SFG3426 V12 Rehabilitation of Giorgi Akhvlediani Museum in Tskhaltubo Environmental and Social Screening Report April 2017 Sub-Project Description The sub-project (SP) is to be implemented in Imereti, Tskaltubo Municipality. The Tskaltubo town is known as a resort and balneotherapy center. There are several well-known karst caves (Sataplia, "Prometheus Cave" which is located 6.4 km away from the town) in the Tskaltubo tourist zone. The Giorgi Akhvlediani Tskaltubo Local Museum occupies an important part in the Tskaltubo tourist zone. The museum was founded in 1981, building is distinguished by its architecture and location. The museum houses rich archaeological artifacts through Tskaltubo archaeological excavations, from the Paleolithic Age to the late Feudal - Bronze Age pottery, copper, iron exhibits, numismatic collection, ethnographic material and other artefacts. Based on Georgian national tourism agency data, Imereti is visited nearly by 700,000 visitors annually, foreign tourists are approximately 25%, minimum of 70% from this will visit the city of Tskaltubo, karst caves and Tskaltubo Local Museum, which is included in the Tskaltubo tourist route. Thus, in the city of Tskaltubo, for ensuring the tourist flow growth and providing them with comfortable conditions, it’s necessary to develop a tourism infrastructure, maintain safety and secure environment for the museum, which will significantly increase the number of visitors. Tskaltubo Local Museum after Giorgi Akhvlediani needs roof rehabilitation. Most part of the building’s roof (the exhibition halls mainly) is leaking, thus causing danger to the exhibits of unique value and at the same time to the comfortable inspection by travel groups. Considering the above mentioned, it’s necessary to conduct roof rehabilitation works. The created comfortable environment will increase the number of tourists in the city of Tskaltubo, museum visitors will increase too. SP envisages rehabilitation of the museum building’s roof with the area of 990 m². This will imply partial replacement of roof carrying wooden structures, replacement of the tin roofing, and crating of roof inclination with sawn timber. Wooden parts of the building will receive chemical treatment for resistance to pest and fire. The building will be cleaned of the construction waste and the site will be reinstated upon completion of works. Rehabilitation works will not disrupt museum’s operations. There is a concrete ceiling beneath the tin roof. Therefore, rooms will not be exposed to the open air and there will be no additional waste generated in rooms. As a result, during rehabilitation of the roof the museum employees will continue working and receive salaries without interruption. Tskaltubo Local Museum borders the Tskaltubo central park. The museum building belongs to the self-governing body of Tskaltubo and user rights are trusted to the Non-commercial Legal Entity Centre of Tskaltubo Municipality Culture and Tourism Development. Environmental Screening and Classification (A) Impact Identification Has sub-project a tangible impact on the The SP construction phase covers 4 months’ period. environment? During this period the SP will have a small-scale and short-term impact on the environment only in the construction phase, while its long-term impact on the natural and social environment will be positive. What are the significant beneficial and The SP is expected to have positive long-term social adverse environmental effects of the sub- impact through arrangement of the tourist project? infrastructure within the SP and will improve touristic attraction. The expected negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short-term. As a result of tin roof removal, tin roof installation, partial demolition of wooden construction, roof inclination crating with sawn timber, wooden construction antiseptics, wooden construction processing with anti-fire solution, the dust and emissions from the operation of construction machinery will be increased, background noise and vibration levels will rise insignificantly, various types of construction waste is expected to generate. Does the sub-project have any significant The long-term social impact of the SP will be potential impact on the local communities? beneficial, which will cause significant improvement of the social conditions of local population and tourists. As a result of the SP implementation, approximately 800 visitors will be hosted by the Museum. Rehabilitation of the Giorgi Akhvlediani Tskaltubo Museum’s roof will require small scale works with minimal environmental and social impact. They will not cause pollution or transformation of natural environment. After implementation of planned activities, the Tskaltubo touristic area, especially the Giorgi Akhvlediani Tskaltubo Museum, will become more attractive and comfortable. This will increase tourists’ interest towards museum and its history. Improved and attractive tourism infrastructure will support the creation of a comfortable environment for tourists, increase the number of visitors in the museum, which helps the development of existing and new tourism services (fast food, souvenir production and sale and etc.). Cultural heritage preservation: Improved infrastructure ensures the growth of current exhibits in the museum and gives museum employees the opportunity to display new exhibits (which are in storages now). At the same time updating the exhibits will increase the tourist interest towards museum. Significant social impact of SP, such as change of local demographic structure, influx of new settlers, secondary development is not expected. What impact has the sub-project on the The dust, vibration and noise originated during the human health? small-scale construction works will not have impact on the human health or safety. B) Impact Mitigation What alternatives to the sub-project design At the design, a no-project alternative was considered have been considered and what mitigation and turned down as the implementation of the SP will measures are proposed? help attract both, the local and foreign visitors that will have a positive impact on the social standing of the local population. Reduction of adverse environmental impact during the initialization works will be possible through applying the following mitigation measures: fencing the construction site and installing relevant signs throughout its perimeter, proper management of waste and constant monitoring, ensuring the technical functionality of machinery used during construction works, selecting less sensitive period for construction works. Planned works will not cause cutting of trees as the works will be implemented inside the building. Have concerned communities been involved During community mobilization, several priorities and have their interests and knowledge been were identified, including construction of sidewalks on adequately taken into consideration in sub- Kutaisi-Tsageri road, and arrangement of a spring for project preparation? drinking water were discussed. Roof rehabilitation for G. Akhvlediani Tskhaltubo Museum was prioritized by both local community and municipality. Therefore the latter was prioritized. (C) CATEGORIZATION AND CONCLUSION Conclusion of the environmental screening:  Sub-project is declined □  Sub-project is accepted ■  Sub-project is classified as environmental Category B and needs EMP ■  Sub-project is classified as environmental Category C and does not need EMP □ Social Screening Social safeguards screening information Yes No 1 Is the information related to the affiliation, ownership and land use status of the sub-project site available and verifiable? (The screening cannot be  completed until this is available) 2 Will the sub-project reduce people’s access to their economic resources, such as land, pasture, water, public services, sites of common public use or other  resources that they depend on? 3 Will the sub-project result in resettlement of individuals or families or require the acquisition of land (public or private, temporarily or permanently)  for its development? 4 Will the sub-project result in the temporary or permanent loss of crops, fruit trees and household infrastructure (such as ancillary facilities, fence, canal,  granaries, outside toilets and kitchens, etc.)? If answer to any above question (except question 1) is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is applicable and mitigation measures should follow this OP/BP 4.12 and the Resettlement Policy Framework Cultural resources safeguard screening information Yes No 5 Will the sub-project be implemented in the vicinity of a cultural heritage  site? 6 Will the sub-project require excavation near any historical, archaeological  or cultural heritage site? If answer to question 5 is “yes�, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable. In this case, sub-project proponent must provide evidence that consultation was held with and an agreement on this sub- project was obtained from an authorized representative of culture and heritage protection authority. If answer to question 6 is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable and possible chance finds must be handled in accordance with OP/BP and relevant procedures provided in this EMF. Environmental Management Plan Rehabilitation of Giorgi Akhvlediani Museum in Tskhaltubo PART A: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE Project title Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector Sub-Project title Rehabilitation of Giorgi Akhvlediani Museum in Tskhaltubo Scope of site-specific activity The following works are necessary to be implemented to rehabilitate the roof of Giorgi Akhvlediani Tskhaltubo Museum:  Replacement of tin roofing material;  Partial replacement of roof carrying wooden structures;  Crating of roof inclination with sawn timber  Treatment of wooden structures for resistance to pests and fire;  Cleanup of the construction waste generated during previous and current rehabilitation works. Institutional arrangements Task Team Leader: Safeguards Specialist: (WB) Gloria La Cava Darejan Kapanadze, Environment Rebecca Lacroix and David Jijelava, Social Implementation arrangements Implementing entity: Works supervisor: Works contractor: (Borrower) Biological Farming Biological Farming (tbd) Association “Elkana� Association “Elkana� SITE DESCRIPTION Who owns the building to be Building belongs to the self-governing city of Tskaltubo and constructed/extended/ according to usufruct contract, administration is conducted by reconstructed? the N(N)LE Centre of Tskaltubo Municipality Culture and Tourism Development. Who owns the land allocated The area where the Giorgi Akhvlediani Tskhaltubo Local Museum for sub-project? is located is the property of Tskaltubo municipality. Who uses the land User rights to the building are held by Centre of Tskaltubo (formal/informal)? Municipality Culture and Tourism Development. Description of physical and Tskaltubo - the town in Georgia, an administrative center of natural environment, and of Tskaltubo Municipality is located on the bank of the river the socio-economic context Tskaltubostskali, at 120 m altitude above the sea level. It was around the site established as the town in 1959 with the population of 16,8 thousand (as of 2002). It is well known as the balneotherapeutic health resort. Tskaltubo is located at 10 km distance from Kutaisi, and at 250 km distance from the Tbilisi City. According to the geotechnical zoning, the SP area is within the bounds of the Transcaucasian intermontane plain western molassic submersion zone (the Rioni intermontane trough). Tskaltubo is rich with hydro resources, the main artery of which is the river Rioni with its tributaries – rivers Tskaltubo and Gubistskali. Ground waters play immense role in formation of the engineering-geological conditions of the survey area. Here several aqueous horizons and complexes are distinguished. Tskaltubo is a resort, with focus on balneotherapy for circulatory, nervous, musculo-skeletal, gynaecological and skin diseases, but since the 1970s its repertoire has included "speleotherapy", in which the cool dust-free environment of local caves is said to benefit pulmonary diseases (including bronchial asthma). Number of the Tskaltubo Municipality population as of 2002-2006 is rather stable, it has not significantly decreased, just by 0,9%, and according to the available data amounts to 71381 (females - 37696; males -34193). By economic activity, major part of the employed population is occupied in the following sectors: agriculture, hunting and forestry (87,8%). In general, the number of population employed during the period of 2002-2006 has negligibly increased. Tskaltubo is rich with vegetation, lakes, thermal springs, and karstic caves. Tskaltbo was built around the central park surrounded by river Tskaltubela on both sides. Due to its geographical location, climate, specific of mineral waters, methods of treatment, Tskaltubo is considered as a highly effective spa resort offering therapeutic recreation procedures at any time of the year. SP site borders the central park of town Tskaltubo. Which of the project The SP will be implemented in the town Tskaltubo, where urban intervention sites does sub- regeneration was carried out under the World Bank-financed Second project related to and how? Regional Development Project. LEGISLATION National & local legislation According to the law of Georgia on Permit on Environmental & permits that apply to sub- Impact (2008), the SP does not require preparation of EIA and project activity obtaining of Permit on Environmental Impact. The SP triggers to the OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment of the World Bank. According to this safeguard policy and the Environmental Management Framework of the Project for Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector, the SP is classified as environmental category B and requires preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP). PUBLIC CONSULTATION When / where the public SP-specific draft EMP was presented during consultation meeting consultation process took / on May 25th, 2017 will take place ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the SP site; Attachment 2: Support letters from Tskaltubo Municipality and Centre of Tskaltubo Municipality Culture and Tourism Development; Attachment 3: Usufruct contract between Tskaltubo Municipality and Tskaltubo Municipality Culture and Tourism Development; Attachment 4: Site location; Attachment 5: Site plan. Attachment 6: Consultation meeting minutes PART B: SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions A. Building rehabilitation [√] Yes [ ] No See Section A below B. New construction [ ] Yes [√] No See Section A below C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [√] No See Section B below Will the site activity D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [√] No See Section C below include/involve E. Acquisition of land1 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section D below any of the following? F. Hazardous or toxic materials2 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section E below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [√] No See Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [√] No See Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [√ ] Yes [] No See Section H below 1 Land acquisitions includes displacement of people, change of livelihood encroachment on private property this is to land that is purchased/transferred and affects people who are living and/or squatters and/or operate a business (kiosks) on land that is being acquired. 2 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc. PART C: MITIGATION MEASURES ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 0. General Conditions Notification and Worker (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of Safety upcoming activities (b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (c) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation (d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (e) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) (f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. A. General Rehabilitation Air Quality (a) During interior demolition debris-chutes shall be used above the first floor and /or Construction (b) Demolition debris shall be kept in controlled area and sprayed with water mist to reduce debris dust Activities (c) During pneumatic drilling/wall destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site (d) The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust (e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site (f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit (b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment shall be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste management (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities. (b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (c) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors (d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. (e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) B. Individual wastewater Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or treatment system reconstruction) must be approved by the local authorities (b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment (c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out (d) Construction vehicles and machinery will be washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water bodies. C. Historic building(s) Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, notification shall be made and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and carried out in line with local and national legislation. (b) It shall be ensured that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds� encountered in excavation or construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. D. Acquisition of land Land Acquisition (a) If expropriation of land was not expected but is required, or if loss of access to income of legal or Plan/Framework illegal users of land was not expected but may occur, that the Bank’s Task Team Leader shall be immediately consulted. (b) The approved Land Acquisition Plan/Framework (if required by the sub-project) will be implemented E. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the sub-project site, it shall be marked clearly as hazardous material (b) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure (c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust (d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (e) If asbestos material is being stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site. (f) The removed asbestos will not be reused Toxic / hazardous waste (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled management with details of composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching (c) The wastes shall be transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used F. Affected forests, Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity wetlands and/or protected will not be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging areas or other damaging activities. (b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided (c) Adjacent wetlands and streams shall be protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences (d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. G. Disposal of medical Infrastructure for medical (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or waste waste management rehabilitated health care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited to:  Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps�, and human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; and  Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and  If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational H Traffic and Pedestrian Direct or indirect hazards (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly Safety to public traffic and secured and construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to pedestrians by  Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the construction public warned of all potential hazards activities  Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes.  Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement  Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public.  Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public. PART D: MONITORING PLAN Where How When Why Who What Activity (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to be (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for (Is the parameter to be monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) Transportation of Technical condition of vehicles and Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit pollution of soil Elkana construction machinery inspections during work and air from emissions; materials and waste hours and beyond movement of Confinement and protection of truck loads Limit nuisance to local construction with lining communities from noise machinery and vibration; Respect of the established hours and routes of transportation Minimize traffic disruption. Traffic disruption Storage of construction materials and At and around the Inspection In the course of Prevent traffic accidents; Elkana and limitation of temporary placement of construction waste construction site construction works pedestrian access in a way preventing congestion of access Limit nuisance to the roads Museum staff and nearby local residents Workers’ health and Provision of uniforms and safety gear to Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit occurrence of on- Elkana safety workers; inspections in the course the-job accidents and of work emergencies Ensuring use of the personal protective gear by workers; Informing of workers and personnel on the personal safety rules and instructions for operating machinery/equipment, and strict compliance with these rules/instructions Operation of Waste management and sanitation Rehabilitated facility Inspection During operation of Prevent pollution and N(N)LE Centre of T rehabilitated facilities improper waste disposal skaltubo facilities Maintenance of historical features of cite Municipality approved design Prevent new construction or Culture and installation or activities Tourism changing cultural Development appearance of the cite Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the Sub-Project site a) Extract from public registry a) Cadastral plan Attachment 2: Support letter from Tskaltubo Municipality and Centre of Tskaltubo Municipality Culture and Tourism Development Attachment 3: Usufruct contract between Tskaltubo Municipality and N(N)LE Centre of Tskaltubo Municipality Culture and Tourism Development Attachment 4: Sub-Project location Attachment 5: Sub-Project photography Attachment 6: Consultation meeting minutes Date: May 25th, 2017 Venue: Tskaltubo municipality, Tskaltubo town, museum building Donor: Biological Farming Association “Elkana�, through funding from the Japanese Social Development Fund and the World Bank Aim: Consult with the local community on the Draft Environment and Social Management Plan for the projects “Rehabilitation of Giorgi Akhvlediani Museum in Tskhaltubo � Elkana Regional Coordinator in Imereti, representatives of NGO Association of Socio-Economic Development of Communities “Imereti� and local community attended the meeting. In total 33 people participated in the gathering, including 18 women. Elkana Regional Coordinator presented planned projects and activities, as well as the draft Environment Management Plans prepared to mitigate their possible negative impacts on the natural and social environment. After the presentation, meeting participants were given the floor for questions and comments. During the meeting participants asked the following questions: Question: Where will the contractor store the waste generated during rehabilitation works? Answer: Waste will be stored in the backyard of the building, which currently is not used by the museum employees or local community. Question: Will the exhibits be exposed to rain or sun? Answer: There is a concrete ceiling beneath the tin roof, which will preserve exhibits from exposure to sun, rain or dust generated during works. Community members were satisfied with the received information and supported implementation of the project. Signatures of attendees: Photo illustrations