The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) Appraisal Environmental and Social Review Summary Appraisal Stage (ESRS Appraisal Stage) Public Disclosure Date Prepared/Updated: 09/30/2019 | Report No: ESRSA00258 Sep 30, 2019 Page 1 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data Country Region Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Afghanistan SOUTH ASIA P172109 Project Name Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) Practice Area (Lead) Financing Instrument Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date «PRACTICEAREA» Investment Project 9/30/2019 11/18/2019 Financing Borrower(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Islamic Republic of Ministry of Mines and Afghanistan Petroluem Proposed Development Objective(s) The PDO is to facilitate a sustainable supply of gas through targeted investments in gas infrastructure and enhanced Public Disclosure gas sector governance . Financing (in USD Million) Amount Total Project Cost 52.50 B. Is the project being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? No C. Summary Description of Proposed Project [including overview of Country, Sectoral & Institutional Contexts and Relationship to CPF] The proposed project is one of three inter-related initiatives aimed at aimed at addressing concerns about the short and long-term sustainability of energy supply in Afghanistan. At present, the country imports over 75 percent (check) of its electricity supply primarily from three neighboring countries (Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and 100 percent of liquid fuels. Electricity supply is vulnerable to possible abuses of monopoly power by its suppliers, while the supply of other commercial fuels is subject to frequent and unpredictable price fluctuations in the international petroleum market. The problems are compounded by the fact that all of the energy trade is priced in US dollars, which stresses the country’s foreign exchange resources. Sep 30, 2019 Page 2 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) In order to address these issues, the government is seeking support for three projects: (i) a 40 MW gas-fired IPP at Sheberghan to operate in the short term and be sited near the existing gas fields (the Sheberghan Project), (ii) a 58.6 MW gas-fired IPP to operate over a 20 year time frame located at Mazar e Sherif (the Mazar project), and (iii) improvements in gas infrastructure needed to ensure a sustainable supply of gas to the 2 IPPs in both the short and medium term. The Bank Group would support the first project with an IDA guarantee. The second project would be supported by IDA and MIGA guarantees, and IFC loan, and other risk-mitigating instruments, while the third project would be financed by an IDA (grant/loan). The current document deals in detail with third of these initiatives. AGASP has three components: Component A – Sustaining Gas Supply; Component B - Strengthening Gas Sector Governance; and Component C - Project Management. D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1. Project location(s) and salient characteristics relevant to the ES assessment [geographic, environmental, social] The project is located in northern Afghanistan near the existing Sheberghan gas fields in a semi desert area with a very low population density. The biodiversity of the entire area is very low. The area is almost bare and does not have any trees. The project area does not contain any threatened or endemic flora or fauna species. The project area is also water scarce, there are no major rivers. The right-of-way of the new gas pipeline of which 44 km has already constructed passes mostly through areas with no people. Only in one place passes the new gas pipeline through a nearby village where some land and assets of 8 families at Qasim Abad village has been affected. These 8 families will be compensated prior to project negotiations. D. 2. Borrower’s Institutional Capacity Public Disclosure The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP): This ministry will be in charge to implement the environmental and social obligations of the project. A safeguards unit is incorporated in the ministry organization chart but has at present no staff. The ministry is recruiting at present qualified E&S and OHS staff as preparation for the project. The project will strengthen this unit. The ministry suffers from frequent staff and leadership turn over which impact negatively the E&S Unit capacity. The Afghanistan Gas Enterprise (AGE) is direct implementing agency. AGE has no safeguard unit. A safeguard unit will be established under the project. Qualified environmental, social and occupational health and safety specialist will be hired under the project. The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) is the mandated regulatory agency looking after environmental and to some extent social issues in all investment projects in the country including the gas sector. NEPA has limited capacity to approve ESIAs and ESMPS and monitor the adequate implementation of ESMPs. On the other hand, MoMP and NEPA have a track record in the preparation of a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) and Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the extractive industry sector in Afghanistan, as well as developing several key E & S safeguard policies and regulations, e.g. the new ESIA regulation, which was enacted in 2017. In the past the Bank has provided on-going support to MoMP and NEPA to strengthen the country’s E&S regulatory system and build the necessary capacity for implementation through the earlier generations of mining technical assistance programs, however the support to the gas sector has been more limited to date. However, present capacity, specially at the MoMP, is not any more at the required E&S capacity level. MoMP has established a GRM unit which is staffed by a GRM unit manager and GRM Focal Officers for the Sheberghan-Mazar e-Sharif Gas Pipeline. Ministry has developed a guidance notes for grievance handling for AGASP, Sep 30, 2019 Page 3 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) which gives guidance to the ministry, GRCs to address grievances relating to project activities. The GRCs structures for AGAS include: (a) local or community level GRC; (b) Project site level GRC (e.g. GRC for gas pipeline and amine plant is already in place); (c) Ministry level GRC. If unresolved, PAPs may choose to exercise their right under Afghanistan law to refer the matter to a court of law. The E&S/OHS Unit within MoMP will be responsible to oversee the implementation of the ESCP of the project and monitor the chain of responsibility for E&S and OHS risk management within the project. In the medium term, this unit is expected to play a role in integrating E&S and OHS aspects in the ministry’s performance. II. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL (ES) RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) Substantial Environmental Risk Rating Substantial The Environmental Risk Rating is considered “Substantial” for AGASP at this stage. The AGASP will finance investment activities and civil work (i.e. construction of the new Mazar-Sheberghan Gas- Pipeline, optimization of the existing amine plant), which will be further reinforced by technical assistance activities. The activities supported by the project will by itself have limited environmental, social and OHS impacts. However, the subsequent TA downstream outcomes of the project may, if at a later stage implemented by the Borrower, may have important environmental and social implications. This would be the case whenever and wherever the future Public Disclosure extractive activities are implemented, such as the development of the Totimadan gas field by a private investor/operator, there could potentially be significant short term adverse environmental, social, OHS impacts and risks. The overall substantial-risk rating of the project is based on the following : • The newly planned Sheberghan to Mazar gas pipeline, the Amine Unit are expected to cause construction and operation stage environmental impacts, safety and OHS risks. Also, safety concerns for the workers and local communities (during implementation and operation) would be a challenge for this project but can be managed if environmental, social and OHS supervision by trained staff is adequate and the proposed ESMP and OHS Plan are implemented. • The Ministry does not have a good record in managing environmental and social risks and impacts. There are some concerns over capacity and experience of MoMP, AGE and the gas companies in managing stakeholder engagement but these could be readily addressed through implementation support. • The current Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Regulation, its implementation as well as the awareness and culture of OHS are generally very weak among the government, the private sector and the productive and industrial sectors. • Other TA downstream risks may include; risks associated with labor camps to be established by contractors and gas companies, including the transmission of communicable and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS; the lack of hygiene and sanitation; the spread of microbial contamination; and poisoning due to exposure to chemicals and other hazardous wastes. Social Risk Rating Substantial Sep 30, 2019 Page 4 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) Considering the social assessment, the overall Social Risk Rating is “Substantial” for AGASP at this stage, in view of the TA downstream risks posed by the downstream social implications that may arise when and if the TA leads to future gas production activities implemented by the Government. Key factors considered are the following: • The construction of the new Sheberghan – Mazar gas pipeline expected to involve minimal land acquisition impacts associated, while the social impacts of the TA downstream activities are unknown at this stage. The activities for development of the Yatimtaq Gas field and Totimaidan Gas Block are expected to involve some land acquisition impacts for drilling additional wells, gas platforms, gathering gas pipelines, service and access roads. The required land can be obtained through land lease method, as the proposed facilities are most likely to be located on government owned land. • The TA activities downstream of the project may cause risks associated with influx of Labor, labor management issues and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The gas activities are likely to involve some limited number of laborers from outside the project’s area of influence. In addition, weak capacity of the implementing agency to manage social issues remains a key challenge but these could be readily addressed through implementation support. In particular, the lengthy process for land acquisition and compensation to the project-affected families is a key concern among local communities. Apart from this, this Project has a high profile and has the potential to garner considerable media attention. Security concerns are real, as some of the project sites are in conflict zones which are under insurgents’ influence. B. Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) that Apply to the Activities Being Considered B.1. General Assessment Public Disclosure ESS1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Overview of the relevance of the Standard for the Project: Overview of the relevance of the Standard for the Project: The World Bank’s review of this project consisted of appraising technical, environmental, social and OHS information made available by the Client including: Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Resettlement Framework (RF), Labor Management Procedure (LMP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), E&S Audit and Ex-Post Social Audit (EPSA) for the first 44 km of the new Sheberghan to Mazar Gas Pipeline, Assessment of the E&S and OHS capacity of the Client. The World Bank’s appraisal considered environmental and social instruments for the project. The agreed and disclosed Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) prepared by the Government, sets out the measures/actions required for the project to meet the requirements of the WBG ESF and relevant ESSs, with clear responsibilities, deadlines and budget. Through implementation of these instruments and the ESCP the project is expected to be implemented in compliance with the World Bank ESF and applicable Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines, such as the General EHSGs and EHSGs for Onshore Oil and Gas Development. Overview of the relevance of the Environmental and Social Standards for the Project: While all ESSs are applicable to the AGASP project as a whole, including the TA and investment components, the World Bank’s environmental and social due diligence indicates that the AGASP project will have impacts which must be managed in a manner consistent with the following ESSs: Sep 30, 2019 Page 5 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) ESS1 applies because of the gas infrastructure and the downstream TA activities. Specifically, Component A on Sustaining Gas Supply will provide support: sub-component A1) operationalizing private sector gas development opportunities at Totimaidan gas block, sub-component A2) gas infrastructure which includes installation of natural gas infrastructure, including a 12 inch gas pipeline and gas processing facilities are expected to cause social, environmental and OHS risks and impacts. (Note: The civil works aspects of the gas pipeline construction will be undertaken by Afghan Gas Enterprise (AGE). All transactions and investment support activities under the project will be complemented with i) Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and supervision engineer in the construction and maintenance of the gas pipeline, including Environmental and Social Management and Occupational Health and Safety, as well as Community Safety; and ii) Capacity building to relevant stakeholder on environmental and social management and OHS and monitoring associated with the transaction/investment. The AGASP comprises various activities, such as construction of gas infrastructure and the downstream TA activities. The details and exact physical locations of all activities are not known in advance, which prevents an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and an associated Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to be developed at this stage. Instead, there has been an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) developed, consulted and disclosed. However, there are a couple of sites, such as the Sheberghan-Mazar gas-pipeline of completed 44 km which are known, the remaining 45.1km to be constructed are covered under the ESMF/RPF. Other sites, including the downstream TA activities are not yet known but there have been site-specific studies conducted for already identified sites- details are given below. For the AGASP Project the required safeguard instruments have been prepared, consulted, cleared and disclosed, Public Disclosure such as an ESMF, an Environmental and Social Audit (ESA) for the Sheberghan-Mazar gas-pipeline for the completed 44 km and the amine plant, and a TOR for the ESIA, ESMP for the remaining 45.1 km of Sheberghan-Mazar gas pipeline. The ESIA/ESMP for the remaining 45.1 km of Sheberghan-Mazar Gas Pipeline will be carried-out prior to invitation of bids. The ESMP with relevant mitigation measures and plans will be included in the bidding documents and contract documents. Contractors will be required to prepare and implement a Construction ESMP and O&M Contractors will be required to prepare and implement an Operation and Decommissioning ESMP. The approved ESMF for AGASP also includes TORs for ESIA for the downstream TA activities which will be used by the gas companies to prepare and implement site specific ESIAs/ESMPs, including associated plans, such as an Emergency preparedness and response plan, Security plan, and etc. AGE the main implementing agency who will be responsible for the construction of the gas pipeline and MoMP will establish an Environment and Social Management System (ESMS). These E&S documents were disclosed to all stakeholders, in formats and languages understandable by the local population. They have also been disclosed on the WB website on prior to appraisal. As the borrower has limited capacity, all activities to be supported under the AGASP are subject to prior review and approval by the Bank until AGE and the MoMP have established adequate safeguard capacity. Considering the capacity constraints of the client, there will be third party monitoring engaged from the start of the Project implementation and throughout the life of the project to monitor ESMF and ESMP/OHS implementation. The Ministry will also engage an environmental, social and occupational health and safety audit at bi-annual basis to ensure compliance with ESF. Sep 30, 2019 Page 6 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) Construction of gas infrastructure and the downstream TA activities will cause various social and environmental impacts and risks, such as pollution, OHS, potential land acquisition impacts, potential damage to cultural/historic heritage and risks related to labor influx and GBV. These investments could also have potential impacts on the natural landscape, limited vegetative cover and wildlife. These impacts are identified, assessed, and the required mitigation interventions have been developed as part of the investment preparation. For the downstream TA activities, MoMP will require the contractors and operator to carry out an assessment of environmental, social and OHS risks and impacts during preparation and implementation of the site specific ESMPs, which shall identify relevant mitigation and management measures for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the subprojects. In preparing OHS Plans the MoMP through qualified consultants and contractors will use the World Bank ESF and applicable World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSGs), both the general and sector specific ones, i.e. the General EHSG, the EHSGs for Onshore Oil and Gas Development and Gas Distribution Systems and potentially others depending on the future activities. Capacity building in the application of the ESF and EHSGs is essential; [WB ESF and the WBG EHS Guidelines are available on the internet at the following web addresses:www.worldbank.org; and https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-ifc/policies- standards/ehs-guidelines]. The E&S Unit and World Bank Safeguard Specialists will ensure that relevant environmental and social provisions are incorporated in the Bidding Documents, contract documents for Contractors and Supervising Engineers. Contractors will be responsible for the preparation and adequate implementation of the Construction ESMP (CESMP), Operation Public Disclosure ESMP (OESMP) and OHS Plans. The Supervising Engineers will have to approve these plans and supervise their implementation. The country has weak capacity on safeguards management, and as such strengthening the project team and relevant ministries, particularly on E&S and OHS management, will be a key priority. The gas companies operating in sites where the government has received technical support from AGASP will undertake relevant environmental and social due diligence to ensure ESF compliance. This will include the identification of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities and individuals, assess their vulnerability, interests and propose mitigation measures. ESS10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure ESS 10 applies as it addresses the importance of open and transparent stakeholder engagement, which is essential in improving the environmental and social sustainability of the project. Stakeholder engagement must be a socially inclusive process conducted throughout the project life cycle. The AGASP includes a sub-component related specifically to stakeholder engagement, which can be used to finance activities for these specific purposes and to build longer-term sustained capacity within the relevant organizations to engage with stakeholders on extractives related issues, even after the close of the project. The client has conducted a stakeholder mapping and analysis and identified different stakeholders under the project, i.e. project-affected parties and other interested parties, including vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. The key groups identified in SEP as having potential impacts as a result of the project include: (a) affected parties- Sep 30, 2019 Page 7 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) families/communities affected by the gas-pipeline and amine plant, local communities/families who are located at Yatimtaq gas field and the amine plant, and local communities at Totimaidan Gas block; (b) interested parties- private sectors/gas companies directly involved with the activities in the project, IPPs at Sheberghan and Mazar, and as well as other associated private sector actors, government agencies and CSOs; (c) vulnerable and disadvantaged groups identified in SEP are; elderly people, IDPs, persons with disabilities and their caregivers, low-income families, women headed households, the unemployment persons, and nomadic communities. For this purpose, a stand-alone Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been prepared, which outlines mechanism for stakeholder engagement and participation throughout the project life and will be regularly updated to accommodate emerging requirements of the potential identified new stakeholders (including stakeholders for the remaining part of Sheberghan-Mazar gas pipeline and other gas sites). The client will follow this SEP for consultation and information disclosure for AGASP. The SEP includes a communication strategy to carry out a meaningful consultation throughout the project life cycle with the key aims: (i) to ensure all Key Stakeholders are well informed on the scope, impacts and benefits of the project, (ii) raise community awareness, (iii) provide accurate and regular information to relevant communities, including residents and businesses, throughout the planning and design processes, (iv) address the specific concerns of communities in the project area. Ministry has developed grievance guidance notes for AGASP, which is intended to serve the AGASP staff/GRM unit, Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) and the gas companies and contractors in handling grievances with effective good practices and standards. The client (MoMP) has already established a dedicated GRM Unit for AGASP Project. The GRM unit is staffed with a unit Manager and GRM focal officers at ministry and sub-project levels. Public Disclosure The SEP has been disclosed in-country on the MoMP website and the World Bank website. The draft SEP was presented/shared with the stakeholders (i.e. AGE office at Sheberghan, district official Chamtal, amine plant and local communities at Qasim abad village- gas pipeline ) in the last week of august 2019. The client will ensure that there is no prejudice or discrimination toward project-affected individuals or communities, including other interested parties. Particular consideration will be given to the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups during the life of the projects, especially where adverse impacts may arise, or development benefits are to be shared. MoMP will employ different means of communication to disseminate information to different categories of stakeholders, and to engage them in consultations. The key communication means include: (i) radio spots (local radio) in national languages; (ii) Billboards to be placed in key strategic locations; (iii) stakeholder workshops; (iv) distribution of brochures and leaflets; and etc. For an effective stakeholder engagement and monitoring of implementation of SEP, certain indicators have been included in the SEP. In order to measure citizen satisfaction, ministry will conduct citizen satisfaction survey to assess the beneficiaries’ overall satisfaction and perception on the above citizen engagement program. The survey will be conducted in year 3 and 4 of project implementation. The Borrower has developed an Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) which provides a summary of the material measures and actions that are required as well as the timing of the material measures and actions. B.2. Specific Risks and Impacts Sep 30, 2019 Page 8 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) A brief description of the potential environmental and social risks and impacts relevant to the Project. ESS2 Labor and Working Conditions ESS2 applies because the gas sector activities have a wide range of employment types, ranging from direct workers (the borrower staff, such as PIU staff and AGE who will be directly engaged), contracted workers through third parties, such contractors and gas companies under TA component who will rely on contractor workers, and primary supply workers, who will be engaged by the Borrower or gas companies’ primary suppliers. The gas sector poses various types of health and safety risks and impacts during their implementation and operation. The MoMP has prepared the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) which include OHS management measures. Based on the assessment of the relevant requirements of both Afghanistan laws and World Bank ESS2, the borrower has prepared and proposes specific requirements and interventions for management of labor, labor influx and Gender Based Violence (GBV) issues that were incorporated in the LMP. The Labor Management Procedures will be used as the basis to develop a labor management plan for each site, which will be included in the site specific ESMPs. The LMP (procedures)also includes a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for workers to raise workplace concerns. The contractors and other parties to be supported under TA activities will inform the workers of the grievance mechanism available to them at the time of recruitment and make it easily accessible to them. For gas infrastructure and the downstream TA activities, the gas companies will prepare Labor Management Plans (LMPs) for the supported sites prior to commence work. The plan will include Code- of-Conduct which will be signed by each worker prior to starting work. Depending on the nature and scope of project activities, the LMPs can be a stand-alone document or part of the ESMP. The preparation and implementation of these plans will be supervised by Public Disclosure the supervising engineer. The E&S and OHS Specialists are responsible for the overall supervision. The gas companies will also develop and implement -OHS MEASURES- occupational, health and safety (OHS) measures, including measures on Emergency Preparedness and Response. It should include a review of relevant Afghan workplace and labor legislation/policies and as well as the MoMP policies and procedures. Extractive industry activities have various types of health and safety risks and impacts during their implementation and operation. In addition, the occupational health and safety management regulation and its implementation capacity, and the safety culture in the relevant authorities and in the private sector as well as in the whole country is very weak. These activities, therefore will have potential occupational health and safety risks. These risks should be managed properly by preparing and implementing an OHS Plan in compliance with international standards and World Bank ESF, hire OHSAS 18001:2007, NEBOSH or similar certified OHS staff for the E&S Unit, contractors and supervising engineers, train the relevant staff and workers, and develop the right regulations and judicially to implement these regulations. The clauses related to occupational health and safety concerns will be part of bidding and contract documents for Contractors and Supervising Engineers. For preparation of the OHS Plan the WBG EHS Guidelines, both General and Sectors (see above) should be used, as well as internationally acceptable procedures, such as specified in OHSAS 18001:2007. The gaps between the National Labor law/ Policy and the World Bank ESS2, especially with regard to labor conditions and health and safety of laborers and communities, have been assessed, and will be reflected in the LMP. ESS3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management Sep 30, 2019 Page 9 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) Water and electricity are scarce in many parts of Afghanistan and gas projects if not managed properly can damage and waste both sources, can have adverse impacts on other sources such biodiversity and vegetative cover. The site specific ESIAs and ESMPs for gas activities financed and supported by the TA component of the AGASP shall provide specific pollution prevention and control measures. The Gas projects during exploration, construction and operation could damage and fragmentation of nearby possible habitats and biodiversity area, natural landscapes and vegetative covers, can create liquid and solid wastes, chemical contamination of soils, water, air and cultural assets, (e.g., burial sites, places of worship) etc. If the gas pipelines, plants and distribution system and facilities are not properly constructed then frequently leakages, weather corrosion and others might be causing gas flaring increasing having contribution to GHG effects, damaging air quality and when come close to fire could cause blasts and most importantly wasting gas and energy resources of the country. To the extent that gas is sourced from oil fields where it would otherwise be flared, there will be positive impacts on local air quality and global Green House Gas (GHG) production. The project will carry out a GHG estimation. Therefore, the relevant infrastructure, pipelines, connections, valves, distribution system, and plants and etc. must be built with good quality materials and good workmanship to prevent leakages, weather corrosion and have a stable infrastructure, to conserve gas and energy resources and also to prevent damage to other resources. The Project ESMF is providing principles, checklists, negatives lists, guidelines, procedures to be applied to the current and future Public Disclosure subprojects and the subsequent ESIA for the future projects will be taking care of the such issues to conserve energy resources and prevent damages to living natural resources and etc. ESS4 Community Health and Safety Project activities are expected to pose potential health and safety risks and impacts to local communities. While AGASP does not directly invest in gas production activities, oftentimes, the downstream TA activities will use heavy machinery and transportation vehicles, which can pose a significant risks of traffic accidents and other road safety issues. As part of technical assistance, the project will support the government creating the necessary road safety and other relevant guidelines to ensure that due consideration will be given to the safe construction. The potential influx of labor associated with temporary camps could also expose local communities to public health risks, communicable and sexual transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, as well as Gender Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and child and forced labor. Considering all the potential risks and impacts to local communities, the government will ensure that gas companies will prepare community health and safety plans (e.g. GBV action plans, Labor influx risk mitigation plans, Traffic and road management plans) prior to commence work. The companies will also develop the Emergency Response and Preparedness Plans (ERPP) prior to commence work. The potentially affected communities will be made aware of the content of the ERPP. The project will monitor the enforcement of these requirements by the MoMP and the responsible authorities; and also provide them with the necessary technical assistance to establish a supervision system of these companies’ environmental and social performance. Sep 30, 2019 Page 10 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) The client will engage an experienced expert to develop a robust safety awareness program which will be implemented during the construction period within the area of the supported sites. The project planning and implementation will require deployment of security personnel for the protection of project workers and equipment. The risks associated with the use of security personnel is being assessed and necessary prevention and mitigation mechanisms and measures are planned and put in place under the project prior to the start of construction. ESS5 Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement Sub component A2 gas infrastructure is likely to involve land acquisition impacts. This sub-component will support the construction of a new gas pipeline from Sheberghan to Mazar-e-Sharif and the optimization and installation of (new and existing) gas processing facilities and an amine plant. This pipeline has been under construction since 2016 and is partially completed (44 km). The project has audited the land acquisition impacts for the completed 44 km for which an Ex-Post Env & Social Audit (EPSA) is prepared- there are a total of 8 PAFs who lost a small part of their land and will be compensated prior to negotiations. Since the details and exact physical locations of all activities (including the downstream TA activities) are not known in advance, which prevents a resettlement action plans to be developed at this stage. Instead, there has been a Resettlement Framework (RF) developed, consulted and disclosed. For the downstream TA activities, the gas companies will follow the approved RF which is in compliance with ESF. The RF will also be applied to the remaining Public Disclosure 45.1 km of gas pipeline from Sherberghan to Mazar -e Sharif and the RP will be prepared prior to invitation of bids for civil works. MoMP will engage independent external monitoring companies to monitor RP implementation process. ESS6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources Extractive industry and Gas Exploration, construction and operation activities may lead to earth moving over large area, excavation, transportation of materials, large number of laborers, machinery and etc. and thus might cause significant soil erosion, downstream sedimentation, and could damage the land vegetative cover, wildlife, forests, natural and critical habitats, protected areas, terrestrial and aquatic life. The exact location of some subprojects are known for which proper mitigation measures and ESMPs have been prepared, but for some other future projects the sites are not known, whenever those projects associated with Bank support are prepared and implemented, then project site specific ESIAs/ ESMPs will be prepared, implemented and disclosed, which will ensure that natural and critical habitats and protected areas are located outside the project area of intervention or influence, or properly managed in a way consistent with the ESF and with national regulations. The ESMF includes stringent procedures to ascertain that each oil/gas project will not be located within natural or critical habitats and protected areas. Significant conversion of natural habitat needs to be compensated. Impacts on critical habitat require a Biodiversity Offset resulting in no net loss in biodiversity, which will need to be described in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) to be implemented during project construction. Sep 30, 2019 Page 11 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) ESS7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities No groups that meet the definition of indigenous peoples in ESS7 have been identified in the presently known project areas. ESS8 Cultural Heritage This ESS8 is applicable as the downstream TA activities are likely to have risks and impacts on cultural heritage. There is a possibility that the downstream TA activities may result in damage to cultural heritage site such as burial grounds, places of worship and historical sites that could be affected, particularly by Right of Way (RoW) clearing for gas infrastructure e.gs pipelines. ESS9 Financial Intermediaries Not relevant at this stage. C. Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways No OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas No Public Disclosure III. BORROWER’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) DELIVERABLES against MEASURES AND ACTIONs IDENTIFIED TIMELINE ESS 1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Strengthen to international standards the Environmental and Social Unit (ESU) of the MoMP, and staff it with qualified and experienced environmental and social specialists, including an international E&S 06/2020 expert. [Prior to commencement of civil works] Implement the ESMF and a RF for the overall Project, to guide the management of the environmental and social risks and the preparation of the site-specific assessments and management plans as well as 12/2023 the planned technical assistance activities. [Throughout Project implementation ] All TA TORs and ESIA/ESMP, OHS Plans and RAP studies reports will be subject to the Environmental and Social Review of the Bank. A decision will be jointly taken on any specific assessments and 05/2020 management tools to be developed. Sep 30, 2019 Page 12 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) [ESIAs/ESMPs, OHS Plans and RAPs ready and disclosed prior to issue biding documents.] MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS Develop, consult on and disclose the ESIA/ESMP of Sheberghan-Mazar gas pipeline (the remaining 05/2019 45.1 km still to be constructed, and implement appropriate mitigation measures. [Prior to issue bidding document for the construction work] MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS Incorporate the ESMP and the relevant plans, such as LMP into the bidding and contractor documents for gas infrastructure and the downstream TA activities. Include in bidding and contracts the requirement that Contractors and O&M Contractors prepare and adequately implement their own 06/2020 CESMP, LMP and OHS Plan and recruit qualified E&S staff and OHSAS 18001:2007 or similar certified OHS staff. [Prior to the commencement of construction] Third party monitoring engaged to monitor ESMF and CESMP and OHS implementation. 06/2020 [From start of the project implementation throughout the project life] Engage an environmental, social and occupational health and safety audit at bi-annual basis to ensure compliance with ESF. 12/2020 Public Disclosure [every 6 month during the construction period.] ESS 10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 09/2020 Implement and update SEP throughout project’s implementation. Maintain and operate a grievance mechanism, as described in the SEP. A separate GRM for workers will be established. GRM for project has already been in place. 06/2020 [GRM for workers will be established prior to begin civil work] CITIZENS SATISFACTION SURVEY: Engage a consulting firm to conduct satisfaction survey. 06/2021 [3rd and 4th year of project implementation] Capacity Building Support: Capacity building and training support of E&S units of MoMP, AGE, including gas companies and 06/2020 contractors. [Prior to commencement of work and during the project implementation stage] ESS 2 Labor and Working Conditions LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES 06/2020 Sep 30, 2019 Page 13 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) Prepare the site-specific Labor Management Plan as part of the CESMP for the remaining 45.1 km of gas-pipeline and the gas sites. [Prior to commencement of civil works] OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) MEASURES Develop and implement OHS measures. 08/2020 Prepare and obtain approval of an OHS plan for its workers at the work site/camp. [Prior to commencement of civil works] ESS 3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management Develop and implement measures and actions to manage waste and hazardous materials resulting from the construction of the new Sheberghan-Mazar Gas Pipeline, optimization of the Amine Plant 07/2020 and the decommissioning of the old pipeline. Resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management measures will be covered under the CESMP), the OESMP) and DESMP to be prepared by the Construction Contractor and O&M 07/2020 Contractors. Prior to commencement of CONT, Operations & decommissioning ESS 4 Community Health and Safety Public Disclosure TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY: Adopt and implement measures and actions to assess and manage traffic and road safety risks as required in the ESMPs to be developed under the CESMP. 07/2020 [Approved prior to start of construction] COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: Gas companies prepare, adopt, and implement measures and action to assess and manage specific risks and impacts to the community arising from Project activities. 07/2020 [Approved prior to start of construction] GBV AND SEA RISKS: Prepare, adopt, and implement a stand-alone Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (GBV Action Plan) for each site, to assess and manage the risks of GBV and SEA. 07/2020 [Approved prior to start of construction] SECURITY PERSONNEL: Prepare, adopt, and implement a stand-alone Security Personnel Management Plan consistent with 07/2020 the requirements of ESS4, in a manner acceptable to the Bank. [Approved prior to start of construction] Sep 30, 2019 Page 14 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM: Engage an experienced expert to develop a robust safety awareness program which will be 07/2020 implemented during the construction period within the area of the supported sites. [Prior to start of construction] ESS 5 Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement RESETTLEMENT PLANS: Prepare a Resettlement Plan for the remaining segment of 45.1 km gas pipeline. 04/2020 [Prior to issuing the construction bid] Engage an independent external monitoring to monitor RP implementation process for gas pipeline and gas sites (Yatimtaq gas field/amine plant and Totimaidan gas block). 07/2020 [During & after RPs implementation] RP implementation and completion/Audit: Prepare and submit a RP completion/Audit report. 09/2020 [Prior to commence of civil works] ESS 6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources BIODIVERSITY RISKS AND IMPACTS: The gas companies assess the impacts on critical natural habitats, if any, and, if needed prepare and 06/2021 implement a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP. Public Disclosure [prior to commencement of work] ESS 7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities ESS7 is not relevant. ESS 8 Cultural Heritage CHANCE FINDS: All Construction contracts will include a Chance Find Procedure, including actions to be taken in case of an unexpected cultural heritage discovery. 04/2020 [As part of the ESIA/ESMP process] ESS 9 Financial Intermediaries ESS9 is not relevant B.3. Reliance on Borrower’s policy, legal and institutional framework, relevant to the Project risks and impacts Is this project being prepared for use of Borrower Framework? In Part Areas where “Use of Borrower Framework” is being considered: Sep 30, 2019 Page 15 of 16 The World Bank Afghanistan Gas Project (AGASP) (P172109) The Government has issued the Land Acquisition Law 2018 and a Law on managing Land Affairs 2018. As part of the project preparation, the provisions of these laws have been assessed in relation to ESS 5 requirements and additional measures will be proposed where required. The Project, however, is also subject to the national and local permits and clearances as per the existing legal-institutional framework. The exact requirements to obtain such permits and clearances will be recorded in the ESCP. IV. CONTACT POINTS World Bank Contact: Michael C. Stanley Title: Lead Mining Specialist Telephone No: 473-6165 Email: mstanley@worldbank.org Contact: Noora Arfaa Title: Operations Officer Telephone No: 473-6603 Email: narfaa@worldbank.org Borrower/Client/Recipient Borrower: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Implementing Agency(ies) Public Disclosure Implementing Agency: Ministry of Mines and Petroluem V. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects VI. APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Michael C. Stanley, Noora Arfaa Practice Manager (ENR/Social) Marcelo Hector Acerbi Cleared on 26-Sep-2019 at 16:16:6 EDT Safeguards Advisor ESSA Charles Ankisiba (SAESSA) Concurred on 30-Sep-2019 at 18:30:14 EDT Sep 30, 2019 Page 16 of 16