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Summary of environmental issues
Environmental classification and rationale
The project was
screened B/1, requiring an Environmental Audit and Environmental Analysis in
line with the EBRD’s Environmental Policy and Public Information Policy. The
modernisation of existing substations is associated with a number of
environmental issues which can be readily identified, assessed and mitigated.
Additionally a corporate Environmental Review was undertaken of FSK to assess
environmental, health and safety management at corporate level.
Key environmental issues and mitigation
The key environmental
impacts of substation modernization and operation of transmission grids are
well known and generally very localized. The impacts on the physical and
biological environment are mainly limited to the construction stage. These can
be mitigated by applying sound engineering design and good construction
management. The substations can also be associated with environmental risk due
to hydrocarbon spillage, noise and EMF (electromagnetic fields). Overall,
these impacts were assessed as low given the remote location of the
substations.
The main environmental issue identified at FSK is the control of planning and
implementing of new projects and the management of existing legacies
facilities which may have environmental legacies (e.g. PCBs; aspects of waste
management; flood risk and potential for water contamination).
Environmental opportunities
The objective of this project is to
increase the reliability of power supply to consumers in the regions. The
modernization of the substations will reduce losses, improve reliability and
safety of the transmission system and will therefore increase efficiency. The
increased transmission efficiency is likely to lead to associated emission
reductions at generating stations.
Summary of environmental action plan
The company will be
required to adhere to Russian environmental, health and safety regulations and
EU environmental standards. All relevant permits will need to be obtained
during the construction period and prior to commissioning of the modernized
two substations.
An Environmental Action Plan (EAP) has been developed following and is being
agreed with the Company. The EAP will address, inter alia, air emissions,
waste, water, PCB and asbestos management as well as house-keeping, safety,
and the overall management of the environment, health and safety issues at the
corporate level of FSK.
Disclosure of information and consultation
In the context of
the EBRD’s participation in the project, the Company has released this summary
of relevant environmental issues associated with the project.
Monitoring and reporting
The Company will monitor the
environmental impact of its operations in accordance with national law and
regulations. The Bank will evaluate the project's compliance with the
applicable environmental and social requirements during the lifetime of the
project by reviewing annual environmental reports prepared for the project
covering
(i) ongoing performance of project-specific environmental, health and safety
activities as reflected in the results of periodic and quantitative sampling
and measuring programmes, and
(ii) the status of implementation of environmental mitigation and improvement
measures. The Bank’s representatives will also conduct periodic site
supervision visits when deemed appropriate. If required, the Bank will carry
out monitoring visits to the Company.
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