SFG3426 V13 Arranging picnic spot for tourists in Tskaltubo central park Environmental and Social Screening Report February 2017 Sub-Project Description The Tskaltubo town is the administrative center of Tskaltubo municipality. Tskaltubo is located 120m above sea level. The city is famous as balneologic resort, within the 11 km distance from Kutaisi and 261 km distance from Tbilisi. The Kutaisi David Agmashenebeli airport is located on the territory of Tskaltubo Municipality. The Tskaltubo population is connected to Kutaisi via motor and railway transport. Population of the city makes around 17,000 inhabitants. The sub-project (SP) area is located within the Tskaltubo central park. Tskaltubo central park area equals to 75 hectares in total. All operating spa baths in Tskaltubo are located in the central park, while sanatoriums are located around the park. Park has been nearly demolished during the post-soviet period. During the recent year park has undergone the important rehabilitation and recovery works, though due to the size of the total area of the park there still is much to be done and there still are places to be improved. Especially on the area of #3 and #5 spa baths, where there is lack of summer benches, picnic spots and recreation infrastructure, which is especially perceptible on summer season. In the frames of the SP, it is proposed to arrange 60 sq. meters of picnic spot in Tskaltubo central park, which includes installing of six tables with 12 benches, designing and roofing gazebo construction, pathways and lawn, surfacing / paving paths, installing the electricity, information board and waste bins. Arranging the picnic spot for tourists is based on the following reasons: 1. SP site is located in the very active part of the park in terms of tourist flow; 2. Local community considered the given SP as one of the priority ideas; 3. Other touristic infrastructure is located around the SP site, including culture house, children’s playgrounds, fountains, etc.; 4. Near the SP site, there are sulfur spa baths, visited by local and foreign tourists. Environmental Screening and Classification (A) Impact Identification Has sub-project a tangible impact on the The SP construction phase covers 3 months’ period. environment? Consequently, 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 adverse environmental effects of the sub- environmental and social impact through arrangement project? of the tourist 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 initialization of pavilion construction, chair and table installation, surfacing access trails, pathways and concrete footing arrangement, 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, however the flow of traffic will not be obstructed. There are no residential areas near the SP site. During the operation phase, presence of the picnic infrastructure may result in additional generation of household waste, and nuisance to park users in case of improper behavior of visitors (loud music, drinking, etc.). 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 650 local community members and 700 tourists will be hosted by the arranged picnic place every year. The main impacts of the SP are:  Physical improvement: Arranging 60 sq. meters of picnic area, offering the additional place for rest and entertainment, supporting improvement of tourism infrastructure;  Tourist product: Providing tourists and local population additional opportunities for relaxing and entertainment through arranging new picnic area. SP can also serve as a demonstration model.  Income generation: During the SP implementation period, approximately 12 jobs will be created. Jobs will be related to cleaning/preparation of the SP site, construction works, and paving roads. After completion, SP will contribute to income growth for neighboring shops, markets, souvenir makers and other touristic service providers as the local and foreign tourists will be offered comfortable and well-arranged spot to spend more time in this part of Tskaltubo central park. Significant social impact of SP, such as change of local demographic structure, influx of new settlers, secondary development is not envisaged. 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 protecting the following key conditions: fencing the construction site and fixing the 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 (nighttime) for construction works. Planned works will not cause cutting of trees and preventive measures will be undertaken to avoid any damage to the nearby standing trees. During the operation phase, park administration of security police will watch over the use of the picnic spot to ensure decent behavior of its users. Have concerned communities been involved During community mobilization, several priorities and have their interests and knowledge been were identified, including construction of picnic spot, adequately taken into consideration in sub- construction of sidewalks on Kutaisi-Tsageri road, and project preparation? arrangement of a spring for drinking water. Construction of the picnic spot was selected. (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 require excavation near any historical, archaeological  or 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 4.11Physical 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 Arranging picnic spot for tourists in Tskaltubo central park 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 Arranging picnic spot for tourists in Tskaltubo central park Scope of site-specific activity The following works are necessary to be implemented to arrange the 60 sq. meters of picnic spot in Tskaltubo central park. Specifically:  Installing the six tables with 12 benches;  Designing and roofing gazebo construction (earthworks, construction welding);  Arranging pathways and a lawn;  Surfacing / paving paths;  Installing the electricity, information board and waste bins. 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 Tskaltubo municipality constructed/extended/ reconstructed? Who owns the land allocated The park area is the property of Tskaltubo municipality. for sub-project? The area is used by the local residents and tourists. Who uses the land (formal/informal)? Description of physical and Tskaltubo is rich with vegetation, lakes, thermal springs, and karstic natural environment, and of caves. Tskaltbo was built around the central park surrounded by the socio-economic context river Tskaltubela on both sides. Due to its geographical location, around the site 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. Park is located at the entrance of the city. The nearest objects from the project site are sulfur spa baths #1, #5 and #6; hotels – Plaza, Prometheus, Orbi and others; sport and culture houses, agrarian market, supermarkets. During summer there is a huge flow of tourist in this part of the central park. Which of the project The SP will be implemented in the Tskaltubo park, renovated intervention sites does sub- through the II Regional Development Project funded by the World project related to and how? Bank and implemented by the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia 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 will be made available for city Tskaltubo consultation process took / population was discussed in a consultation meeting held in will take place Tskaltubo on March 28, 2017. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the SP site; Attachment 2: Support letter from Tskaltubo Municipality; Attachment 3: SP location Attachment 4: SP site plan Attachment 5: Minutes of public consultation on draft EMP 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. Earthworks (small Temporary storage of excavated material in Construction site Inspection In the course of earth Prevent pollution of the Elkana scale) the pre-defined and agreed upon locations; works construction site and its surroundings with Backfilling of the excavated material and/or construction waste; its disposal to the formally designated locations; Prevent damage and loss of physical cultural In case of chance finds immediate resources suspension of works, notification of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection, and resumption of works exclusively upon formal consent of the Ministry. 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 users of the park Workers’ health and Provision of uniforms and safety gear to Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit occurrence of on- Elkana inspections in the course the-job accidents and safety workers; 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 Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the Sub-Project site a) Extract from public registry a) Cadastral plan Attachment 2: Support letter from Tskaltubo Municipality Attachment 3: Sub-Project location Attachment 4: Sub-Project site plan Attachment 5: Minutes of Public Consultation on draft EMP Date: March 28, 2017 Venue: Tskaltubo municipality, Tskaltubo town 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 project “Arranging picnic spot for tourists in Tskaltubo central park� Elkana Project Manager, representatives of NGO Abkhazintercont, local government and community attended the meeting. In total 17 people participated in the gathering, including 7 women. Elkana Project Manager presented planned project and activities, as well as the draft Environment Management Plan 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: What will be the duration of the construction phase? Answer: The construction phase will be completed within three months after commencing works. Question: Do works include construction of the bonfire area? Answer: Due to high risks (the picnic spot is located in the park and surrounded with trees) bonfire area is excluded from the project design. Community members were satisfied with the received information and supported implementation of the project. Signatures of attendees