will reduce air pollution from cars and lorries sitting
with their engines idling while waiting to pass obstructions. Due to the
limited speeds (maximum 60km/hr) as well as very sparse natural and human
habitation, noise is not considered to be a significant issue.
There are no areas of ecological importance or endangered species near the
road. Therefore, impacts on flora and fauna are likely to be negligible.
No significant adverse social impacts are anticipated. The road sections to be
rehabilitated pass through very sparsely inhabited areas and there are no
identified, valuable cultural or historical sites in their vicinity.
The key issue during the rehabilitation works is the management of the
excavated material, including the old pavement surface. The tender documents
will require the road Contractor(s) to prepare a waste disposal plan so as to
cater for the safe control and handling of waste, especially excavated
material.
Proposed mitigation measures
An Environmental Management Plan
(EMP) will be prepared in order to define the environmental measures and
procedures that will need to be adopted for the scheme and to identify those
responsible for their implementation. The EMP will define the timing,
frequency, duration and cost of mitigation measures and integrate these
actions within the overall project work plan. The EMP may need to be revised
during the course of the project, or alternatively be prepared when the design
of the project is completed and the Contractor(s)’ working methods are known
and agreed.
The main focus is on the management of excavated material, including the old
pavement surface. Though each road passes through a relatively inhospitable
area it is important that run-off from the excavated material will not
contaminate streams when it rains. The tender documents will thus include
recommended sites for the disposal of excavated material and suggestions on
managing the run-off. The Contractor will be required to state his
understanding of the design recommendations, requirements for disposal of
excavated material, and his willingness to comply with good environmental
practice. This will also show how reusable materials, if any, will be recycled.
During detailed design, a Pollution Incident Plan will be prepared to provide
guidance on response to emergency situations, such as accidental spillage of
oil, fuel or hazardous materials as the result of a collision.
Part of the EMP will be an Environmental Monitoring Plan, which will set out a
programme for monitoring environmental impacts and the implementation of
mitigation measures during the construction phase.
Disclosure of Information and Public Consultation
Environmental information on the project has been released in accordance with
Montenegrin law and EBRD’s public disclosure procedures for B-category
projects. An announcement concerning the “Environmental Review Summary” was
published in a Montenegrin national newspaper on 21st February 2005. This
summary has been translated in local language and made available for public
review near the project sites and at the office of the Directorate for Public
Roads of Montenegro. The Directorate will complete the permitting process and
disclosure of information on the project in accordance with the Montenegrin
Environmental Law, including that the Environmental Impact Study will be made
available for public review and comments.
Supervision and Reporting
The Client will report to EBRD
annually on the measured environmental impacts and on the implementation of
the EMP. The Bank will evaluate the project's compliance with the applicable
environmental and social requirements during the lifetime of the project by
reviewing these reports. EBRD environmental specialist may conduct monitoring
visits to the site when and if deemed appropriate. In addition, independent
environmental monitoring audits may be carried out.
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