Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project CENTER FOR EDUCATION PROJECTS EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SEISMIC RESISTANCE OF YEREVAN HIGH SCHOOL N42 AFTER T. SHEVCHENKO Yerevan 2018 Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project TABLE OF CONTENT PART A: General Project and Site Information ...................................................................... 3 PART B: Safeguards information ............................................................................................ 6 PART C: Mitigation measures .................................................................................................. 7 PART D: Monitoring Plan ...................................................................................................... 10 ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1. Site Map Attachment 2. Photos of the site and interior of the building Attachment 3. Certificate of State Registration of the User Rights of Real Estate Attachment 4. Results of Expert Examination of Structural Integrity and Seismic Resistance of the Building Attachment 5. Construction Permit Attachment 6. Agreement for Waste Disposal Attachment 7. Minutes of Public Consultation Meeting Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project PART A: General Project and Site Information INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Country Republic of Armenia Project title Education Improvement Project (EIP) Scope of site-specific Rehabilitation and improvement of seismic resistance of high school N 42 after T. Shevchenko activity in Yerevan Institutional Project group manager: Security specialists: arrangements (WB) Nino Kutateladze Darejan Kapanadze (environmental) Soren Nellemann Sofia Georgieva (social) Implementation Implementing entity: Works supervisor: Works contractor: arrangements (RoA) Center for Education Anna Karapetyan Gharabaxcyan-Shin Ltd Projects (CEP) (CEP) PROJECT AND SITE DESCRIPTION Project description Yerevan T. Shevchenko High School N 42 is located in the Kentron administrative district of Yerevan. The school is a complex structure located on a flat terrain, consisting of the main (old) building built in 1948 and a new building built in the 1980s, a corner hall connecting them each other and a sports hall. The school building is a four-story building with a rectangular plan. During the design phase, studies have been carried out to identify structural problems of the existing facilities. The technical conclusion on their technical condition and seismic resistance is given by ARMINIS-11 LLC (August 2016), according to which the following structural problems have been identified: ▪ The main (old) building does not comply with current earthquake engineering norms of the Republic of Armenia. - In the lower parts of the outer walls there are masonry blasting and falling of individual stones, - There are cracks in the seams of some roof plates, and the roof has many damaged sections, - Windows and doors are old and damaged, the floor covering is damaged in many places, - In the r/c elements of the basement floor there are deteriorating parts of concrete and protective sealing and corrosion seats. ▪ In some parts of the new building, though some repair works have been done, however. - There are damages of covers and walls in some places because of the water network failure - The floors, doors and windows are in deteriorated and poor condition. - The outer r/c steps leading to the gym on the 2nd floor are heavily weathered, with deteriorated concrete protective layer and corrosion of reinforcement bars, There are up to 8 mm cracks in the gym partitions, and because of the roof damages, the roof cover has wetted and deteriorated parts. Within the framework of the proposed project, the following major works aimed at repair and improvement of seismic resistance are planned: ▪ Main (old) building - reinforcing external and internal bearing walls with r/c casts, starting from the bottom of the base and including the openings of the walls; - strengthening of covers, with reinforcement and concreting; - implementation of a new roof; - restoration of damaged parts of separate structural elements, as well as strengthening of the emergency beams of the ribbed cover of the basement with steel belt; - extension of the existing platform of the main entrance, also providing a sloped platform for disabled children; Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project - implementation of interior and exterior finishing works; - removing the refectory to the passage hall, which provides functional connection between the old and new buildings. The refectory currently has an inconvenient location. It is located on the outskirts of the new building, directly on the ground floor under the gym and always creates an unwanted flow of schoolchildren. Its location in the passage hall is advantageous as it will allow the reception of food from the yard, will not create an unwanted flow of schoolchildren and will not hinder the normal course of the lessons. ▪ New building and sports hall (gym) - implementation of additional reinforced concrete coating on covers to increase seismic resistance; - increasing and strengthening of the cross sections of the frame columns, - construction of asphalt-concrete pavement with 1.5 m width throughout the perimeter of the building; - sports hall implementation with application of steel trusses; - planning a gym and theatrical studio in the place of the refectory which has been moved from the first floor of the building. - implementation of a new roof with thermal insulation. ▪ Interior and exterior finishing works. - replacement of doors, windows, floors, sloped platforms and banisters; - exterior lining of some parts of the building, cleaning of outer wall surfaces; - renovation of toilets; - implementation of a roof equipped with a drainage system; - modernization of water supply, wastewater, heating and ventilation systems of the building; - area improvement and landscaping. The estimated duration of the construction works is 24 months. The main part coincides with the period of a school year. The Ministry of Education and Science will manage the appropriate arrangements for ensuring safe and convenient schooling process for students attending the school under rehabilitation through issuing the respective decrees. The empty building of the high school will be handed over to the Construction Contractor to carry out the civil works (the Contractor is not responsible for shifting the schooling process). The final design for rehabilitation and increase of the seismic-resistance of the T. Shevchenko’s High School N42 was developed by “HGSN” LLC. Name of Education High School No. 42 after T. Shevchenko Establishment Address and site Address of T. Shevchenko’s High School No.42: location of a school 5/2 Mashtots ave., Yerevan The project site is located in Kentron administrative area of Yerevan city. The project area is located in a developed urban area. All the works will be implemented within the existing school site. Land use The school site, which covers an area of 4757,5 m 2 and the buildings on it, including the 2 buildings of the school with 5155 m2 area and a boiler house with 12.7 m2 area (the Certificate is attached, see Appendix 3), is an estate provided to T. Shevchenko’s High School No.42 / /the RA Ministry of Education and Science with the right of free use. Since 1997, according to the relevant decision of the Yerevan Municipality, in 350m2 of the first floor of the second building of the school the sports school on the balance of the Kentron district and “Kentron” CJSC’s No 4 Residential Operation Site (ROS) is located. There are decorative trees and 10 seedlings in the school area, which will not suffer any damage during the construction. Brief description of The project implementation area is located in Yerevan, which is located in the north-eastern physical and natural part of the Ararat valley, on both banks of the Hrazdan River, at a height of 900-1200 meters Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project environment around above sea level. the site; Social and The existing school subject to renovation is located in Kentron administrative district of demographic context Yerevan, with a total area of 1,335 ha. This area covers the central part of the city where most of the shopping centers, entertainment places, etc. are located. The climate of the area is extremely dry, hot and dry summer and relatively severe winter. The average annual air temperature varies from 8.8 °C to 11.6°C. The average air temperature in July is +26°C, and the maximum can reach +41.4°C. Mountain-valley winds occur in summer. The average temperature in January varies from -4 to -6°C. The lowest recorded temperature has been -31°C. Fixed snow cover does not occur every year. The average annual precipitation is 250-370 mm. The soil is diverse, dominated by gray to brown soils Social outcomes of the Project are expected to be positive. The number of permanent residents of Kentron administrative area of Yerevan is 125.5 thousand as of 1 January 2018, of which 49% are men and 51% are women).. Presently 217 students are studying at No.42 high school of T. Shevchenko (including 111 boys and 106 girls), as well as 38 people are employed by the school (including 6 men and 32 women). Location of the The existing school is connected to water supply and sewerage utilities. Water for construction nearest licensed works will be taken from the source agreed with the Head of Community or principal of the construction adjacent School No 16 (if this school utility is proposed to be used). Aggregates will be materials sourcing, obtained from the licensed providers, preferably within the Project area. quarry, and water Contractors may choose to extract aggregates themselves; in this case they must obtain an source extraction license prior to commencement of construction work. All the materials will be purchased from official suppliers. No hazardous materials (asbestos-containing materials, lead containing paints, etc.) shall be used during rehabilitation works. LEGISLATION National & local Environmental permits required for accomplishing the works envisaged by the Project are as legislation & permits follows: that apply to Project ➢ Construction license to be possessed by Construction Contractor; activity ➢ Construction permit to be obtained by the Construction Contractor from Yerevan Municipality; ➢ Mining license to be possessed by Construction Contractor in case it operates a borrow pit; ➢ Agreement for disposal of construction waste to be obtained by Construction Contractor from Yerevan Municipality. PUBLIC CONSULTATION When / where the Public consultation was carried out in the Project community, where the draft ESMP was public consultation discussed following its review by the World Bank, and the questions and concerns raised by process will take the local beneficiaries was taken into account. /took place Consultation was widely announced beforehand in the community through posted announcements, so that the community population, school teachers, employees and parents were informed of that. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1. Site Map Attachment 2. Photos of the site and interior of the building Attachment 3. Certificate of State Registration of the User Rights of Real Estate Attachment 4. Conclusion of the Structural Integrity and Seismic Stability tests of the Building Attachment 5. Construction permit Attachment 6. Agreement on Waste Disposal Attachment 7. Minutes of Public Consultation Meeting Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project PART B: Safeguards information ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Will the site activity Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions include/involve any of the following? A. Building rehabilitation [x] Yes [ ] No If “Yes”, see Section A below B. New construction [x] Yes [ ] No If “Yes”, see Section A below C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [x] No If “Yes”, see Section B below D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [x] No If “Yes”, see Section C below E. Acquisition of land1 [ ] Yes [x] No If “Yes”, see Section D below F. Hazardous or toxic materials2 [ ] Yes [x] No If “Yes”, see Section E below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [x] No If “Yes”, see Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [x] No If “Yes”, see Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [ ] Yes [x] No If “Yes”, see Section H below 1 Land acquisition includes displacement of people, impacts on livelihoods, encroachment on any private property relating to acquired / transferred land, and having an impact on people dwelling or voluntarily settled and/or operating a business (kiosk) there. 2 Toxic / hazardous materials include but are not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc. Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project PART C: Mitigation measures ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 0. General Conditions Notification and (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of upcoming activities Worker Safety (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) Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST B. Individual wastewater Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or reconstruction) must be treatment system 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 construction work is carried out close to historic structure, or located in a 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 illegal users of land was Plan/Framework not expected but may occur, then the Bank’s Task Team Leader shall be immediately consulted. (b) The approved Land Acquisition Plan/Framework (if required by the project) will be implemented E. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the 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 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 (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled with details of waste management composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in a 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) Use of paints with toxic ingredients or solvents is not allowed. F. Affected forests, Ecosystem protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity will not be damaged wetlands and/or protected or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities. areas (b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 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) Unlicensed use of borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas is not allowed, especially in protected areas. G. Disposal of medical Infrastructure for (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or rehabilitated health care waste medical waste facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes but is not limited to: management ▪ Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps”, and human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; ▪ Availability of appropriate storage facilities for medical waste; and ▪ If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational. H. Traffic and Pedestrian Direct or indirect (a) In compliance with national regulations, the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly secured and Safety hazards to public construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to: traffic and pedestrians ▪ Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the public warned of all by construction 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. Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project PART D: Monitoring Plan Activity What Where How When Why? Who (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter to (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for monitored?) be monitored?) be monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) CONSTRUCTION PHASE Mobilization of The community and the adjacent at school principal’s discussion/ 1 visit before Ensure stakeholder CEP contractor school administration has been office observation construction awareness on the notified of upcoming activities commencement upcoming works All legally required permits have CEP’s and review of documents 1 visit before Ensure quality of works; been acquired construction construction Prevent disruption of contractor’s offices commencement future activities due to lacking documentation PPE is provided to and used by at construction site inspection monthly visits during Prevent heath damage, workers construction trauma, and casualties among contractor’s personnel Generation of emissions Construction site sprinkled / at construction site inspection monthly visits during Prevent air pollution and CEP and dust watered as needed in the course construction minimize nuisance to of dust-generating works; nearby residents No open burning of construction / waste material at the site; No excessive idling of construction vehicles at site Generation of noise Construction noise limited to at construction site inspection monthly visits during Minimize nuisance to CEP day-time hours construction nearby residents Generation of waste Locations for temporary storage at construction site inspection monthly visits during Prevent littering of work CEP of waste pre-identified and used construction site, pollution of soil and accordingly; ground water Construction waste regularly collected and disposed at the agreed site. Hazardous waste Trained personnel using at school site, Inspection, review of regular visits Prevention of pollution CEP management such as appropriate PPE is involved in at disposal site documents representatives; Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Activity What Where How When Why? Who (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter to (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for monitored?) be monitored?) be monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) asbestos, paints, dismantling, transportation and Ministry of solvents, etc.) disposal works Nature Protection Nuisance to nearby No parking of construction in the immediate inspection monthly visits, or if Prevent negative impacts CEP residents caused by vehicles and machinery outside vicinity of the notified by contractor on property, assets or improper parking of the construction site; construction site or citizens livelihoods construction machinery No blocking of pedestrian and and vehicles, temporary vehicle movement around the storage of construction construction site due to material and waste, or stockpiling/dumping of littering around the construction materials/waste; construction site by contractors No trespassing of private land plots and/or other property around the construction site by contractor’s personnel. Works in a children’s Works carried out when school at construction site inspection monthly visits during Ensure safety of students CEP institution is out of operation; construction and school employees Appropriate warning signs installed and clearly visible to warn public of all potential hazards; In case that the school premises are used during the time of construction (for extra-curricular programs, by school staff, etc.), their safety is guaranteed and alternative arrangements made where necessary. Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Activity What Where How When Why? Who (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter to (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for monitored?) be monitored?) be monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) Works within the Warning signs are installed and at construction site inspection monthly visits during Ensure work site safety CEP settlement clearly visible to warn public of construction all potential hazards; Access to construction site is restricted to only authorized personnel involved in implementation of construction works; Access to construction site is strictly monitored; Safe passages for pedestrians are provided. Grievance and redress CEP and World Bank GRM at locations for inspection monthly visits during Provide for all citizens in CEP mechanism (GRM) information is available and posting GRM construction the community a channel visible to the public information; to voice questions, feedback or complaints CEP office related to construction works OPERATION PHASE School facility School facilities are properly at school site Inspection, review of regular visits Provide safe and Ministry of management operated and maintained, documents convenient education Education and including heating and environment Science ventilation, power supply, etc. Solid waste Waste is regularly collected and at school premises inspection, review of regular visits Maintain adequate sanitary Ministry of management transported from the school and documents conditions Education and disposed at the agreed site Science Water management Water supply and sewerage at school premises inspection, review of regular visits Maintain adequate sanitary Ministry of systems are properly maintained documents conditions Education and and are in good operational Science conditions; Drainage systems are properly maintained and are in good Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Activity What Where How When Why? Who (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter to (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for monitored?) be monitored?) be monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) operational conditions Daily operation of the Appropriate warning signs are at school premises inspection, review of regular visits Provision of safe learning Ministry of school installed and clearly visible to documents environment Education and warn traffic on school located Science; nearby, proper passages for Road Police pedestrian are arranged First aid kit is available at the at school premises inspection regular visits Provision of safe learning Ministry of school, the staff is trained on environment Education and how to provide first aid and Science contact nearby medical station / hospital; School area is properly fenced, handrails and stair are in good technical condition. Evacuation plans are posted on Ministry of public areas in school and Education and emergency exits are clearly Science; marked, students and teachers are informed on activities to be Ministry of undertaken in emergency Emergency situation; Situations School in equipped with appropriate fire-fighting means. Grievance and redress Ensure that GRM information is at school site inspection regular visits to ensure that all citizens in [Ministry of mechanism (GRM) available and visible to the the community have a Education and public. channel to voice questions, Science feedback, or complaints related to the Project Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Attachment 1. Site Map Area of T. Shevchenko’s High School No 42, S=4757.5 m2 Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Attachment 2. Photos of the site and interior of the building Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Attachment 3. Certificate of State Registration of the User Rights of Real Estate Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Attachment 4. Results of Expert Examination of Structural Integrity and Seismic Resistance of the Building (Summary provided in English. Original in Armenian language is attached to this ESMP) The detailed examination and assessment of the technical condition of the building of Yerevan city’s T. Shevchenko High school have been provided by “ARMANIS-11” LLC in the conclusion “On the technical condition of Yerevan High school No. 42 after T. Shevchenko” (the original is attached). The level of physical wear of separate constructive elements of separate structural elements of the school buildings was examined and determined. The technical condition of the old (main) and new buildings and the sports hall is assessed as satisfactory, and the level of damage according to the RA existing construction norms and the criteria of the methodical instructions of the study, is of the 2nd degree, i.e., satisfactory. There are no significant damages or deformations in the bearing structures of passage and its technical condition is generally assessed as good. Though the buildings are generally suitable for exploitation, however, taking into account the operational significance of the school complex and its further reliable operation, a number of major renovations, including works aimed at raising seismic resistance, must be undertaken. The allowable level of reconstruction for further safe use of the building and for its servicing the new goal, in accordance with the RA Construction Norms 20-16-2014 is accepted as "Increasing of seismic protection". Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Attachment 5. Construction Permit Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Attachment 6. Agreement for Waste Disposal Summary: According to the agreement, waste generated during the renovation of the high school No. 42 after T. Shevchenko should be disposed at Nubarashen landfill. Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Attachment 7. Minutes of Public Consultation Meeting Minutes of Public Consultation Meeting on Environmental and Social Management Plan Developed for Rehabilitation of Yerevan high school No. 42 after T. Shevchenko within the Framework of the Education Improvement Project 23 November, 2018 c. Yerevan The Public Consultation took place on November 23, 2018 at 11:00 in the auditorium of No. 42 high school after T. Shevchenko in Yerevan, the announcements about which were posted in advance in the school as well as in the entrances of the nearby buildings and shops. The number of overall participants was 32 including the school staff, community members, representatives of the Center for Education Projects PIU State Agency. Participants of the public consultation have registered in the List of Participants and provided their contact details. The opening speech was given by director of No. 42 high school after T. Shevchenko in Yerevan Mrs. El. Tumanyan, where she presented to the participants the purpose of the Public Consultation. Then the environmental consultant presented the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) developed for the “Rehabilitation and improvement of seismic resistance of Yerevan high school No. 42 after T. Shevchenko” Project implemented within the Framework of the Education Improvement Program. It was mentioned that the Plan was developed in compliance with the requirements of the RA legislation and WB’s operational policy. Potential environmental and social impacts arising during the renovation and construction work concerning the school building, and the main arrangements towards their prevention, possible reduction / mitigation and monitoring were presented in detail. It was noted that the possible impacts are anticipated during the construction phase and are mainly temporary. She emphasized the importance of environmental and social studies during project preparation and designs development, noting that the final version of the ESMP will be placed in the Center for Education Projects PIU SA's Web site, and if necessary, will be provided in the electronic and / or hard copies too. Information on the grievance mechanism was presented as well, after which the participants had an opportunity to voice their opinion concerning the activities provided for in the Environmental and Social Management Plan, as well as to raise their questions. All the presented questions were exhaustively answered. The main questions and answers voiced during the Consultation are presented below. Question 1: When the construction activities are expected to start? Answer: The corresponding documents concerning the construction works are currently being prepared. As soon as the documents are ready, they will be submitted to the WB for “no objection” and after that tender will be announced. The construction works will start after selection and contracting of the winning company. Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Question 2: How long will the construction works last and have the unfavorable weather conditions been taken into account in the allotted construction period? Answer: According to the project, the duration of construction works will be 24 months, which takes into account also the possible unfavorable weather conditions. Question 3: Where will the school's educational process be moved during the construction phase? Answer: The Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia will manage the uninterrupted learning process through appropriate decisions to keep a safe and convenient process of students’ education in the rehabilitated school. The final decision will be taken before the start of the construction works and the school will be handed over to the contractor in empty condition. The meeting was closed at 12:00. The list of the participants and the photos taken during the Consultation are attached to the present minutes. The minutes were prepared by: Engineer of the CFEP PIU Education improvement project, component 1.2 /signature/ R. Arzumanyan Director of Yerevan high school No. 42 after T. Shevchenko /signature/ El. Tumanyan Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Appendix 1. List of participants of public consultation Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Environmental and Social Management Plan Education Improvement Project Appendix 2. Photographs made during public consultation