Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project (P177467) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF) September 2023 1 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Table of Content List of abbreviations and acronyms .................................................................................................7 Executive summary..........................................................................................................................9 1. Introduction............................................................................................................................36 1.1. Background..................................................................................................................36 1.2. Purpose of the ESMF ...................................................................................................36 1.3. Rationale for the ESMF................................................................................................36 1.4. Approach and Methodology of the ESMF ...................................................................37 2. Project description .................................................................................................................38 2.1. Project development Objective ..................................................................................38 2.2. Project Components....................................................................................................38 2.3. Project Location, Potential subprojects and Selection Criteria ..................................42 3. Legal and regulatory framework ............................................................................................46 3.1.1. Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic ............................................................................46 3.1.2. Legislation on natural resources and the environment ..............................................46 3.1.3. Legislation on the Occupational Safety and Health ....................................................52 3.2. Legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic on stakeholder engagement and information disclosure ..................................................................................................................................53 3.3. International treaties and obligations of the Kyrgyz Republic и.................................56 3.4. Social and environmental standards of the World Bank and their requirements ......57 3.5. Comparison between National Legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework Requirements ..............................................................57 3.5.1. Social and Environmental Standards of the World Bank and their Application to the Project 63 4. National institutional framework for environmental and social assessment ........................71 5. Environmental & Social Baseline............................................................................................75 5.1. Environmental Baseline...............................................................................................75 5.2. Physical Resources ......................................................................................................76 5.2.1. Terrain and Topography ..............................................................................................76 5.2.2. Energy Resources ........................................................................................................77 5.2.3. Climate and precipitation ............................................................................................78 5.2.4. Soil and Geological Characteristics .............................................................................78 2 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 5.2.5. Hydrology .................................................................................................................79 5.2.6. Seismology...................................................................................................................80 5.3. Air Quality....................................................................................................................81 5.3.1. Background and causes of pollution ...........................................................................81 5.3.2. A brief overview of the chronicle of urban air pollution ............................................81 5.4. Noise and vibration levels ...........................................................................................84 5.5. Ecological Resources ...................................................................................................86 5.5.1. Flora and Fauna ...........................................................................................................86 5.6. Social Baseline .............................................................................................................90 5.6.1. Population ...................................................................................................................90 5.6.2. Ethnic composition ......................................................................................................91 5.6.3. Migration .....................................................................................................................91 5.6.4. Education.....................................................................................................................91 5.6.5. Sector of the economy ................................................................................................92 5.7. Identifying Stakeholders: Project Affected Parties .....................................................93 5.8. Socially vulnerable populations ..................................................................................94 5.9. Segmenting / prioritizing stakeholders .......................................................................95 5.10. Legislative opportunities for stakeholder participation in the development process97 5.11. Grievance mechanism .................................................................................................98 5.11.1. Description of the grievance mechanism....................................................................98 5.11.2. GM Objectives .............................................................................................................98 5.11.3. Grievance Resolution Process .....................................................................................99 5.11.4. Handling of Sensitive Grievances ..............................................................................103 5.11.5. World Bank Grievance Redress Service ....................................................................104 5.11.6. Grievance monitoring and reporting ........................................................................104 5.11.7. Current GM................................................................................................................105 6. Screening of potential Environmental & Social impacts and mitigation measures .............106 6.1. Positive environmental Impacts ................................................................................106 6.1.1. Wildlife/Avian Fauna/ Ichthyofauna .........................................................................112 6.1.2. Air & Noise Pollution from Construction Activity .....................................................113 6.1.3. Impact of Hazardous & Other Waste ........................................................................113 6.1.4. Impact from Construction of new well systems .......................................................114 6.1.5. Impact on Water Resource .......................................................................................115 3 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 6.2. Positive Social Impacts ..............................................................................................116 6.3. Potential Negative Social Impacts .............................................................................116 6.4. Other potential risks, impacts and mitigation measures (other than risks related to the construction work and social exclusion) ..........................................................................127 7. Procedures for Environmental and Social management during project implementation .129 7.1. Environmental and Social Assessment and the Role of the Parties Involved ...........129 7.1.1 Stages of Environmental and Social Assessment ......................................................129 7.1.2 ESIA procedure: step-by-step....................................................................................130 7.1.3 The E&S procedures for the FIs versus non- FIs subprojects ....................................132 7.1.4 Screening of subproject activities and identification of ESA tools ...........................132 7.2. Types of Environmental Assessment Instruments and Review Process ...................133 7.3. Project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) ................................................................156 8. Environmental and Social Standard’s compliance ...............................................................157 8.1. Requirements and actions to address potential risks and impacts during construction work 157 8.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Incidents Reporting .....................................160 9. Monitoring and Reporting ....................................................................................................162 9.1. Monitoring of Environmental and Social Indicators ........................................................162 9.2. Key Performance indicators (KPI) ....................................................................................163 9.3. Reporting Responsibilities .........................................................................................164 10. Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of the ESMF .........................................165 10.1. Project Coordination .................................................................................................165 10.2. Project Management Office ......................................................................................168 10.3. Responsibilities of Beneficiaries ................................................................................168 10.4. Responsibilities of Contractors .................................................................................169 10.5. ESMF Implementation Budget ..................................................................................169 10.6. Capacity Building & Training .....................................................................................170 11. ESMF Disclosure and Public Consultations .......................................................................172 11.1. ESMF Disclosure ........................................................................................................172 11.2. Public Consultation on ESMF ....................................................................................172 12. Annexes ............................................................................................................................173 Annex 2.1. Subprojects/ Activities Exclusion List....................................................................174 Annex 3. Screening for potential environmental issues .........................................................175 4 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 4. Results of the environmental and social screening .................................................181 Annex 6. Social Screening Checklist ........................................................................................185 Annex 7. Rules for Work Safety at Height ..............................................................................188 Annex 8. Chance Finds Procedure ..........................................................................................192 Annex 9. Procedure for hazardous waste and material storage and disposal (including POPs) 193 Annex 10. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan (Example) ..........................................194 Annex 11. Preliminary environmental monitoring budget (example)* .................................195 Annex 12. Preliminary list of possible construction waste .....................................................196 Annex 13. Pesticide and fertilizer management plan (including monitoring plan for pesticide and fertilizer use) ....................................................................................................................198 Annex 14. Minutes of the Public Consultations......................................................................202 List of Figures and tables Figure 1.Outline of ESMF preparation methodology .......................................................................................... 37 Figure 2. Map of the Republic ............................................................................................................................. 75 Figure 3.Map of the Bishkek (general and administrative)................................................................................. 76 Figure 4.Zoning map of seismically hazardous areas in Bishkek city .................................................................. 81 Figure 5.The values of air pollutants in Bishkek during autumn 2022................................................................ 83 Figure 6.The overall process for the GM ............................................................................................................ 99 Figure 7.Scheme of coordination in project implementation........................................................................... 167 Table 1.Environmental and Social management procedures by project components ....................................... 20 Table 2.Summary of information disclosure plan ............................................................................................... 33 Table 3.Comparing the national legislation and requirements of WB ESSs ....................................................... 57 Table 4.Presents the ESSs of the WB and their application in the implementation on the project ................... 64 Table 5.State and self-government bodies involved in the project .................................................................... 71 Table 6.Bishkek climate (monthly average temperatures) ................................................................................. 78 Table 7.Permissible sound pressure levels, sound levels, equivalent and maximum sound levels of penetrating noise in the premises of residential and public buildings ................................................................................... 84 Table 8.Permissible values of vibration in residential premises, wards of hospitals, sanatoriums .................... 85 Table 9.Number of permanent populations ....................................................................................................... 90 Table 10.Distribution of residential areas by administrative district of Bishkek ................................................ 91 5 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Table 11.Poverty level, per capita income/expenditure of the population ....................................................... 92 Table 12.Employment rate, in % ......................................................................................................................... 92 Table 13.Segmentation of stakeholders ............................................................................................................. 95 Table 14.Grievance redress and feedback matrix............................................................................................. 102 Table 15.Impact and general mitigation measures during the subproject’s construction phase .................... 120 Table 16.Impacts and mitigation measures during the subprojects operational phase .................................. 126 Table 17.Potential social impacts of the project .............................................................................................. 127 Table 18.Step-by step subprojects Env&Social risk management .................................................................... 134 Table 19.Roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the project ............................................................. 155 Table 20.Budget items and estimated costs ..................................................................................................... 169 Table 21.Preliminary training plan for ESSs ...................................................................................................... 170 6 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) List of abbreviations and acronyms ACM Asbestos Containing Materials ACMMP Asbestos Containing Materials Management Plan ARAP Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan BCMO Bishkek City Mayor’s Office CC Civil Code DDR Due Diligence Report DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement DMS Detailed Measurement Survey EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan FI Financial Intermediaries FS Feasibility Study GBV Gender-based violence GGOHSESA General guidelines on OHS and ESA GHG Greenhouse gases GM Grievance Mechanism HH Household IDA International Development Association IFIs International Financial Institutions IP Indigenous People IR Involuntary Resettlement IVM Integrated vector management KHM Kyrgyz Hydromet LAR Land Acquisition and Resettlement LC Land Code M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MES Ministry of Emergency Situations MH Ministry of Health MLSSM Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration MNRETS Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision MoE Ministry of Energy NEHC National Energy Holding Company NGO Non-governmental organization OHS Occupational Health and Safety OM Operational Manual OP Operational policy PAP Project Affected Persons PBC Performance-based conditions PFIs participating financial institutions PIU MoF PIU of the Ministry of Finance MNRETS PIU Project Management Office POAAP points of observation for atmospheric air pollution POP Persistent organic pollutants PPE Personal Protective Equipment RF Resettlement Framework ROW Right-of-way RP Resettlement Plan SEE State Environmental Expertise 7 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) SIA Social Impact Assessment SS Safeguards Specialist TOCH Tangible objects of cultural heritage ToR Terms of Reference USD U.S. dollar WB World Bank WB ESS World Bank Environmental and Social Standards WHO World Health Organization 8 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Executive summary 1. INTRODUCTION An Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) has been prepared for the Air Quality Improvement Project in the Kyrgyz Republic (P1777467). The project is funded by the International Development Association and administered by the World Bank. The purpose of the ESMF is to determine the expected environmental and social risks and impacts of the project, and to provide a system for monitoring and managing such impacts during project implementation. In addition, this framework describes the institutional roles and responsibilities for managing environmental and social risks within the project, as well as feedback and grievance mechanisms through which citizens and other stakeholders can interact with the project implementing agency. The ESMF is designed around the principles of prevention, minimization and mitigation, including offsetting /compensating any remaining issues to meet sustainability requirements and comply with the Bank's ESS. The nature of the impacts and the scope of activities will be specified once the subprojects’ locations are identified, and activities are further developed. 1. PROJECT OVERVIEW The project has four components: Component 1: Strengthen Air Quality Management System (USD 9.2 million) The overall goal of this component is to strengthen and operationalize the key elements of the Air Quality Management System (AQMS), including ambient and source air quality data collection, analysis and forecast, inventory of key air pollutants and greenhouse gases, air pollution management and control. Activities will be focused on centralized air quality systems in Bishkek, which is to integrate data from other cities in the country. The project will place automated stations and support laboratories’ equipment to start collecting data on air quality monitoring in several other cities. Subcomponent 1.1: Improving Ambient Air Quality Data Collection, Analysis, and Dissemination. (US$3.2 million) This subcomponent will finance investments to improve the quality of ambient air quality information, which is essential for both public awareness as well as for policy decision- making. This includes data collection, data analysis, quality protocols and controls and data sharing at Kyrgyz Hydromet (KHM) level. Kyrgyz Hydromet is an active member of the project preparation working group and has actively participated in the project design. The specific activities to be funded by the project include: (i) expansion of the ambient air quality monitoring network to include new reference-level automatic monitoring stations for monitoring key pollutants (specific fractions of PM, NOx, SO2, and others) in Bishkek (6 new stations), as well as Osh (2), Kara-Balta (1), Tokmok (1) and Cholpon-Ata (1), totaling 11 stations 9 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) identified jointly by the KHM and MNRETS. The locations of the automated stations installations in Bishkek are in the process of identification jointly with the Bishkek GlavArchitecture that identifies available land plots under municipality and based on the parameters of international practice and local legislation. The Bank team has shared the internationally used parameters with the Kyrgyz Hydromet to support completion of locations’ identification. It is expected that the approximate locations will be identified prior to appraisal of the project; (ii) upgrading of the existing 8 manual ambient air quality monitoring stations to enhance their functionality in Bishkek (7 manual stations) and in Osh (1 manual station); (iii) expansion of meteorological monitoring capabilities for vertical atmospheric parameters needed for air pollution forecasts and analyses, such as sounding equipment that would allow temperature inversion analyses that has not been available earlier, in Bishkek (1) and Osh/Jalal-Abad (1); (iv) upgrading the national air quality chemical testing laboratory, supporting its accreditation and implementation of QA/QC procedures etc; including procurement equipment to enable testing for additional parameters (e.g. heavy metals, ozone, VOC, PAH) at KHM; (v) deployment of advanced models and tools for air pollution forecast and related capacity building and knowledge transfer; introducing AQI (Air Quality Index) as a tool for measuring AQ and tracking five major pollutants posing highest human health risk (e.g., Ground level ozone, Carbon monoxide, Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Airborne particles, or aerosols) at KHM. It has been agreed that the air quality data analysis of Kyrgyz Hydromet will be integrated into the MNRETS’s Data Center to enable comprehensive air quality analysis that will include data on both ambient and source pollution. All the activities under this sub- component will be implemented for the Kyrgyz Hydromet through the PIU. Subcomponent 1.2: Enhancing Overall Air Quality Management and Pollution Control (US$6 million) This subcomponent will finance investments and technical assistance targeted at MNRETS and its affiliated agencies in strengthening their capacity and capability to deliver their mandate related to overall air quality management and pollution control in the country. For instance, the Department of Environmental Monitoring (DEM) under the MNRETS has the mandate for monitoring pollution and GHG emissions from specific sources/enterprises. The Environmental and Technical Supervision department has the mandate for compliance monitoring and enforcement functions. The provision of modern equipment and high-quality analysis would further strengthen the capacity of these departments to fully deliver their mandate effectively and efficiently. Moreover, the overall air quality management activities go beyond the scope of MNRETS, and MNRESTS is required to play the coordinating role in facilitating such cross-sectoral engagements related to air quality management. The project would support strengthening of such coordination mechanisms as well. 10 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Under this subcomponent, the project will finance: (i) establishment of a modern laboratory in Bishkek for air pollution sources analysis to strengthen the capability of Department of Environmental Monitoring (DEM). Currently, the DEM is renting two floors of the office facility for the laboratory purposes in an old building with several limitations. The space as well as lack of equipment limit the ability of DEM in performing a range of testing and analysis that they are supposed to perform. Laboratory testing is limited to only 5 types of analysis of air quality using mechanical and chemical methods. Given that the DEM is to receive various equipment, under the project, that will allow it to conduct about 20 types of analysis for comprehensive assessment of air pollution emission sources, a modern larger facility with proper accreditation is required for credible assessments, which can be used for air pollution control and enforcement purposes. The MNRETS has identified its land plot available for the construction of new laboratory within the boundaries of Bishkek. The laboratory building will also host the Data Center (see iii below); (ii) equipment and mobile laboratories for surveillance monitoring and analysis of emissions from sources (e.g., emission analyzers to monitor pollutant emissions from sources for inspection) for DEM and TS department; (iii) establishment of a Data Center with necessary IT infrastructure, which will be housed in the DEM’s laboratory above, to manage database on air quality emissions and GHG emissions from different sectors and categories and ambient air quality (sourced from and linked to hydromet); (iv) development of the inventory and registry of key air pollutants (PM2.5, ground level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, airborne particles, or aerosols) and GHG emissions The Kyrgyz Republic is a party of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2000 and has to submit national GHG inventories regularly1. The project intends to develop the GHG inventory and build capacity of the MNRETS in calculating GHG inventories, so that the MNRETS will be able to prepare such inventories without a need for external consultancy. This sub-activity will also contribute to NDC commitments. Moreover, the project will finance creation of GIS-based map of emission sources that will be critical for analysis and control over air pollution sources; In addition to the above pre-identified activities, this sub-component will also consider financing other related activities , e.g. (i) activities to improve compliance monitoring and enforcement functions of the relevant environmental and technical inspection agencies, through provision of necessary equipment, infrastructure, capacity building and knowledge exchange; (ii) technical and feasibility studies, as well as pilot programs, which would inform development of policy, regulations, and technical guidelines related to AQ management; e.g. implementation of a pilot program for vehicle emission testing, on voluntary basis, to assess vehicle emissions, data on which is currently missing; traffic monitoring at major crossroads; feasibility studies for enforcing fuel and emission standards; feasibility of installing automatic emission monitoring and reporting 1 In accordance with Articles 4 and 12 of the Climate Change Convention and the relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties, countries that are Parties to the Convention submit national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories to the Climate Change secretariat. UNFCC.int 11 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) arrangements for large point sources; (iii) support to National Council on Air Quality, and stakeholder engagement, and (iv) support in preparation of Air Quality Management Plans - national and Bishkek. Component 2. Support the adoption of cleaner heating solutions (US$ 32.3 million). This component aims at increasing the uptake of cleaner heating options in the residential sector Subcomponent 2.1: Support clean heating and hot water solutions in SFHs in Bishkek (US$ 31.8 million): The Bank team discussed several options of provision of support to the households of Bishkek living in single family houses (SFHs) with the stakeholders, including Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Technical Supervision, Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Energy, Bishkek municipality, Department on Regulation in Fuel and Energy Sector (Regulator), Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of MoF. Particular options discussed included provision of the clean heating systems through the power supply company, directly by the PIU, as well as through the private companies involved in energy service provision market. All stakeholders proposed the implementation of this component by the MoF through the PIU established under its structure and with channeling of funds to the beneficiaries through the PFIs. The counterparts highlighted that working with the banks will help to open the market for the clean heating technologies with further scaleup of investments and higher impact on the air quality improvement. It is thus agreed that, under this component, f the project funds will be utilized through PFIs that will provide sub-loans to the beneficiaries, which include both the households interested in switching to cleaner heating options; as well as the private entities engaged in cleaner heating technologies and services. The PIU of the MoF has extensive experience in implementing different types of World Bank supported financing schemes through banks in Kyrgyzstan. The proposed scheme is described below: • The PIU of the MoF announces call for interested/eligible PFIs, including state owned and private banks, to submit their expression of interests and later signing agreements for participating in the Project. The Project funds will be provided to the PFIs as a loan for ten years with one year grace period, in local currency, with the interest rate that considers full coverage of the operational expenses and regulatory costs of such loans. The PFIs will repay loans according to the schedule, transferring the repayments to the special account in the treasury to be used for the revolving of the Project funds and for the next transfers to the PFIs to cover more beneficiaries under the project. • It is expected that the PFIs will provide loans to households under consumer lending rules, without collateral, with five years maturity and around 10 percent interest rate per annum. It is expected that the cost of the single loan will not exceed US$5,000 for HHs. The PFIs are fully responsible for repayment of the loan to the MoF. They can reuse the funds during the ten-year period allocating funds multiple times before repaying to the MoF. • The PFIs may provide loans to the energy service companies as well. Energy service companies can use the loan to supply and install clean heating systems at SFHs, then collect the cost of investments, as well as operations and maintenance cost according to the agreement with the household. It is possible also to receive a license and provide energy service at the adopted tariff for such services. 12 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) • It was agreed that the main technology for the improved heating system at the SFH is the heat pump (any technically feasible solution). In some cases, electrical boilers could be also applied (criteria and conditions will be elaborated in POM). Solar water heating is also among the eligible technologies for financing under the project. • The number of beneficiaries likely to benefit from the project is estimated to be up to 20,000 households through the proposed revolving mechanism. With the inclusion of lower-cost technologies such as efficient electric boilers, and longer maturity loans with softer terms, the financing arrangement proposed in the project is expected to benefit large segments of HHs in Bishkek. The issue of the low-income households was also discussed with the MoF and Bishkek municipality. The general approach is that the Project funds should be used only based on the repayment to allow market development and further access to affordable supply by all families. The municipality expressed commitment to support the eligible low-income families with provision of clean heating options for their houses through a financial assistance program to be fully funded by the municipality. The identification of the vulnerable households will be conducted with the participation of the Ministry of Labour, Social Development and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic. • It was agreed that the Bank will help with development of the capital grant pilot scheme enabling efficient way to channel annually about US$1 million funds from the Bishkek local budget to the low-income families. Currently the city provides about US$300,000 subsidy per year for supply with a coal the vulnerable families. It has also been agreed that the piloting of such scheme will be implemented on the 3 rd year of the project based on results and learnings from implementation of the market-based financing scheme discussed earlier. Such staggering will ensure that the vulnerable population benefits from any technological optimization during the initial few years and established quality of service from the providers of cleaner heating technologies and services. If the scheme proves to be efficient, the project will consider expanding such scheme in collaboration with the municipality. This sub-activity will be implemented by the PIU at MNRETS. The MoF agreed to elaborate arrangements if the Bishkek municipality is committed to provide adequate funds. Subcomponent 2.2: Support policy, regulatory and institutional measures for promoting cleaner heating solutions (USD 0.5 million): This component will support the development and adoption of appropriate institutional, policy and regulatory measures on sustainable heating area. The component will support the engagement of PFIs, capacity building for banks to implement provision of sub-loans under the Bank financed projects, develop communications and outreach programs to inform the homeowners about the project opportunities. Component 3. Improve Urban Greening (US$7.0 million). This component will finance activities related to piloting urban green belt and ensuring sustainability of existing greenery by supporting expansion of urban irrigation system in Bishkek. 13 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Technical assistance will support integration of urban greening and irrigation planning to upcoming Bishkek Urban Master Plan development. Sub-component 3.1: Support to Urban Greening (US$0.5 million). The Bishkek Greenery Department, Bishkek Irrigation Department and Bishkek Architecture Department have worked closely with the Bank team to identify the location of urban green belt pilot. According to the estimates of the National Botanical Garden, 1 ha of deciduous trees can absorb 100 tons of dust a year, and 1 ha of coniferous trees can absorb about 40 tons of dust in a year. Based on financing available, the green belt is proposed at north-western and south- eastern edges of the city based on several considerations, including location of most polluted areas, wind direction and availability of land for greening, etc. The map with proposed locations is in Attachment II. Since windblown dust in summer arrives to the city mainly from the south-east, this section was also considered. However, this section already has some level of greenery, especially along Yujnaya Magistal Street on the south. Subject to availability of funds, this street may be considered for further densification and cascade greening. The green belt will represent cascade greening methodology that is used to absorb emissions depending on the sources of pollution. The preliminary proposal for the green belt is: • Jaiyl Baatyra and Barpy Alykulova Streets: 3-tier planting (tall trees, medium trees, shrubs); • Profsoyuznaya Street, D. Xiaoping prospect, part of the Sadygalieva Street, Ankara Street, Dostoevsky Street: 2-tier planting (medium trees, shrubs); • Yujnaya Magistal Street greenery compaction and cascade greening (if funds are available). Total length of such green belt section is estimated at around 14 kms. The Botanical Garden will be involved into design of the green belt, including selection of tree species based on the scientific approach. The Mission was pleased to know that the project proposal to revitalize Botanical Garden that used to be one of the largest in Central Asia, including its nurseries for Bishkek city, is being considered by the government. The Mission visited the proposed location of the green belt around Bishkek city and noted that some shorter street sections are occupied with the fences, buildings or gardens. In order to avoid resettlement and compensation issues in the project, the Mission agreed with municipality to consider alternative parallelly located streets’ sections as feasible. In order to support the project with feasibility study (FS) and design of the urban green belt pilot, the Bank team has applied for the Bank-executed grant resources under the Trust Fund. If the grant application is approved, the Bank will inform the Kyrgyz counterparts and initiate mobilization of necessary consultancies to execute the FS. Sub-component 3.2: Improve Urban Irrigation (US$5 million). Deterioration of city’s existing irrigation infrastructure, lack of irrigation infrastructure in newer settlements around Bishkek, as well as competing needs for irrigation water by the downstream villages has led to lack of adequate irrigation water supply throughout the city during summer months. This not only threatens the survival of existing trees, but also limits the opportunities to develop new greenery in the city. According to “Bishkekzelenhozâ€? Municipal Enterprise (ME) responsible for urban greening, currently 388,14 ha land is 14 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) irrigated via open surface systems (canalettes), but due to the deteriorated condition of this system, large areas of the city do not get sufficient water. Command area of about 100 ha is under pumped groundwater sources. Pumped surface irrigation (water is pumped out from canals and transported by the trucks) cover the remaining 111 ha. According to “Bishkekzelenkhozâ€? ME, only 30% of the total volume of water required for sustainable maintenance of the command area is currently supplied through various means. To tackle the issue, the project will include installation of water efficient systems, including drilling and rehabilitation of 19 boreholes and drip irrigation distribution networks. The rough estimation shows that about 100 ha can be irrigated from these wells. The map in the Annex III shows the location of the proposed wells (highlighted in red) and existing ones (highlighted in blue). Thera are also 2 bore wells proposed for rehabilitation (highlighted in yellow) and 1 well which is currently under development (highlighted in green). To understand the potential impact on the ground water levels, the Mission had series of discussions with the Hydrogeology Expedition under the MNRETS. It was agreed that the project will include rehabilitation of 2-3 monitoring wells within Bishkek to support Hydrogeology Expedition in improving groundwater monitoring and analysis. Solid analysis of groundwater level will better inform policy making in urban planning and development, including construction, greening and irrigation. This activity will have great spillover effect on drinking water supply system development, which has shown its criticality in summer months of 2023. Expansion of the city and lack of irrigation water due to absence of irrigation systems in newer settlements, especially in the south-west of Bishkek, resulted in withdrawal of drinking water for irrigation purposes in yards of individual households and its deficit in the southern part of the city. Relevant TA, such as detailed design and technical supervision is also part of this sub- component. The sub-activity to support recently established Bishkekvodkhoz ME (US$1.5) is important for sustainability of irrigation systems and sustainability of investments. This activity will finance equipment for water measurements and monitoring, operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, development of inventory of irrigation assets and related GIS-based maps, IT infrastructure, including server, software development and office equipment for Bishkekzelenkhoz ME. The sub-activity aimed at supporting urban planning activities related to urban greening and urban irrigation development will support development of Bishkek City Master Plan till 2050 by providing expertise in developing chapters on urban greening, irrigation, as well as water protection zones. It will be implemented in close collaboration with Bishkek Architecture Department and relevant Urban Planning and Design Institute, as well as with the Botanical Garden under the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. Component 4: Project Implementation (US$1.5 million). This component will support project operating costs, project management and supervision, monitoring and evaluation, fiduciary, environmental and social management, as well; as certain supervision activities. 15 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Implementation Arrangements: Based on consultations with the Ministry of Finance, MNRETS, the Bishkek Municipality and KyrgyzHydromet, the following implementation arrangements have been agreed: the MNRETS will be an implementing agency (IA) with a PIU to be established under the MNRETS. This PIU will have overall coordinating, monitoring and reporting role. It will implement components 1, component 3, as well as subcomponent 2.2, including pilot mechanism of supporting poorer households with cleaner solutions to be financed by Bishkek municipality. The component 2.1 on financing of heating solutions, will be implemented by the existing PIU at the Ministry of Finance, which has experience in implementing projects with PFIs and has proven its high efficiency and performance. MNRETS has already established project preparation working group that consists of MNRETS, Bishkek municipality and Kyrgyz Hydromet. This group will continue its work during project implementation, and support the PIU in coordination and on technical matters as needed. A steering committee, as discussed and agreed earlier, will be set up under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister MNRETS to endorse critical decisions including annual work plans for both PIUs. Hiring of the project implementation personnel (PIU staff): The MNRETS is in the process of completing selection of the 4 core PIU staff in compliance with the World Bank procurement guidelines. Employees, who are selected for recruitment by IA, should be the most experienced and best qualified, and shall be fully capable of carrying out the assignment. 2. PROJECT BENEFICIARIES The project, funded by the International Development Association and administered by the World Bank, will be implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision (MNRETS) is the main implementing agency of the project and will host the Project Management Office (MNRETS PIU). The MNRETS PIU will be responsible for project management, reporting, procurement, financial and fiduciary management, environmental and social standards (ESS) compliance and technical oversight. The City of Bishkek, state heat supply companies and energy service companies are some of the other implementing agencies involved in project implementation. Component-1: Direct beneficiaries. MNRETS. Within the framework of the project, it is planned to modernize the national laboratory for the chemical analysis of air quality, which is subordinate to the MNRETS. MNRETS is to receive various equipment that will allow it to carry out about 20 types of analysis for a comprehensive assessment of sources of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. The laboratory building will also house a Data Processing Center, with the necessary IT infrastructure, which will be located in the laboratory to manage a database of air emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors and categories, as well as air quality (data will be obtained from Kyrgyzhydromet). Kyrgyzhydromet. Within the framework of the component, it is planned to expand the atmospheric air quality monitoring network by including new reference automatic control posts managed by Kyrgyzhydromet. The posts will be located in Bishkek (6 new posts), as well as Osh 16 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) (2), Kara-Balta (1), Tokmak (1) and Cholpon-Ata (1), 11 stations in total, their program will introduce AQI (Air Quality Index) as a tool to measure AQ and track the five main pollutants that pose the greatest risk to human health (e.g., ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, airborne particles or aerosols). Kyrgyzhydromet air quality data analysis will be integrated into the MNRETS Data Center to provide a comprehensive air quality analysis that will include data on both the environment and the pollution source. All activities under this sub-component will be implemented for Kyrgyzhydromet through the PIU. Component-2: Direct beneficiaries. Households interested in switching to cleaner heating options; private enterprises involved in cleaner technologies and heating services; low-income families eligible for assistance. Under this component, project funds will be used through the PFIs, which will provide sub-loans to beneficiaries, including households interested in switching to cleaner heating options; and private enterprises involved in cleaner technologies and heating services. The MoF PIU has extensive experience in implementing various types of financing schemes supported by the World Bank through banks in Kyrgyzstan. The number of beneficiaries who will benefit from the project is expected to be up to 20,000 households through the proposed revolving mechanism. With the inclusion of cheaper technologies such as efficient electric boilers and loans with longer repayment periods and more favorable terms, the financing mechanism proposed in the project is expected to benefit large segments of households in Bishkek. The general approach is that the Project funds should be used on a repayment basis only to ensure market development and continued access to affordable offers for all families. The municipality is committed to supporting eligible low-income families by providing green heating options for their homes through a financial assistance program that will be fully funded by the municipality. Identification of vulnerable households will be carried out with the participation of the Ministry of Labour, Social Development and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic. Component-3: Direct beneficiaries. These are the city of Bishkek and its residents who will benefit from the improvement of the urban green cover; various municipal institutions in Bishkek responsible for urban planning, urban greening and urban irrigation will benefit from increased capacity; as well as contractors and workers who will be involved in urban greening and urban irrigation. Residents living along and in close proximity to the proposed green corridors will directly benefit from reduced pollution exposure and more comfortable living conditions, especially during summer and in light of climate change. Residents will also benefit from various public amenities that will be provided next to the green corridors. In the longer term, as part of the technical support activities for the sections of the City Master Plan on improving urban greening and irrigation, indirect beneficiaries will include all residents of Bishkek through improved planning. Component 4: Direct beneficiaries. 17 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) These are the MNRETS and its republican administrative structures. City Hall of Bishkek, its territorial departments and municipal services. 3. PROJECT LOCATION Project activities under component 1 will be carried out at the national level. The activities proposed under components 2,3 will be limited to Bishkek and its surroundings only. Bishkek is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, a city of republican significance, the legal status of which is determined by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated December 12, 2018 No. 218 “On the Status of the Capital Bishkek is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic and the largest city in the country, is a special administrative unit and a city of republican significance. The city consists of 4 districts: Oktyabrskiy district, Pervomaiskiy district, Sverdlovskiy district, Leninskiy district, including the urban-type settlement of Chon-Aryk and the village of Orto-Sai. 4. POLICY / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK The legal framework for environmental and social issues in the Kyrgyz Republic is well developed and all project activities are governed by several laws and regulations, including the applicable Civil, Land and Labor Codes. In addition to national legislation and regulations on environmental and social issues, the Kyrgyz Republic has also signed several international treaties on environmental and social issues, the provisions of which are also binding. The applicability of World Bank environmental and social standards to the components of the proposed project is identified, as well as gaps in national or state regulations that need to be taken into account when formulating the ESMF. 5. PROJECT RISK RATING AND APPLICABILITY OF THE WORLD BANK ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL STANDARDS (ESS) The project environmental and social risks are both rated moderate with an overall Moderate E&S risk rating. The project recognizes the following standards as relevant: ESS 1; ESS 2; ESS 3; ESS 4, ESS 8, ESS 9; and ESS 10. The project will have generally positive environmental and social impacts as it is expected to result in improved air quality and improved air monitoring. Activities of Component 1: Modernization of existing manual air quality monitoring stations and Construction of a modern laboratory with a data processing center involves traditional methods of construction and rehabilitation of facilities. Risks and impacts are typical of those associated with construction activities. Activities of Components 2. Investment in cleaner heating and hot water solutions where the heat pump is the core technology of the improved heating system (any technically feasible solution). In some cases, electric boilers and solar water heating may also be used. Here, the funds invested in the heat pump, as a rule, pay off in an average of 4-9 years. The system itself remains operational for 15-20 years. Here, under this component, project funds will be used through financial institutions that will provide sub-loans to beneficiaries, including households. 18 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) In addition to reducing the cost of heating and air conditioning buildings, heat pumps reduce the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere by up to 5 times compared to traditional heating systems. When installing pumps, minimal environmental impacts are possible, in the form of dust emissions or welding work. Activities of Components 3. During the construction of 20-25 new well systems (integrated with water saving solutions); in particular, they will have a somewhat greater impact on the environment caused by the use of mechanisms for drilling wells, and the use of drilling fluids. The polluting properties of drilling wastewater depend primarily on the chemical reagents used for the preparation and purification of drilling fluids, and the composition of the rocks being drilled. Before the start of work, surveys are carried out, according to the results of which the composition of the drilling fluid and its properties are selected. After the start of work, the composition of the solutions must be controlled and, if necessary, changed. In particular, they must be of low hazard (and have 4 hazard classes). The green belt is proposed to be implemented on the northwestern and southeastern outskirts of the city based on several considerations, including the location of the most polluted areas, wind direction, and the availability of areas for planting green spaces. Possible risks to the environment are the application of fertilizers for growth and pesticides to kill weeds (which for some types could become safe in the next 14 days) during the preparation of the soil. However, the impacts related to the project are expected to be temporary, site-specific, reversible, and easily manageable. It should be noted that due attention will be given to ensure appropriate COVID-19 protocols are in place to protect those installing equipment/technologies as well as people in the buildings where project activities are taking place. In addition, no land acquisition or physical displacement is anticipated as works will mainly take place in existing public buildings. Labor risks are moderate and SEA/SH risks are low. The greatest social risk of the project is exclusion of poorer households from the program’s technology. The project includes strong stakeholder engagement measures to ensure households are properly aware of the project and its benefits. Towards addressing the risks, the following instruments will be prepared prior to the appraisal and shall be living documents and can be updated during implementation as needed: (i) Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF): (ii) Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); and (iv) Labor Management Procedures (LMP). 6. The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). This Environmental and Social Management Framework defines a mechanism for integrating environmental and social concerns into the planning and execution of proposed Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project (AQIP). The ESMF thus defines processes for planning and implementing the environmental and social safeguards management and lays down the management procedures and protocols for the purpose that includes the framework for identification, assessment, and management of environmental and social concerns at both organizational and project/subprojects levels so as to avoid, reduce/minimize and/or mitigate project environmental and social risks and impacts. 19 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Since the complete details of the subprojects are not yet known, carrying out subproject specific ESA and preparation of project specific ESMP is not possible at this stage. Therefore, this ESMF provides guidance for assessing subproject specific E&S Risk & Impacts and also provides triggers for specialized studies e.g., SIA/RAP & Biodiversity Assessment etc. to be conducted when a sub- project encounters such issues for more focused attention/measures. Additionally, guidelines/procedure/plans to address Gender, Labour and Stakeholders issues etc. including institutional mechanism for implementing/monitoring the E&S management during the project execution and operation &maintenance phase have also been included in the ESMF. At this stage it is not possible to define all the activities to be financed under the project, the Borrower has prepared the ESMF, which defines the rules and procedures for activities and subprojects to be defined during the project implementation. ESMF will guide the Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) process and cover the following: (i) rules and procedures for environmental and social screening of project activities and subprojects to be supported under the Project; (ii) guidance on conducting of the ESA for subprojects and the preparation of a an ESMP, or ESMP checklist , which will include monitoring plans; (iii) mitigation measures for the possible impacts of the various proposed activities and subprojects; (iv) requirements for monitoring and screening of ESMP implementation, implementation mechanisms; (v) assessment of the capacity of MNRETS PIU for management of environment and social issues, and measures to strengthen its capacity and the capacity of other involved parties to mitigate potential environmental and social risks and conduct ESA at a subproject level. Furthermore, ESA indicates that the MNRETS PIU should prepare a Social Assessment (SA) as part of the SIA process, which includes: (i) stakeholder identification/mapping; (ii) analysis of stakeholders’ expectations, problems and concerns; (iii) assessments of positive and negative impacts; and (iv) a social management plan to mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive outcomes. Environmental and Social Management Procedures Environmental and Social Management Procedures by project components are described in the table below, which identifies the possible impacts and related mitigation. Table 1. Environmental and Social management procedures by project components Component Suggested types Required Expected Measures to prevent/mitigate of documentation adverse negative impacts work/activities environmental and social risks and impacts Component 1. Modernization of Before starting, Air pollution Replacement of equipment and Strengthening existing manual develop an and dust finishing of stations the air quality air quality Environmental generation; ✓ All vehicles and equipment of management monitoring Management Noise pollution; contractors and subcontractors must system stations. Plan. Waste comply with technical requirements Renovation of generation; and must undergo regular technical premises (e.g. checks; repainting of ✓ Prohibit open burning of solid waste walls, installation resulting from construction activities; of cable ducts, ✓ Near residential or public places, installation of engine idling should not exceed 5 20 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component Suggested types Required Expected Measures to prevent/mitigate of documentation adverse negative impacts work/activities environmental and social risks and impacts new equipment minutes; for ✓ Operation of noisy equipment meteorological should be carried out only from 7:00 to monitoring of the 19:00; vertical ✓ Speed limit for vehicles; temperature ✓Construction material should be profile and stored on the construction site, and inversion layers) protected from weathering. Hazardous Bishkek (1), Osh / materials like paints, oils, enamels and Jalal-Abad (1) others should be kept on impermeable installation of surface, and adsorbents like sand or equipment for sawdust should be kept for handling chemical small spillage. Segregate wastes on laboratories in recycled and non-recycled; Bishkek, Osh and ✓Recycled wastes utilize (sell) to Cholpon- Ata. relevant organizations; Construction of a ✓ Non-recyclable waste is sent to modern municipal landfills; laboratory in Bishkek for the Before starting Health safety of ✓ The Contractor must comply with construction workers and the requirements of the Law of the analysis of air work, all workers community Kyrgyz Republic on Occupational Safety pollution by the must be trained and Health of 2003, the Labor Code of Department of in labor the Kyrgyz Republic of 2004, certain Environmental protection regulations and standards on Monitoring. occupational health and safety, the IFC Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines. ✓ Construction sites will be properly lit and fenced off; clear signs will be posted indicating the progress of the work; ✓ The Contractor and the MNRETS PIU inform the population in advance about the upcoming work; ✓ Workers must have protective equipment, rubber gloves, respirators, goggles and boots, and helmets. Component 2: It is planned to Waste Waste Same as component 1 Promoting invest in clean management generation Clean Solutions heating plan will be Waste technologies by developed insulation replacing materials traditional coal- fired stoves and boilers with modern and cleaner types of heating, such as a heat pump. Pilot districts and households (3000) will be 21 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component Suggested types Required Expected Measures to prevent/mitigate of documentation adverse negative impacts work/activities environmental and social risks and impacts selected based on a set of parameters and criteria agreed with the Government. Component 3: Construction of A plan for the Noise pollution; Bentonite-based drilling fluids are the Improve urban 20-25 new wells, collection and Air pollution. most widely used. Pure water from a greening and systems disposal of drill Emissions from water supply system, a well, an irrigation integrated with cuttings and drill combustion of artesian depression or a natural water saving water will be fuels and reservoir is mixed with bentonite. If solutions; developed. lubricants in the qualitative composition of the development of engines of water does not meet the the green belt; A pesticide and drilling and requirements, various additives are including detailed fertilizer compressor used: sodium carbonate; sodium engineering and management equipment. bicarbonate; citric acid, more toxic and supervision plan will be When planting hazardous to the environment - services. developed. green belt viscosity reducer ferrochrome As part of the trees, there are lignosulfonate, nitrone reagent HP-5, subcomponent, it risks associated lubricant additive, synthetic fatty acids, is planned to with the use of condensed sulfite-alcohol stillage and create one or pesticides and polyethylene oxide, used as fluid loss more "green growth reducers, etc. In addition, some others belts", with a fertilizers, reagents (carboxymethylcellulose, total length of which must be hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, etc.) are about 14 km, purchased, and less environmentally hazardous. along new roads the risks arising in the northern, from their The quantitative ratios between northwestern and application. mineral and organic pollutants vary western districts Pesticides and widely and depend on the type and of the city. fertilizers can system of drilling mud treatment, contaminate water consumption system, etc. The soil, water and main pollutants are chemical reagents, other soluble mineral salts and oil products vegetation. In used as lubricants for drill units. Some addition to of them are toxic and pose a danger to killing insects or the natural environment. weeds, Waste drilling fluid is excluded from pesticides can the technological processes of drilling be toxic to wells and is subject to disposal or other disposal. organisms, including birds, In addition to drilling wastewater, insects, and waste drilling fluids and drilling non-target cuttings are formed. They also contain plants. a significant amount of a variety of Fertilizers can chemicals used to prepare and treat deplete soil drilling fluids. Drill cuttings are a quality, lead to mixture of cuttings and drilling fluid eutrophication removed from the drilling circulating and pollution system by various cleaning devices. (by rain runoff) Drilling cuttings containing toxic of nearby chemicals, mixing with drilling 22 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component Suggested types Required Expected Measures to prevent/mitigate of documentation adverse negative impacts work/activities environmental and social risks and impacts irrigation areas. wastewater contaminated with used In addition, lubricating oils, etc., and getting into those who will open water bodies, form very stable, be employed non-settling suspensions. with pesticides in planting and An analysis of scientific, technical and caring for patent literature on the problem of seedlings may processing drill cuttings shows that at be subject to present most of them are reduced to (possible) burial or placement of drilling waste on exacerbations the territory of a drilling rig or in of chronic specially designated places (sludge diseases. storage, earthen pits, etc.). Generation of A promising approach is the use of drill drilling cuttings cuttings as a feedstock for the and drilling production of building materials, soil water; mixtures, and materials for backfilling Packaging and roads. insulation materials for ✓ Construction sites will be properly lit drilling fluids and fenced off; clear signs will be and posted indicating the progress of the components. work; The processes ✓ The Contractor and the MNRETS PIU of drilling fluid inform the population in advance preparation, about the upcoming work; storage and ✓ Workers must have protective preparation of equipment, rubber gloves, respirators, chemical goggles and boots, and helmets reagents from drilling fluid storage tanks. Contaminated wastewater is generated in processes directly related to drilling and well development (washing of production areas and drilling equipment, cooling of drilling pump rods), as well as in case of industrial water leaks at the units for preparing 23 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component Suggested types Required Expected Measures to prevent/mitigate of documentation adverse negative impacts work/activities environmental and social risks and impacts drilling fluids and chemicals, during well development, elimination of complications and etc. Conditionally pure waters are formed in the power drive systems of drilling equipment and during the operation of the hydraulic jet brake of the winch. These waters contain a small amount of oil products, lubricants and suspended solids. As a rule, they are used in circulating water supply for the operational needs of the listed units. Recommended Mitigation Measures To address the risks and impacts identified above associated with civil works under the ESS, a number of activities and mitigation measures will need to be implemented, which must be clearly stated in the construction contracts and adhered to. These include the following: The site-specific ESMP provisions will become part of the subproject design documentation and will be included in construction contracts for components, both in the specification and in the bill of quantities. Accordingly, the Contractors will be required to include the cost of the ESMP requirements in their financial proposals and comply with them when implementing project activities. The bidding documents for the selection of contractors will include specifications that will ensure that the winning bidder effectively meets the environmental, health and safety performance criteria. Organizational measures. Before starting construction/rehabilitation work, it is necessary to inform local construction and environmental inspectorates and the public about upcoming 24 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) events in the media and/or at public sites (including at the work site). In addition, you must have all the necessary permits. All work must be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner to minimize impact on residents and the environment. Construction workers should be suitably dressed, wearing respirators and goggles, seat belts and safety shoes when necessary. Air quality protection and dust minimization. During construction/rehabilitation work, waste disposal sites should be used or construction debris should be kept in a controlled area, spraying water to reduce dust. It is also necessary to suppress dust during drilling by continuously spraying water and/or installing dust barriers in place. It is strictly forbidden to burn construction/garbage material on site. Any other pulverized material transported to the site should be watered or covered. Reducing the dust content of the rehabilitation site in the dry season can be done by watering the surface of the earth. Workers performing work must be familiar with protective suits and respirators. Noise and vibration suppression. Before starting work, it is recommended to inform all potentially affected parties and especially neighbors directly or through local billboards or newspapers about remediation activities. Noise and vibration should be limited by using good management practices and limiting normal daily shift work (during weekends) and/or after school hours. The construction equipment and machines used must be calibrated according to noise and vibration standards. Construction waste and spills. The general requirement is that the existing elements of the building to be reconstructed (walls, floors) must be carefully restored, and construction waste must be sorted and removed in an organized manner and placed on an authorized land plot. All valuable materials (doors, windows, plumbing, etc.) must be carefully dismantled and transported to a designated storage area. Valuable materials must be recycled within the project or sold. Waste, where possible, should be minimized, separated and treated appropriately. When waste is separated, it is easier to manage. Some materials, such as doors or ceramic sinks, can be reused on the site. Unused materials must be taken to the appropriate places for recycling. Non- recyclable waste, in agreement with local councils, will be taken to an approved landfill. Open burning and illegal dumping of any waste is strictly prohibited. In addition to solid waste, some hazardous waste will be generated at the site, e.g. residues from paints, enamels, oily packaging, oils, oil-contaminated materials, insulation materials, etc., which must be collected and handed over to an authorized collection authority. and transportation of hazardous waste. Temporary storage of materials (including hazardous materials). If possible, the storage of building materials should be avoided. Otherwise, the building material should be stored at the construction site and protected from the weather. Hazardous materials such as paints, oils, enamels and others must be stored on an impervious surface, and adsorbents such as sand or sawdust must be stored to handle small spills. 25 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Ensuring the health and safety of workers. Personnel must have protective equipment, rubber gloves, respirators, goggles and a respirator with a filter, as well as helmets. Before starting construction work, all workers must be instructed in labor protection. In addition, it is necessary to conduct a routine inspection of machinery and equipment in order to identify malfunctions and comply with the terms of repair, training and instructing workers involved in the maintenance of machinery, tools and equipment in safe methods. and work techniques. Particular attention should be paid to welding work. It is forbidden to distribute faulty or untested tools for work, as well as to leave mechanical tools connected to the power supply network or compressed air pipelines; stretch and bend cables and air hose connections; for laying cables and hose lines with their crossing by cables, electric cables, for processing rotating elements of hand- held power tools. Special requirements and mitigation measures for handling asbestos-containing materials and paints containing lead. In case of rehabilitation of various buildings, asbestos-containing materials may be found, which should be handled in a special way to ensure the safety of workers. For these types of pre-construction subprojects, the contractor will be required to develop an Asbestos Management Plan. The Asbestos-Containing Materials Management Plan (ACMMP) describes and assesses the risk that contractors (and others) face asbestos-containing material (ACM) at Project construction sites during the project implementation phase; and it provides a procedure for the quick and safe handling of any ACM that may be detected. The Kyrgyz Republic has a national regulation on hazardous waste management No. 855 dated December 28, 2015, which regulates the disposal of AUM in Kyrgyzstan. However, the procedure should contain a clear description of the handling of the ACM, as outlined in the World Bank Guidelines. The main principles of the WB ACMMP are (i) prompt and effective action to contain and properly handle ACM (including safe management and disposal); and (ii) ensuring the continued safety of site personnel and the general public. The ACMMP is intended to be used by the Contractor and the MNRETS PIU to manage ACM risks for the project as a whole, and for contractors to effectively deal with any ACM they or their worker’s encounter. Thus, the ACMMP procedural element is intended to provide simple instructions that can be easily and quickly understood without requiring special knowledge or consulting other sources. The general approach when working with this material is that builders avoid crushing/demolition of asbestos slabs from roofs and/or wall insulation and stacking them in an organized manner at construction sites. In addition, builders must avoid the release of asbestos fibers into the air due to their grinding. Also, when working with asbestos slabs, workers must wear special protective equipment, gloves and respirators. Once it is suspected or confirmed that ACMs exist in the existing infrastructure and it is shown that their breach is imminent, include the following requirements in the EMP for civil works: • Develop a work plan for the dismantling, repair and disposal of the ACM in a manner that minimizes worker and community exposure to asbestos. The plan should include: (i) isolating interior areas where removal will take place in a negative pressure chamber; 26 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) (ii) Protecting walls, floors and other surfaces with plastic sheeting; (iii) removing the ACM by wet methods and promptly placing the material in impermeable containers; (iv) Final cleaning with vacuum equipment and dismantling of the fence and decontamination equipment; (v) Disposal of removed ACM and contaminated materials at an approved landfill; (vi) Inspection and monitoring of air during work, and final air sampling for cleaning by an organization independent of the contractor removing the ACM; • Require construction firms/or persons employed during construction to be trained in relevant occupational health and safety issues; • Provide all construction workers with personal protective equipment, including respirators and disposable clothing; • Require that the beneficiary or selected contractor notify the authorities of removal and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations and fully cooperate with representatives of the competent authority during all inspections and investigations. For lead paints and other hazardous wastes, the above national hazardous waste management procedure and standard best practice must be followed - collection and storage in specially designated and equipped areas with proper labeling, timely disposal, etc. Occupational health and safety (OHS) enforcement Labor risks. The key health and safety risk for project workers is associated with civil works for construction and rehabilitation of MENRTS laboratories , drilling of wells for irrigation systems, chemicalization of soil and green spaces, as well as communal health diseases such as COVID-19. The project will regularly integrate the latest recommendations and best practices regarding COVID-19 as it develops. The Labor Code (August 4, 2004 No. 106 with the latest amendments dated April 23, 2021 No. 56) is a fundamental legislative act aimed at regulating all labor issues arising in the Kyrgyz Republic. This Code regulates labor relations and other directly related relations aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of the parties to labor relations, establishing minimum guarantees of rights and freedoms in the sphere of labor. Basic rights and obligations of an employee Article 19 - for compensation for harm to health caused to him in connection with the performance of labor duties; - for compulsory social insurance in cases stipulated by the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic; - to provide guarantees and compensations established by laws and other regulatory legal acts; - to protect their labor rights and freedoms using the methods provided for by laws, including the right to judicial protection. 27 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the Procedure for Considering Citizens’ Appealsâ€? (May 4, 2007, No. 67, last amended on July 27, 2016, No. 151). The Law on the Procedure for Considering Citizens' Appeals provides that appeals from citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic must be registered, properly considered and considered on a fair, timely and accountable basis (Articles 2 and 4). Every citizen has the right to apply personally or through his representative to state authorities, local self-government bodies and their officials, who are obliged to provide a reasoned answer within the period established by law (Article 4). A complaint registered with a state body or local self-government must be considered within 14 working days, it can only be extended within a maximum of 30 days (Article 8). Health and safety of workers and communities. Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety procedures, including measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, requires the following measures: 1) The sites will be equipped with appropriate information boards and signs informing workers about the rules and regulations of work; 2) Passing introductory and periodic briefing before the start of work and in the course of the work of workers. Entry in the briefing log; 3) Availability of first aid equipment on site in case of damage; 4) Provision of workers with personal protective equipment (helmets, protective shoes, gloves); 5) Temperature measurement by workers; 6) Social distancing at the work site and during meals in accordance with WHO recommendations; Part of the social and labor risk management measures will be carried out on an ongoing basis by the MNRETS PIU social development specialist to ensure that there are no unforeseen consequences during construction works and related procedures. MNRETS PIU monitoring will also cover health and safety activities, as well as stakeholder engagement activities. If some problems are identified, mitigating measures will be proposed in progress reports or separate corrective action plans (CAPs). Construction activities will have some impact on the health and safety of construction workers and local communities. To mitigate impacts, a number of measures will be developed to prevent impacts. Mitigating measures will be included in the tender documents for the construction. Such measures include compliance with the requirements of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and the World Bank, specified in ESS 2 "Personnel and working conditions" and ESS 4 "Ensuring the safety and health of the population." At the same time, the MNRETS PIU has limited experience and knowledge to meet the requirements related to the environmental and social standards of the World Bank, and in particular those related to labor and working conditions and occupational safety issues; community health and safety; incidence reporting protocols; etc. The project will support the necessary capacity building activities in this area. 28 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Occupational safety issues should be taken into account in all supervision and monitoring activities. This means asking specifically if there have been any incidents, checking logs, and the availability and use of protective and preventive equipment. Accordingly, the sections on safety measures in all progress reports include statements indicating that the MNRETS PIU has reviewed health and safety issues and procedures in place in this regard, and also asked if there were any serious incidents or fatalities. cases. Likewise, the MNRETS PIU will ensure that adequate health and safety provisions are included in the start-up workshop and in the operation manual. Relevant OHS text to be included in progress reports could be as follows: X Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) incidents have been reported since the start of the project. Of these, X is classified as SEVERE, X as SEVERE and X as INDICATIVE. All incidents are validated and accounted for using the Environmental and Social Incident Response Tool (ESIRT). During this mission period, the MNRETS PIU screened all contractors and consultants for any reported or unreported safety incidents. The MEP detected (either) (i) no new incidents during this observation period, or (ii) X incidents occurred (including classification, a brief description of the event and follow-up actions, and an event confirmation message via ESIRT. The World Bank Environmental and Social Incident Response Tool (ESIRT) helps to consistently manage incidents by providing clear guidance on how to categorize the severity of an incident, how to ensure a proportionate response according to severity, and clarifies roles and responsibilities. ESIRT also requires the Borrower to conduct a root cause analysis in the event of a major incident. An “incidentâ€? is defined as an accident, incident or negative event resulting from the failure to comply with certain environmental and social mitigation measures or conditions that arise from unexpected or unforeseen environmental and social risks or impacts during project implementation. Examples of incidents include: fatal accidents, serious accidents and injuries; the social consequences of the influx of labor; sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) or other forms of GBV; severe environmental pollution; child labour; forced labor; the risks and adverse effects of the temporary influx of labor caused by the project; loss of biodiversity or critical habitat; loss of physical cultural resources; and loss of access to public resources. In most cases, an incident is an accident or negative impact resulting from the contractor's failure to comply with the WB security policy or unforeseen events that occurred during the implementation of the Project. ESIRT WB does not replace the monitoring procedures and the implementation of regular monitoring of the implementation of the project security provisions. The document includes the following six steps in the incident management and reporting process: Stage 1. Informing the MNRETS PIU, local authorities, WB, the population, providing emergency medical care and ensuring the necessary security measures for employees. All measures must be taken immediately. In parallel, all the necessary data about the incident is collected - its scale, degree of danger to public health and the environment, location, cause of occurrence, duration, what decisions are made by the Contractor, what actions should be taken next, etc. 29 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Step 2: Assess the severity of the incident. The contractor must promptly provide the WB with information about the incident and the degree of its danger. Stage 3. Notification. The contractor prepares an incident notification for the WB. The filing of a notification in the event of an incident should be determined when concluding an agreement with the Contractor. Stage 4. Investigation of the incident. The Contractor provides any information requested by the WB and does not prevent the visit to the scene. The Contractor is also obliged, with the assistance of the Contractor, to analyze the causes of the incident and document the information received. The contractor may need to involve external experts in the investigation of the incident. The term of the investigation should not exceed 10 days after the incident. The results of the investigation should be used by the Contractor and the Contractor to develop corrective actions and draw up a corrective action plan (CAP) to avoid a recurrence of what happened in the future. In addition, the conclusions must be submitted to the WB. Stage 5. Corrective action plan. The Contractor develops a CAP with specific actions, responsibilities, implementation deadlines and a monitoring program and discusses it with the WB. In case of serious incidents, the WB and the Contractor agree on a set of measures to eliminate the main causes of the sources of such incidents. The CAP specifies the activities, responsibilities and deadlines to be met by the Contractor and the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for the implementation of the CAP. CAP may include the development or modernization of technical measures to protect the environment and prevent further pollution, the provision of training, including on the provision of emergency medical care, compensation for insurance claims in the event of injury or death. The WB may consider suspending loan payments in whole or in part prior to taking such action, or in some cases it may consider canceling all or part of the Project after it has been suspended. Stage 6. Monitoring the implementation of CAP. The contractor performs the CAP, controls the implementation of individual CAP items and submits a report on the implementation to the WB. 6. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT The MNRETS will manage the project at the national level, including regulation and enforcement. MNRETS will be responsible for the implementation of project activities under Components 1 and 3. Components of urban landscaping and urban irrigation are directly administered by the city administration through municipal enterprises. Similarly, the mayor's office will also appoint responsible persons with the main tasks of overseeing the implementation of subprojects and reporting to the MNRETS PIU on all issues to ensure the effective implementation of the ESMP. 30 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Investments will be carried out by contractors selected by the Ministry of MNRETS PIU through open tenders. The MNRETS PIU of the Ministry will invite the Contractors to appoint persons responsible for environmental, social, health and safety issues, as well as for the implementation of the ESMP. The project will be overseen by the AQIP Steering Committee to ensure coordination and information sharing, as well as timely decision-making on high-level strategic and programmatic aspects. MNRETS PIU is the executing agency of the Project, which provides overall coordination of the Project. The MNRETS PIU will be staffed with highly qualified environmental and social performance specialists who will be responsible for the implementation of the ESMF. Given the innovative nature of the project, the range of planning activities, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the Implementing Agencies to meet the new requirements of the WB ESS. To this end, prior to commencement of physical activities under the project, MNRETS PIU shall hire a Consultant with knowledge of national environmental and social management requirements, as well as in-depth knowledge of the World Bank ESS requirements, who will develop training materials and conduct the training itself. The training will cover the basic requirements of the World Bank, national rules and procedures for managing risks related to Occupational Health and Safety, as well as case studies in this area. All developed training materials after a series of trainings by the Consultant will be transferred to the Implementing Agency for further use. This training will cover: â–ª ESF and related standards. â–ª Screening and preparation of site-specific ES instruments and specific aspects of environmental and social assessment, supervision and monitoring. â–ª Relevant occupational health and safety issues including COVID-19 precautions. â–ª Incidence reporting and root cause analysis. â–ª Gender Action Plan, SEP and GM implementation. â–ª Labor Management Procedures. â–ª Security and conflict risk assessment and management â–ª Prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Moreover, training for project workers is expected to be delivered by the contractors at the commencement of engagement of project workers, followed by, at minimum, one annual refresher training. Training will include: â–ª Basic E&S and OHS risk management. â–ª Occupational health and safety including on emergency prevention and preparedness and response arrangements to emergency situations. â–ª Community Health and Safety. â–ª COVID-19 infection safety awareness, community health and safety. â–ª Security and conflict risk assessment and management. â–ª SEA/SH risk prevention and Labor Management Procedures. â–ª Code of Conduct. 31 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The MoF will be responsible for implementing sub-component 2.1: Support for Clean Heating and Hot Water Solutions, project funds will be used through intermediaries who will provide sub- loans to beneficiaries, including households interested in switching to cleaner heating options; and private enterprises involved in cleaner technologies and heating services. The PIU of the MoF will be involved here, which has extensive experience in implementing various types of financing schemes supported by the World Bank through banks in Kyrgyzstan. In our case of sub-loans through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), given the low risks of the sub loan invesment, by ESS9, the PFIs are not required to put in place and maintain Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS) but will apply the relevant national legal and regulatory provisions, supplemented by any corporate Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policies and guidelines. All sub-projects, including activities financed by the sub-loan, must be screened to filter out any activity that does not meet the Project's funding criteria (does not meet the Project's objectives and violates national legislation). In the event that sub-crediting is provided through the FI as a condition of payment, the project through the MoF PIU will due regard to issues relating to the environment and social measures. 7. GRIEVANCE MECHANISM & DISCLOSURES The proposed Project will use existing channels to interact with citizens and receive complaints. An Institutional Beneficiary Feedback System is available to beneficiaries to collect a wide range of feedback from key project stakeholders. In addition, the MNRETS PIU will hold annual public consultations and quarterly focus group discussions with beneficiaries on key project-related activities to provide all citizens with recurring opportunities to raise issues, including those vulnerable clients who will be specifically invited to the focus-groups. MNRETS will build the capacity of the MNRETS PIU and train specific client liaison officers to improve customer focus and organize consultation workshops that involve clients in planning and decision-making on the deployment plan, focusing on including vulnerable clients and discussing/approving the proposed implementation plan. During these workshops, information will be provided on the progress of the project and solicit feedback from citizens on the progress of the project intervention, including how to make consultations and other processes more efficient for implementation through a mini-survey after each workshop/focus group. The results of such consultations will be agreed with the participants, documented and posted on the websites of the MNRETS, the Mayor's Office, clearly defining the actions to be taken. During construction work, contractors will be required to maintain information boards about the work and hotline channels for residents. Based on the ESMF project, a number of visits to potential project sites will be made and a number of meetings with key stakeholders will be held. Comments received during the public consultations on the ESMF will be posted on the website for the public as a result of the consultations. 32 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) is a tool designed to be used as a practical guide to support public consultations and engagement activities conducted by the MNRETS in relation to the development and implementation of the Project. The SEP aims to ensure effective, fair and transparent conduct of engagement activities, inclusive of all relevant stakeholders, and the use of participatory and locally appropriate consultation methods. This requires communication about the project and the transfer of relevant environmental and social data; provide useful and clear information to people affected by the project; conduct public consultations; take into account the opinions expressed during public consultations when implementing the project. During the public consultation, participants will be presented with project objectives, planning activities, expected environmental and social impacts, as well as proposed mitigation measures, compensation measures in case of any impact, and a grievance redress mechanism. Based on the inputs received during the consultations, the ESMF, other environmental and social instruments, including RF, LMP and SEP will be updated. The final versions of the mentioned drafts should be published on the website of the MNRETS and additionally disclosed on the external website of the WB. The disclosure will provide citizen-centric information about the policies and details of the sub- projects, as well as the implementation process of the entire project. This will be carried out in accordance with the provision of the ESS 10 of the World Bank "Interaction with stakeholders and disclosure of information" and the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the right of access to information". The disclosure procedure will ensure that the EA has information relating to protective documents in relation to activities made available to the public, including summaries of all key documents in the local language without any confidentiality for wider dissemination of information. The type and time of disclosure, the channels used, the frequency and duration of information disclosure in the MRETS are presented in Table 2. Table 2.Summary of information disclosure plan Project Phase Documents to be Duration of Disclosure Channels of Disclosure Frequency and disclosed Project planning ESMF Disclosure after Website of IA, in local ESCP finalization and language LMP approval. World Bank Info shop. SEP Will remain disclosed for the entire life of the Project ESMP Disclosure after Website of IA, in local finalization and language approval. Will remain World Bank Info shop. disclosed during the entire lifecycle of project Implementation Grievance Redressal Once it is set up Website of MNERTS Mechanism (GRM) MNRETS PIU, Major AQIP MNRETS PIU, office; Regional/Divisional MTU office, Office of AQIP, Contractor’s Office, 33 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Contractor’s Office, Municipal Office ESMP, ESCP, SEP, LMP at regular intervals Website of MNERTS Implementation Report MNRETS PIU, Major office; MTU office, Contractor’s Office The Borrower's Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). MNRETS through the POM will ensure the implementation of the material measures and actions stipulated in the project ESCP. The ESCP, which is part of project legal agreement identifies the main responsibilities and actions to be taken by the Project implementing Agency to ensure that the Project is compliant with the WB ESSs and, in particular: (a) performing environmental and social screening for all project activities using the screening checklist covering the above aspects; (b) preparation and implementation of site specific ESMPs; (c) reporting on the environmental and social performance of all activities; (d) ensuring transparency in implementation of environmental and social standards for the Project, and that all ESIAs and/or ESMPs are disclosed and publicly consulted with all stakeholders; (e) maintaining human capacity throughout the Project implementation period to ensure surveillance and monitoring of ESIA and ESMP activities and to provide adequate reporting to the implementing agencies and WB; (f) preparation and commitment to the Code of Conduct on the Environment, Social, Health and Safety by contractors; and (g) implementing and reporting on (i) Stakeholder Engagement Plan; (ii) Labor Management Plans (LMPs); and Grievance Mechanism (GM); (iii) capacity-building activities. 8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION MNRETS PIU will prepare and submit to the Association regular monitoring reports on the environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project, including but not limited to, the implementation of the ESCP, status of preparation and implementation of E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement plan, and the grievance mechanism. The MNRETS PIU will also report on the environmental and social incidents. As required by the ESCP, notification of incidents and accidents is required and will be as follows: - MNRETS PIU shall promptly notify the Association of any incident or accident related to the Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers. The notification shall be no later than 48 hours after taking notice of the incident or accident. - MNRETS PIU shall provide sufficient details regarding the incident or accident, indicating immediate measures taken to address it, and include information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, the injured party and regulatory authority, if necessary and as appropriate. Subsequently, as per the Association’s request, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent its recurrence within an agreed timeframe. An incident or accident report, acceptable to the Association, shall be submitted within 30 days after the occurrence of the incident or accident. 34 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) - Other incidents and accidents not subject to immediate notification and reporting in accordance with this provision, shall be included in the regular project reports and throughout the project implementation. Compliance to ESMP should be reported by contractors to the MNRETS PIU, and then the MNRETS PIU submits to the WB a semi-annual report. Environmental and social monitoring during implementation of subprojects should provide information on the key environmental and social aspects of subprojects, in particular its impact on the environment, social impacts of activities and the effectiveness of mitigation measures undertaken. This information will enable the MNRETS PIU under to assess the success of mitigation measures and monitoring under the Project, and will allow to update activities, if necessary, in timely manner. 9. CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING The project will provide specific training to ensure effective project implementation and a clear understanding of environmental and social risk management requirements under the World Bank's ESF. Given the novelty of the project, a wide range of activities, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the implementing agencies to meet the new requirements of the WB ESS. MNRETS PIU will engage a consultant with knowledge of national environmental and social management requirements, as well as significant knowledge of World Bank ESS requirements, who will develop training materials and conduct the training himself. Training topics will include core World Bank requirements, ESMP and RP implementation, national health and safety risk management rules and procedures, and case studies in this regard. In addition, the World Bank will arrange in-project training for relevant staff of the MNRETS PIU and other involved agencies during the first year of project implementation, in order of relevance, followed by at least annual refresher courses as needed throughout project implementation. In addition, contractors are expected to provide project worker training at the start of project worker recruitment, followed by at least one annual refresher course. 35 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 1. Introduction 1.1. Background The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic is preparing the AQIP project which is planned to be implemented with the financial support of the IDA. The project is aimed at increasing the capacity of renewable sources and diversifying the production of electricity for the designed and reconstructed small hydropower plants. The project will achieve the following results: i) Improved air quality management system, strengthened human capacity to perform air quality management functions; ii) Control of PM 2.5 and/or PM 10 emissions; iii) Increase in green space in Bishkek; iv) reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the residential heating sector; The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic will take substantial measures and actions to ensure that the Project is implemented in accordance with the World Bank environmental and social standards (ESS). This document describes the institutional roles and responsibilities for environmental and social risk management within the project, as well as feedback and grievance mechanisms through which citizens and other stakeholders can interact with the project management office. The ESMF will ensure the environmental and social sustainability of the subprojects throughout their implementation cycle, and will provide engineers and consultants with the proper institutional and regulatory framework for future processes and procedures. 1.2. Purpose of the ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is an instrument that examines the issues and impacts associated with project activities when a project consists of a program and/or series of sub-projects, and the impacts cannot be determined until the program or sub-project details have been identified. The ESMF sets out the principles, rules, guidelines and procedures to assess the environmental and social impacts. It contains measures and plans to reduce, mitigate and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts, provisions for estimating and budgeting the costs of such measures, and information on the agency or agencies responsible for addressing project impacts. 1.3. Rationale for the ESMF As the details of specific interventions (feasibility studies, detailed designs) and their locations under the project are not identified and their specific impacts are not known by project appraisal, in accordance with the ESF ESS1, the ESMF is prepared. It specifies rules and procedures for the activities and for preparing adequate site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs). 36 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 1.4. Approach and Methodology of the ESMF The ESMF covers the following: (i) rules and procedures for environmental and social screening of project activities and subprojects to be supported under the project; (ii) guidance for preparing site-specific ESMP or ESMP Checklist, which would include the monitoring plans; (iii) mitigation measures for possible impacts of different proposed activities and subprojects to be supported by the project; (iv) requirements for monitoring and supervision of implementing of ESMPs, implementation arrangements; (vii) overview of the capacity of MNRETS (the project implementing agency) for E&S risk management and capacity building activities that would include other parties on mitigating potential environmental and social risks. The ESMF also specifies that the proposed institutional strengthening and capacity building activities should include special training on identifying and addressing environmental and social issues and integrating environmental requirements in feasibility studies. The ESMF has been prepared following a standard methodology consisting of the steps listed below in Figure 1. Reviewing policies, regulations Review of information on the and administrative frameworks AQIP Collecting information on environmental and social baseline Review of the key environmental and social resources of the area conditions of the project area Assessing the potential impacts of the project activities on environmental and social resources Proposing appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures; Preparation of a report plan in accordance with the ESF ESSs Compiling ESMF Figure 1.Outline of ESMF preparation methodology 37 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 2. Project description The Kyrgyz Republic, a land-locked and low-middle-income country with about 6.6 million population, has been facing challenges in sustaining and greening its growth. While Kyrgyzstan GDP grew at an average rate of 4.3 percent over the period 2016-2019, the growth collapsed to -8.6 percent in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the country’s economy rebounded with 3.6 percent growth, albeit offset by soaring inflation of 11.2 percent driven by high food and fuel prices2. Reduced labor income and remittance caused by COVID-19 pandemic and inflation pushed an additional 700,000 people (11 percent of the population) into poverty in 2020, with a poverty rate at 25.3 percent. The country’s economic growth depends on intensive resource use (i.e., mining industries), leading to the resource intensity four times higher than the subregional and regional average3. Some urban areas are going through rapid expansion without adequate infrastructure to cope with growing population. Despite the high share of renewable energy in electricity generation (Hydropower >90%), the overall energy sector is still dominated by the use of fossil fuels (oil 48% and coal 17%)4 due to heavy dependence on fossil fuels for heating. Especially, the residential sector, the largest energy consumer due to the high demand for heating, is predominantly served by coal. All these factors have contributed to deterioration of the environment, including worsening air pollution, which adversely affects human health, quality of life and economic productivity. 2.1. Project development Objective The Project Objective Development (POD) is to i) strengthen the capacity of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to manage air quality and ii) promote environmentally friendly residential heating solutions and urban greening measures in Bishkek. The project will deliver the following results: i) improved air quality management system (upgraded air quality monitoring stations, upgraded laboratory and infrastructure to improve air pollution analysis and dissemination, increased human capacity to perform air quality management functions); (ii) Control of PM2.5 and/or PM10 emissions; (iii) Increase green space in the city; (iv) Reducing GHG emissions from the residential heating sector. 2.2. Project Components The Air Quality Improvement Project has four main components aimed at improving air quality, improving air quality monitoring, and moving towards cleaner residential heating options. The direct beneficiaries of the project activities are: i) MNRETS, especially the relevant departments 2 https://www.statista.com/statistics/528570/gross-domestic-product-gdp-growth-rate-in-kyrgyz-republic/ 3 2020 UNESCAP Workshop ‘Forecasting Sustainable Urbanization’; https://www.unescap.org/events/forecasting-sustainable-urbanization- inception-and-data-collection-workshop-bishkek 4 IEA. Kyrgyzstan Energy Profile, 2020 38 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) of the agency to increase the capacity of air quality management and monitoring and technical skills, as well as Kyrgyzhydromet to increase the capacity of air quality monitoring; ii) urban residents and urban residential households with a clean and efficient heating system; iii) residents living in close proximity to newly developed urban green spaces and areas. The scope and funding of each component are detailed below. Component 1: Strengthen Air Quality Management System This component aims to strengthen the overall air quality management (AQM) system at both the national and city levels. Subcomponent 1.1 Investments in AQ Monitoring Network and related tools and equipment for improving Air Quality data collection, analysis and dissemination: - expansion of the air quality monitoring network by installing 11 new reference automatic monitoring stations for the main pollutants in Bishkek (6), as well as in other large cities, such as Osh (2), Kara-Balta (1), Tokmok (1) and Cholpon-Ata (1); - modernization of 8 existing stations for manual monitoring of atmospheric air quality to increase their functionality in Bishkek (7), Osh (1); - acquisition of probe equipment for meteorological vertical temperature profile and inversion layers - Bishkek (1), Osh/Jalal-Abad (1); - purchase of equipment for chemical laboratories in Bishkek, Osh and Cholpon-Ata for testing additional parameters (eg heavy metals, ozone, etc.); - construction of a modern laboratory in Bishkek with a data processing center (DPC), including equipment - development of inventories and registers of emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases for Kyrgyzstan with integration into the data center, training of personnel of the MNRETS; Subcomponent 1.2 Investing in laboratory Infrastructure and Systems to Improve Air Pollution Control and Management: This sub-component provides for the construction of a modern air quality laboratory with a data processing center (DPC) in Bishkek, taking into account the equipment : • Development of inventories and registers of emissions of pollutants and GHGs for Kyrgyzstan with integration into the data center, training of personnel of the MNRETS • Establishment of the necessary IT infrastructure for the creation of state inventories of pollutant emissions, greenhouse gas registers, including services for the development and preparation of tender documentation • Technical/analysis studies/reviews/pilot schemes (e.g. pilot vehicle emission testing program). Component 2: Promoting Cleaner Heating and Hot Water Solutions: Investments in cleaner heating and hot water solutions (ground, solar) and energy efficiency measures in buildings. Subcomponent 2.1: Support clean heating and hot water solutions in SFHs in Bishkek. 39 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Specific options for clean heat supply systems will be provided directly through the PIU, municipal energy supply companies, as well as through private companies participating in the energy services market. The implementation of this component is entrusted by the PIU of the Ministry of Finance, which will manage the flow of funds to beneficiaries through the PFI. This sub-component will invest in clean heating technologies by replacing traditional coal-fired stoves and boilers. This sub-component is designed as a pilot that will cover private households and demonstrate in one or two districts of Bishkek. The project is planned to cover more than 20,000 households. Pilot sites and households will be selected based on a set of parameters and criteria agreed with the government. The PIU of the MoF has extensive experience in implementing World Bank supported financing schemes through banks in Kyrgyzstan. The proposed scheme is described below: • The PIU of the MoF announces call for interested/eligible PFIs, including state owned and private banks, to submit their expression of interests and later signing agreements for participating in the Project. The Project funds will be provided to the PFIs as a loan for ten years with one year grace period, in local currency, with the interest rate that considers full coverage of the operational expenses and regulatory costs of such loans. The PFIs will repay loans according to the schedule, transferring the repayments to the special account in the treasury to be used for the revolving of the Project funds and for the next transfers to the PFIs to cover more beneficiaries under the project. • It is expected that the PFIs will provide loans to households under consumer lending rules, without collateral, with five years maturity and around 10 percent interest rate per annum. It is expected that the cost of the single loan will not exceed US$5,000 for HHs. The PFIs are fully responsible for repayment of the loan to the MoF. They can reuse the funds during the ten-year period allocating funds multiple times before repaying to the MoF. • The PFIs may provide loans to the energy service companies as well. Energy service companies can use the loan to supply and install clean heating systems at SFHs, then collect the cost of investments, as well as operations and maintenance cost according to the agreement with the household. It is possible also to receive a license and provide energy service at the adopted tariff for such services. • It was agreed that the main technology for the improved heating system at the SFH is the heat pump (any technically feasible solution). In some cases, electrical boilers could be also applied (criteria and conditions will be elaborated in POM). Solar water heating is also among the eligible technologies for financing under the project. Sub-component 2.2: Support for policy, regulatory and institutional measures to promote cleaner solutions for heating. This component will support the development and adoption of appropriate institutional, policy and regulatory measures on sustainable heating area. The component will support the engagement of PFIs, capacity building for banks to implement provision of sub-loans under the Bank financed projects, develop communications and outreach programs to inform the homeowners about the project opportunities. 40 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component 3: Improve Urban Greening. This component will finance activities related to piloting urban green belt and ensuring sustainability of existing greenery by supporting expansion of urban irrigation system in Bishkek. Technical assistance will support integration of urban greening and irrigation planning to upcoming Bishkek Urban Master Plan development. Subcomponent 3.1 Support for greener cities A green belt is proposed on the northwestern and southeastern outskirts of the city based on several considerations, including the location of the most polluted areas, wind direction, and availability of green land. The green belt will represent cascade greening methodology that is used to absorb emissions depending on the sources of pollution. The preliminary proposal for the green belt is: • Jaiyl Baatyr and Barpy Alykulov Streets: 3-tier planting (tall trees, medium trees, shrubs); • Profsoyuznaya Street, D.Xiaoping prospect, part of the Sadygaliev Street, Ankara Street, Dostoevsky Street: 2-tier planting (medium trees, shrubs); • Yujnaya Magistral Street greenery compaction and cascade greening (if funds are available). Total length of such green belt section is estimated at around 14 kms. The Botanical Garden will be involved into design of the green belt, including selection of tree species based on the scientific approach. The Mission was pleased to know that the project proposal to revitalize Botanical Garden that used to be one of the largest in Central Asia, including its nurseries for Bishkek city, is being considered by the government. Sub-component 3.2 Capacity building for urban greening and irrigation. According to “Bishkekzelenkhozâ€? ME, only 30% of the total volume of water required for sustainable maintenance of the command area is currently supplied through various means. Sustainable irrigation requires the installation of water-saving systems, including drilling and rehabilitation of 19 wells and drip irrigation distribution networks. A rough estimate shows that about 100 ha can be irrigated from these wells. The project will include the rehabilitation of 2-3 monitoring wells in Bishkek to support the Hydrogeological Expedition of the Ministry of Natural Resources in improving groundwater monitoring and analysis. It is expected that a thorough analysis of the groundwater level will better inform urban planners and development, including construction, landscaping and irrigation. The sub-activity to support recently established Bishkekvodkhoz ME (US$1.5) is important for sustainability of irrigation systems and sustainability of investments. This activity will finance equipment for water measurements and monitoring, operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, development of inventory of irrigation assets and related GIS-based maps, IT infrastructure, including server, software development and office equipment for Bishkekzelenkhoz ME. 41 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The sub-activity aimed at supporting urban planning activities related to urban greening and urban irrigation development will support development of Bishkek City Master Plan till 2050 by providing expertize in developing chapters on urban greening, irrigation, as well as water protection zones. It will be implemented in close collaboration with Bishkek Architecture Department and relevant Urban Planning and Design Institute, as well as with the Botanical Garden under the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. Component 4: Project Implementation Support This component will support project operating costs, project management and oversight, monitoring and evaluation, fiduciary, environmental and social management; as certain oversight measures. 2.3. Project Location, Potential subprojects and Selection Criteria Activities proposed under the project are concentrated in Bishkek (mainly), Osh, Kara-Balta, Tokmok, Cholpon-Ata. The activities proposed under the component 1, the modernization of 11 existing manual air quality monitoring stations, are being implemented in the cities of Bishkek (6), Osh (2), Kara-Balta (1), Tokmok (1), Cholpon-Ata (1), and construction of a modern laboratory with a data processing center (DPC) in Bishkek, taking into account needed equipment . Bishkek is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, a city of republican significance, the legal status of which is determined by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated December 12, 2018 No. 218 “On the status of the capital. Bishkek is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Kyrgyz Republic and the largest city of the country, is a special administrative unit and a city of republican significance. The city includes 4 districts: Oktyabrsky district, Pervomaisky district, Sverdlovsky district, Leninsky district, including Chon-Aryk township and Orto-Sai village. The largest city in Kyrgyzstan in terms of population - 1,098,600 people. The city of Osh is the second largest city in the Kyrgyz Republic and the main political, administrative, financial and cultural center in the south of the republic. The official population of Osh city in 2017 was 251,000, but given the growth of the city, the total number of people living in its territory is approaching 400,000. Jalal-Abad is the third largest city in Kyrgyzstan, the administrative center of the Jalal-Abad region. The city is located in the foothills of the Ferghana Range at the foot of the small Ayub- Too mountains at an altitude of 763 m above sea level in the Kogart valley. The distance to the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is 560 km. The city of Osh is located 100 km southwest. The population is over 113,900 people. Kara-Balta is a city in Kyrgyzstan, the administrative center of the Zhaiyl district of the Chui region. The city of district subordination, which has its own public institutions and associations, business entities, administrative structures of ministries and departments, is one of the most important 42 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) transport hubs of the Chui region. The main highways Bishkek-Tashkent and Bishkek-Osh pass through the city. The population of Kara-Balta is 48,744 people (2022). Cholpon-Ata is a city in the Issyk-Kul region, the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region, a resort town. The city is located in the central part of the northern coast of Lake Issyk-Kul, 208 km (265 km by road) east of the capital of the republic, Bishkek, 109 km (145 km by road) west of the regional center of the city of Karakol. The city is famous for its sandy beaches and clear waters of the lake. The population (2017) is 12.5 thousand people. However, in the summer months, the population of the city increases significantly due to the influx of tourists coming to Issyk-Kul from other regions, as well as from Kazakhstan and Russia. The selected cities are located on a rehabilitated regional highway in Central Asia, and it involves improving the transport connection of the republic with the countries of the world. The improvement of road communications in Central Asia is the optimization of logistics between economic centers and the intensification of economic interaction between them. In all the cities under consideration, there is an increase in the urban population and agglomerations, which is associated with the gravitation of production to accessible energy and industry nodes, and in connection with this, the growth of the service and trade sectors. The peculiarity of the country's relief, its mountainous-valley character suggests the development of road transport and an increase in the number of road transport with internal combustion engines, which will be widespread and in demand for a long time. Urbanization is an important driver of economic development. Cities are centers of economic activity and innovation and offer better infrastructure and social services. In third world countries, the stage of urban development is always associated with the growth of small and medium-sized industry, hypertrophic growth of agglomerations, an increase in the number of transportation and the associated increase in emissions of pollutants, etc. The report of the UN Secretary-General (2020), presented to the members of the Commission on Population and Development, noted that rapid and unplanned urbanization poses significant challenges to sustainable development, as it can lead to uncontrolled urban sprawl, leading to pollution and degradation environment. In such a situation, the Government should adhere to urban planning policies and promote programs to mitigate these negative trends (such as the current AQIP project), in order to more equitably distribute the benefits of urbanization. Under component 2 Promoting Clean Solutions - Investments in cleaner solutions for heating and hot water supply (energy from the earth, the sun) and energy efficiency measures in buildings are a logical step in the joint policy of the Government and the WB. It is known that building construction now accounts for about half of the world's final energy consumption, and the decarbonization of this sector is one of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate the worst effects of a climate catastrophe. 43 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) More than half of the world's raw materials are used to build buildings and large-scale public structures. More than one third (35%) of the total waste generated is from construction and demolition of constructed structures, and more than one third of drinking water is consumed by building occupants and construction services. Buildings leave a significant environmental footprint and produce about 39% of the world's carbon emissions, including 28% of CO2 emissions during the operation phase, and another 11% of embodied carbon arising from the energy used to produce materials and during the construction phase. According to the report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2018), the world needs to dramatically reduce carbon emissions associated with the construction, operation and demolition of buildings by 80% - 90% by 2050 in order to limit global warming to no more than 1. 5°C. The global building stock is expected to double by 2050, and with buildings expected to provide more comfort, amenities and indoor entertainment, carbon emissions will rise exponentially unless little is done to reduce them. In terms of the country specifics, the Government is focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable consumption and production, and the overall sustainability of the construction sector. In the country, 85% of the housing stock, 77% of administrative buildings and more than 60% of public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, were built before 1991 (Green Economy Development Program for 2019-2023, 2019). The building stock was built in accordance with the requirements of building codes developed during the Soviet period, with little regard to energy efficiency and other aspects of sustainable development, and such buildings and structures no longer meet modern energy efficiency standards and technological advances. As a result, high heat losses (70%) are observed in the country's buildings, which, in turn, puts strong pressure on domestic energy demand. The Kyrgyz Republic estimates in the 2021 Updated Nationally Determined Contribution that the country's energy sector produces 66% of CO2 in Kyrgyzstan, and improvements could reduce the country's contribution to CO2 by about 40% by 2030. In particular, according to the World Bank (2019), the potential for energy savings in public and residential buildings through energy efficiency measures and energy-saving technologies will be almost 40%. The Green Economy Development Program thus defines energy efficiency in buildings as one of the seven priority areas (source https://www.switch- asia.eu/site/assets/files/3514/green_building_guidelines_ru.pdf). Component 3: Improve urban greening and irrigation. Green spaces and parks are known to be key to maintaining a healthy environment in large cities. Cityside green belts of trees significantly reduce the concentration of hydrocarbon oxides and, in general, the level of air pollution by up to 30%. Some types of trees are able to reduce the dust and gas content of one cubic meter of air from three to 30 times. The release of phytoncides by green plantings retards the development and spread of pathogenic bacteria harmful to humans, while enriching the air with oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. Green spaces are a source of air humidification, and green spaces (depending on the volume of the crown), located between the source of noise and buildings, significantly reduce the noise level by up to 20%. 44 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The country is surrounded by territories with a sharply continental climate, characterized by dry and dusty atmosphere, and sharp temperature changes. In relation to the annual precipitation and average annual temperatures, the climate of the above-mentioned cities of the country belongs to the arid climate of the steppes. Most of the urban trees in the parks are degraded as a result of poor care, pests, diseases and deterioration, depletion of urban soils, compaction and asphalting of tree circles, heavy pruning of trees, lack of cover plants, which leads to degradation of urban soils, plant degradation and diseases. A decrease in the number of healthy and sustainable trees with crowns leads to a decrease in the environmental and health-improving functions of green spaces and to a shortage of places for everyday recreation of citizens. A serious problem of the green fund of cities is the issues of the irrigation network, they do not fulfill their functions, bear a large percentage of losses and have a low coefficient of irrigation water use. Many parks and neighborhoods lack access to clean irrigation water. The objects of urban irrigation facilities include irrigation networks in earthen and lined channels, irrigation water supply networks (sprinkling), hydraulic structures, pumping stations, and wells. The construction of 19 new well systems integrated with water-saving solutions, including detailed design and architectural supervision services for component 3, involves a comprehensive improvement and digitalization of the urban green zone. Improving the situation with the shortage of irrigation water will create one or more "green belts", with a total length of about 14 km, along new roads in the northern, northwestern and western districts of the city. Studies have shown that green spaces are one of the main conditions for creating a favorable urban microclimate. Parks and alleys affect the temperature and humidity regime, ionize and humidify the air, promote horizontal and vertical ventilation, reduce dust and gas pollution, and help reduce noise pollution. Water conservation technologies involve monitoring and process automation that allow municipalities to see real-time soil and weather data to help them make better management decisions. Some of these systems not only allow monitoring of soil and weather conditions, but may also allow them to remotely control irrigation systems, such as turning pumps on and off, and redirecting flows to other components of the irrigation system. This makes things easier by allowing systems to be controlled remotely, reducing financial costs, reducing water consumption, and ultimately the digitalization of urban greening processes can accelerate the solution to the problem of air pollution. The objectives of Component 4 are to ensure effective management and coordination of the Project activities. The executing agency for the implementation of the Project will be MNRETS. Strategic management and control over the activities of the project will be carried out by the council. The Board will also monitor the activities of other stakeholders to ensure coordination of the project program. All project components are interconnected and coordinated. The project strategy is aimed at improving the air quality management system (modernized air quality monitoring stations, building a new laboratory and its infrastructure to improve the analysis and dissemination of air pollution), strengthening human capacity to perform air quality management functions. 45 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 3. Legal and regulatory framework 3.1 National legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of environment and ESA procedures 2.3.1. Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic The supreme legislative instrument in the Kyrgyz Republic is the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic of 05.05.2021, hereinafter referred to as the "Constitution". All laws must comply with the Constitution, and only the Parliament may make additions, amendments or adopt laws, or ratify international agreements. According to the Constitution, the Kyrgyz Republic is a democratic republic with a popularly elected president who heads the executive branch and a unicameral legislature consisting of 90 deputies. Relations in the field of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources are regulated by the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, laws and other regulatory legal acts of the Kyrgyz Republic adopted in accordance with them. The constitution says the following about the relationship between the citizen and nature: Article 12, paragraph 1 recognizes the diversity of forms of ownership, and guarantees equal legal protection of private, state, municipal and other forms of ownership. Article 12, paragraph 2: property is inviolable. No one may be arbitrarily deprived of his property. Seizure of property by the state against the will of the owner is allowed only by a court decision. Article 15, paragraph 2. Seizure of property for public needs, as defined in the Basic Law, may be carried out by a court decision with fair and prior provision for compensation for the value of this property and other losses caused as a result of the alienation. Article 16, paragraph 3. Land, with the exception of pastures and forests, may be in private and municipal forms of ownership. Article 49 of the Basic Law refers to the right and obligation of citizens to a favorable environment and respect for the environment: • Everyone has the right to an ecological environment favorable for life and health; • Everyone has the right to compensation for harm caused to health or property by actions in the field of natural resources; • Everyone is obliged to protect and preserve the natural environment, flora and fauna. 2.3.2. Legislation on natural resources and the environment The Constitution establishes the basic principles of nature management, including the right of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic to access the main sources of life, while the main resources (land, water and subsoil) are the common property of the people and belong to the state. Based on these principles, a legal framework was developed to regulate relations between users of natural resources and the state. The most significant relevant legislation includes: 46 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Law on Environmental Protection No. 53 of 1999, establishes the basic principles of environmental protection and provides legal authority to create environmental quality, establish a system for monitoring and controlling the environment Among the standards and norms of environmental quality authorized under this law, the following are presented attitude to the project: norms for the maximum safe concentration of hazardous substances in air, water; standards for the use of natural resources; norms of maximum safe levels of noise, vibrations and other hazardous physical impacts. This law establishes the requirements for conducting an environmental assessment in order to prevent possible harmful environmental impacts. It prohibits the financing or implementation of projects related to the use of natural resources without obtaining a positive conclusion from the State Ecological Expertise. Law on General technical regulation on environmental safety (2009), which regulates a set of regulatory and general technical requirements aimed at achieving the optimal degree of streamlining the environmental protection system, ensuring the safety of products, processes for human life and health and the environment, including flora and fauna. Technical regulation in the field of environmental safety is carried out in accordance with the following principles: 1) the obligation to conduct a state environmental review and environmental impact assessment before making a decision on the implementation of economic and other activities; 2) the admissibility of the established level of impact of economic and other activities on the environment, based on the environmental safety requirements established by this and other technical regulations; 3) ensuring the reduction of the negative impact of the production processes of economic and other activities on the environment by using the best available technologies, taking into account economic and social factors, rational use of natural resources; 4) prohibition of the functioning of the production processes of economic and other activities, the consequences of which are unpredictable for the environment, as well as the implementation of projects that may lead to a negative impact on the environment; 5) priority of conservation of natural ecological systems; Law "On the Protection of Atmospheric Air" No. 51 dated June 12, 1999 Article 20. Measures to prevent, reduce and eliminate harmful physical effects on the atmospheric air. In order to protect the atmospheric air and ensure environmental safety, state bodies, local governments within the framework of delegated state powers, economic entities, in order to protect the atmospheric air and ensure environmental safety, are obliged to develop and implement measures to prevent, reduce and eliminate harmful physical impact on the atmospheric air. Article 21. Restriction, suspension or prohibition of harmful physical impact on the atmospheric air. Certain types of harmful physical impact on the atmospheric air may be 47 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) allowed subject to compliance with the maximum permissible levels and other requirements established in permits issued by authorized state bodies determined by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. In case of violation of the requirements stipulated by the permit, the relevant activities of individual industrial and other installations, workshops, enterprises, organizations and other economic entities may be suspended, restricted or prohibited by decision of the authorized state bodies determined by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic until the causes that cause them are eliminated. Article 24. The use of dust and gas cleaning equipment, other means and installations to reduce pollutant emissions into the atmosphere is allowed only if there are certificates confirming their compliance with the established requirements. Article 25. It is prohibited to commission new and reconstructed enterprises, structures and other facilities that do not meet the requirements for the protection of atmospheric air. When placing, designing, building and commissioning new and reconstructed enterprises, structures and other facilities, when improving existing and introducing new technological processes and equipment, it is necessary to ensure compliance with the standards for maximum permissible emissions and harmful physical effects on the atmospheric air. At the same time, capture, utilization, neutralization of harmful substances and wastes or the complete exclusion of pollutant emissions, and the fulfillment of other requirements for the protection of atmospheric air should be provided. Facilities whose activities are associated with emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, regardless of the time they are put into operation, must be equipped with facilities, equipment and apparatus for cleaning emissions into the atmosphere and means to control the amount and composition of pollutants emitted. Article 27. In long-term planning, the location of cities, towns and other settlements, their building, development and reconstruction, the following should be taken into account: physical and geographical conditions, the state of atmospheric air pollution, a forecast of its change and measures to protect atmospheric air from harmful effects. Design, construction, development, reconstruction of cities, towns and other settlements are carried out in accordance with sanitary and hygienic and other standards for the protection of atmospheric air. In order to ensure environmental safety, local state administrations and local self- government bodies must take measures to implement air protection measures provided for in projects, programs, plans for development, location, reconstruction of cities, districts, towns and other settlements. 48 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Hygienic Standards "Maximum Permissible Concentrations of Pollutants in the Atmospheric Air of Residential Premises". Approved by the Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated April 11, 2016 No. 201 Standards and norms for the quality of atmospheric air in residential premises are regulated by the Hygienic Standards "Maximum Permissible Concentrations of Pollutants in the Atmospheric Air of Residential Premises" (hereinafter referred to as GN) establishes the maximum permissible content of harmful pollutants in the atmospheric air of residential premises. These GN apply to the atmospheric air of urban and rural settlements. GN are set in the form of maximum one-time and average daily maximum allowable concentrations (hereinafter referred to as MAC), for 613 substances, indicating the hazard class and limiting hazard indicator, which is the basis for setting the standard for a particular substance; Noise and vibration standards in the Kyrgyz Republic. Sanitary standards for noise and vibration are established by the Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated April 11, 2016 No. 201 and the Regulations on the Procedure for conducting sanitary and epidemiological control of sources of physical factors in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, approved by the Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated June 6, 2003 No. 329. Parameters and maximum permissible noise levels are regulated by SN 2.2.4 / 2.1.8.562-96 "Noise at workplaces, in residential, public buildings and residential premises." Parameters and maximum permissible levels of vibration are regulated by SN 2.2.4/2.1.8.582-96 "Industrial vibration, vibration in residential and public buildings". Law "On environmental expertise" No. 54 of 1999 (amended on May 04, 2015). This Law shall apply to projects that may have an impact on the environment, including feasibility studies, as well as construction, reconstruction, development, reorganization and other projects that may have an impact on the environment, regardless of their estimated cost and name or form of ownership. The law obliges the project initiator to provide the state environmental expertise with the necessary documentation regarding the project and its impact on the environment. The expert commission of the authorized body in the field of environmental protection is responsible for reviewing the submitted documentation. To start financing or implementing a project, a positive conclusion of the state environmental review is required. A negative conclusion will prohibit the implementation of the project. One of the main opportunities for the participation of citizens and their associations in decision-making in the field of environmental protection and rational use of natural resources is public environmental expertise. There are two types of environmental expertise carried out in the Kyrgyz Republic: state environmental expertise and public environmental expertise. Regulations on the procedure for conducting state environmental expertise in the Kyrgyz Republic. Approved by Government Decree of the Kyrgyz Republic dated May 7, 2014 No. 248. Environmental assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic is based on two subsystems: (i) EIA (“Environmental Impact Assessmentâ€?) and (ii) Environmental Expertise (State Environmental 49 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Expertise, SEE). Based on the "list", a project check is carried out to determine whether the project is subject to an environmental assessment or not. Where required, the EIA is carried out by an EIA consultant hired by the project proponent. The environmental assessment continues the EIA documents to be subjected to further reviews. The resulting EIA/EA is then submitted for public consultation, after which changes are made according to public feedback. Subsequently, the EIA report, the Statement of Environmental Consequences and other supporting documents are submitted for the State Environmental Expert Review (SEE). After that, the project will be approved, rejected or sent for re-examination. The continuation of the SEE depends on the project, but cannot be more than 3 months after the Project Initiator submits all EIA/EE documents to the SEE. Public Environmental Expert Review (PER) is organized and conducted at the initiative of local residents, local administrations and civil societies registered in the Kyrgyz Republic. The results of the public environmental review are sent to the body that implements the state environmental review, which is responsible for making decisions on the implementation of the objects of the review. A public consultation was held for EE at the feasibility study stage. The results of the public consultations will be included in the public environmental review (PER), which may be done as part of the EIA or may also be initiated in parallel with the SEE. The duration of the SEE depends on the complexity of the project but should not exceed 3 months after the project initiator submits all EIA documents for the SEE. Environmental impact assessment is carried out in accordance with the Regulations on the procedure for conducting environmental impact assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic (February 13, 2015, No. 60); The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population No. 26â€? dated July 26, 2001, aimed at ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic and used to ensure guarantees that the state provides people the right to health protection and a healthy environment. In addition, on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic there are Interstate standards adopted by Kyrgyzstandart as national: - GOST 30772-2001 “Resource saving. Waste management. Terms and Definitions"; - GOST 30773-2001 “Resource saving. Waste management. Stages of the technological cycle. Basic Provisionsâ€?; - GOST 30775-2001 “Resource saving. Waste management. Classification, identification and coding of waste. General Provisions". These GOSTs define terms and definitions in the field of waste management and establish typical stages of the technological cycle of production and consumption waste, including the elimination of rejected, obsolete and / or decommissioned products (goods) that have lost their consumer properties. Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 25, 1999 No. 12 On chemicalization and protection of plants, determines the general legal, economic, environmental, social and organizational foundations for chemicalization and protection of plants in the interests of protecting public 50 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) health, animals, the environment, preventing or eliminating the consequences of pollution of soil, plant and animal products. According to Article 3. Tradability of pesticides and agrochemicals Pesticides and agrochemicals may be freely alienated or transferred from one person to another by other means in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, if they are not withdrawn from circulation or restricted in circulation. Circulation of pesticides and agrochemicals that are not included in the State catalog of pesticides and agrochemicals permitted for use in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic is not allowed. Article 18. Use of pesticides and agrochemicals The procedure for the use of pesticides and agrochemicals is determined by the executive authority in the field of handling pesticides and agrochemicals, taking into account the phytosanitary, sanitary and environmental situation, the needs of plants in agrochemicals, the state of land (soil) fertility, as well as taking into account the diets of animals. The safety of the use of pesticides and agrochemicals is ensured by compliance with the established regulations and rules for the use of pesticides and agrochemicals, excluding their negative impact on human health and the environment. Pesticides and agrochemicals are used only when using special machinery and equipment. The use of pesticides of limited use should be carried out on the basis of special permits of a specially authorized executive body only by citizens with special professional training. Article 19 Neutralization, utilization, destruction and burial of pesticides and agrochemicals that have become unusable and (or) prohibited for use, as well as containers from them, are provided by individuals and legal entities in accordance with the regulations of the Kyrgyz Republic. Methods for the destruction of pesticides and agrochemicals that have become unusable and (or) prohibited for use, as well as containers from them, are developed by manufacturers of pesticides and agrochemicals in agreement with the specially authorized body for chemicalization and plant protection, the specially authorized executive body in the field of environmental protection. environment and a specially authorized executive body in the field of state sanitary and epidemiological supervision. Article 27. International treaties If an international treaty of the Kyrgyz Republic establishes rules other than those contained in the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic on chemicalization and plant protection, then the rules of the international treaty shall apply. 51 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 2.3.3. Legislation on the Occupational Safety and Health The Kyrgyz Republic joined the International Labor Organization on March 31, 1992. An analysis by this organization in 2008 found that the Occupational Safety and Health Law of the Kyrgyz Republic met international norms and standards, although it also revealed a lack of trained government inspectors to enforce law. Key relevant legislation includes the Occupational Safety and Health Law of the Kyrgyz Republic of 2003, the Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic of 2004. The Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (August 4, 2004 No. 106, last amended on June 26, 2018 No. 62) is a fundamental legislative act aimed at regulating all labor issues arising in the Kyrgyz Republic. This Code regulates labor relations and other directly related relations aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of participants in labor relations, establishing minimum guarantees of rights and freedoms in the sphere of labor. Article 9 of the Code prohibits discrimination and guarantees all citizens equal rights to work; discrimination in labor relations is prohibited. Any differences, exclusions or preferences, refusal to hire, regardless of nationality, race, gender, language, religion, political views, social status, education, property status, leading to a violation of equality of opportunity in the world of work are prohibited. Chapter 17 of the Labor Code establishes general provisions on employer and employee responsibility for labor protection, compliance of production facilities and products with labor protection requirements, provision of workers with personal protective equipment, training and briefing of workers on labor protection, sanitary facilities and medical services, and medical check-ups for workers. Chapter 18 of the Labor Code regulates the employer's liability for damage caused to an employee by an injury, occupational disease or other health damage at work. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Labor Protection» ("Labor Protection Law") establishes the regulatory framework in the field of labor protection and applies to employers, employees of all legal entities operating in the Kyrgyz Republic, of any organizational and legal form and form of ownership. The law defines the main directions of state policy in the field of labor protection, establishes the powers of authorized state bodies in the field of labor protection, principles and procedures for state supervision and control over compliance with labor protection requirements. In addition, labor protection requirements in construction are included in the Construction Code SN 12- 01:2018 "Labor protection in construction". The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On labor protection", adopted on August 1, 2003, establishes the legal framework for regulating relations in the field of labor protection between employers and employees and is aimed at creating working conditions that meet the requirements of preserving the life and health of workers in the process of work. 52 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Labor protection requirements are provided by legal entities and individuals specified in part two of Article 2 of this Law, when they carry out any type of activity, including the design, construction, reconstruction and operation of facilities, the construction of machines, mechanisms and other equipment, the development of technological processes, organization of production and labor. The law provides employees with the rights and guarantees to work in conditions that meet the requirements of labor protection. The law establishes the obligations of the employer to ensure safe working conditions and labor protection of employees. Kyrgyzstan's labor laws have changed in recent years as additional laws have been passed and major labor laws have been amended. The Kyrgyz Republic has also ratified eleven ILO conventions on issues such as forced and child labor, freedom of association, the right to organize and collective bargaining, non-discrimination and labor inspection. The National Labor Law, with the latest amendments in April 2021, establishes state guarantees of labor rights and freedoms of citizens, creates favorable working conditions, and protects the rights and interests of workers and employers. In addition to this Law, the government has approved fourteen other laws and more than twelve regulatory legal acts that directly relate to labor relations. Taken together, the laws adopted in the country cover many of the goals and requirements of ESS 2. Registration of complaints and subsequent procedures are available in the Law on Citizens' Petitions; however, they are common to all project affected persons and do not define a specific grievance redress process for employees as required in ESS 2. 2.4. Legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic on stakeholder engagement and information disclosure Stakeholder engagement and participation are regulated by a number of national laws and international acts. Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Guarantees and Freedom of Access to Information"5 (December 5, 1997 â„– 89, as last amended March 18, 2017 â„– 47) to regulate the process of implementation of the constitutional right of everyone to freely seek, receive, process, produce, transmit and disseminate information. Everyone is guaranteed the right of access to information, and that the state protects everyone's right to seek, receive, process, produce, transmit and disseminate information. In addition, restrictions on access to classified and confidential information are established only by the Law. Basic principles of freedom of access to information are public availability, objectivity, timeliness, openness and reliability of information. 5 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/589 53 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) â–ª Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Guarantees and Freedom of Access to Information"6 (last edition of March 18, 2017 #47); regulates access to information which is in organizations and institutions not related to state bodies and affects rights and legal interests of applicant directly. â–ª Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Access to Information Held by State Bodies and Local Self- Government Bodies" of 28.12.2006 - relates to information held by state bodies and local self-government bodies. The law was adopted to ensure implementation and protection of the rights of citizens and legal entities to access to information and achievement of maximum information openness, publicity and transparency in the activities of state bodies and local self-government. â–ª Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the implementation of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On access to information held by state bodies and local self-government bodies of the Kyrgyz Republicâ€? dated May 8, 2007, DP N240.7 â–ª Decree of the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic dated April 22, 2008 N210 (On approval of the forms of the report on the progress of the implementation of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On access to information held by state bodies and local self- government bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic" and Instructions for filling them out). 8 The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Access to Information of State Bodies and Local Self - Government Bodies of the Kyrgyz Republicâ€? 9 (dated December 28, 2006 No. 213, with the latest amendments dated June 30, 2022 No. 53) is aimed at ensuring the implementation and protection of the right of access to information located under the jurisdiction of public authorities and local governments, and the achievement of maximum information openness, publicity and transparency of their activities. â–ª Local self-government carries out its activities on the principles, which include: â–ª openness and responsibility of local governments to the local community and the performance of their functions in the interests of the local community; â–ª expression of the will of citizens through the system of local self-government, as well as through meetings of citizens and kurultai; â–ª protection of the rights and legally protected interests of local communities; â–ª publicity and consideration of public opinion. â–ª Local self-government bodies work in close cooperation with state authorities in order to create conditions for the implementation of the constitutional rights of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic to participate in resolving issues of state and local importance Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the Procedure for Considering Citizens' Appeals" 10 The Law of KR "On the procedure of consideration of citizens' appeals" (March 4, 2007, â„– 67 with last amendments of July 27, 2016, â„– 151) provides that the grievance of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic must be registered, duly considered and resolved in a fair, timely and 6 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/589 7 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/4605?cl=ru-ru 8 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/22262 9 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/202010 10 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/202100 54 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) accountable manner (Article 2 and 4). Every citizen has the right to appeal in person or through his/her representative to state authorities, local self-government bodies and their officials, who are required to provide a reasoned response within the time frame established by law (Article 4). A grievance registered with a state body or local government must be considered within 14 working days, it can be exceptionally prolonged for not more than 30 days (Article 8). The Kyrgyz Republic is a signatory to many international Conventions in the field of environmental protection, of which the Aarhus Convention on access to environmental information and on public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters: (Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on accession of January 12, 2000, â„– 5) regulates including the issues of access to environmental information; Below is the main legislation, some articles of which regulate rights of citizens on access to information and duties of authorized competent bodies to provide it: â–ª "On state regulation and policy of greenhouse gas emission and absorption", â–ª "On protection of the ozone layer", â–ª "On ecological expertise" of June 16, 1999.11 â–ª "On radiation safety of the population", â–ª "On the protection of atmospheric air", â–ª "On production and consumption waste", â–ª "On industrial safety of hazardous production facilities", â–ª “On drinking waterâ€?, â–ª "On tailings and dumps", â–ª "On subsoil", â–ª "On the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population"; â–ª "On environmental protection" Law on Local Self-Government (July 15, 2011 No. 101, last amended on August 8, 2019 No. 118). This Law establishes the principles of organizing local self-government at the level of administrative-territorial units, determines the role of local self-government in the exercise of state power, establishes the organizational and legal foundations for their activities, establishes the competence and principles of the relationship between local self-government bodies and state authorities, state guarantees of local legal communities for self-government. Local self-government carries out its activities, including on the principles of: - openness and responsibility of local governments to the local community and the performance of their functions in the interests of the local community; - the will of citizens through the system of local self-government, as well as through meetings of citizens and kurultai; - protection of the rights and legally protected interests of local communities; - publicity and consideration of public opinion. 11 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/219 55 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Local self-government bodies work in close cooperation with state authorities in order to create conditions for the implementation of the constitutional rights of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic to participate in resolving issues of state and local importance. 2.5. International treaties and obligations of the Kyrgyz Republic и The Kyrgyz Republic recognizes and adopts international rights in the field of environmental protection, in which international obligations are of primary importance. In addition to national legislation and regulations on environmental and social issues, the Kyrgyz Republic is also a party to several international treaties dealing with environmental and social issues. The Kyrgyz Republic has ratified the following international conventions related to environmental management: 1) The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, Ratified by Resolutions of the Legislative Assembly of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic of January 18, 1996 No. 304-1 and SNP of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic of November 30, 1995 P No. 225-11996; 2) Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic of January 15, 2000 No. 16; 3) Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated August 6, 2005 No. 140; 4) Convention on Biological Diversity, ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 26, 1996 No. 40; 5) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 12, 2001 No. 5 6) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 14, 2000 No. 11; 7) Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in Transboundary Space. Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 12, 2001 No. 6; 8) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated November 30, 2006 No. 192; 9) International Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 19, 2006 No. 116; 10) Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 15, 2000 No. 16; 11) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic of January 14, 2000 No. 11; 12) Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, ratified by the Decree of the LCCA of the KR dated January 18, 1996 3 No. 304-1; 13) Rotterdam Convention on the Advance Informed Consent Procedure in International Trade in Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides, ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 15, 2000 No. 15; 56 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 14) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, ratified by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 19, 2006 No. 114; 2.6. Social and environmental standards of the World Bank and their requirements The Environmental and Social Framework of the World Bank defines the World Bank's commitment to sustainable development through the Bank's policies and a set of environmental and social standards designed to support borrower projects to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. The Environmental and Social Standards set out requirements for Borrowers to identify and assess the environmental and social risks and impacts associated with projects supported by the Bank through Investment project financing. The Bank believes that the application of these standards, by focusing on identifying and managing environmental risks, will assist borrowers in their goal of reducing poverty and improving sustainable prosperity for the benefit of the environment and their citizens. All works to be financed under this project will comply with national laws and other regulations on environmental protection, land acquisition and labor protection, as well as applicable World Bank environmental and social standards and World Bank guidelines, including the World Bank's Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines. The environmental and social standards aim to: (a) support Borrowers/Clients in achieving good international practices relating to environmental and social sustainability; (b) assist Borrowers/Customers in meeting their national and international environmental and social obligations; (c) enhance non-discrimination, transparency, participation, accountability and governance; (d) improve sustainability project outcomes in the field of sustainable development through ongoing stakeholder engagement. 2.7. Comparison between National Legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework Requirements The table below provides a brief comparison of the requirements of the national legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and the World Bank environmental and social framework standards applicable to the Project. Table 3.Comparing the national legislation and requirements of WB ESSs Environmental Relevant to this WB ESS requirements KR National E&S legislation and Social Project (yes or requirements Standards no) ESS 1 - Yes ESS1 sets out the Client’s The system of environmental risk Assessment and responsibilities for assessing, classification under Kyrgyz law is Management of managing, and monitoring based on a list of activities that are Environmental environmental and social risks either subject to or not subject to and Social Risks and impacts associated with an EIA. While under the ESF, risk is and Impacts each stage of a project classified based on the due 57 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Relevant to this WB ESS requirements KR National E&S legislation and Social Project (yes or requirements Standards no) supported by the Bank through diligence and judgement of the Investment Project Financing, in Bank team. However, certain order to achieve environmental provisions in ESS 1 are not fully and social outcomes consistent reflected in national legislation – with the Environmental and for example, in social risk Social Standards (ESSs). assessment, the need for As required by this standard, the identification of vulnerable and ESA should be conducted based disadvantaged groups and on current information, including application of differentiated a description and delineation of measures to prevent the project and any associated disproportionate impacts or aspects, and environmental and disadvantage in sharing social baseline data at an development benefits. National appropriate level of detail law also does not elaborate on sufficient to inform other types of social risk characterization and assessment and mitigation such as identification of risks and community health and safety impacts and mitigation although some of these aspects measures. The assessment are present in other state evaluates the project’s potential regulations for example those on environmental and social risks air or water pollution, and food and impacts, with a particular security. attention to those that may fall disproportionally on disadvantaged and/or vulnerable social groups; examine project alternatives; identify ways of improving project selection, siting, planning, design, and implementation in order to apply the mitigation hierarchy for adverse environmental and social impacts and seek opportunities to enhance the positive impacts of the project. ESS 2 – Labor and Yes ESS2 recognizes the importance Over the last twenty years, Kyrgyz Working of employment creation and labor legislation has evolved as the Conditions income generation in the pursuit country has adopted of poverty reduction and supplementary legislation and inclusive economic growth. introduced amendments to its key Borrowers can promote sound labor laws. The Kyrgyz Republic worker-management has also ratified eleven ILO relationships and enhance the conventions on issues such as development benefits of a forced and child labor, freedom of project by treating workers in association, rights to organize and the project fairly and providing collective bargaining, non- safe and healthy working discrimination, and labor conditions. ESS2 applies to inspection (see Annex III). The project workers, including national Labor Law, last amended fulltime, part-time, temporary, in April 2021, establishes state seasonal, and migrant workers. guarantees of labor rights and 58 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Relevant to this WB ESS requirements KR National E&S legislation and Social Project (yes or requirements Standards no) Considering specified freedoms of citizens, creates requirements, the Borrower favorable working conditions, and must develop and implement protection of rights and interests written labor management of employees and employers. In procedures applicable to the addition to this Law, the project. These procedures should government has approved set out the way in which project fourteen other laws and more workers will be managed, in than twelve regulations that accordance with the directly relate to labor relations. requirements of national law and Collectively, the body of legislation this ESS. The procedures should enacted in the country covers address the way in which this ESS many of the objectives and will apply to different categories requirements of ESS 2. Full or of project workers including partial legal gaps with ESS 2 exist direct workers, and the way in on issues such as child labor and which the Borrower will require minimum age of employment, third parties to manage their clear definitions of non- workers in accordance with ESS2. discrimination and harassment, obligations for contractors and management of contractors, due diligence on primary suppliers, the provision of a workplace grievance mechanism, and the monitoring and enforcement of labor laws. Grievance registration and follow- up procedures are available through the Law on Appeals of Citizens; however, they are general to all project effected persons and do not spell out specific grievance process for employees as is required under ESS 2. ESS 3 – Recourse Yes ESS3 recognizes that economic The national regulatory framework and Efficiency, activity and urbanization often for pollution prevention prioritizes Pollution generate pollution to air, water, public health protection and is Prevention and and land, and consume finite based on defining thresholds for Management resources that may threaten permitted concentrations of people, ecosystem services and pollutants to which humans may the environment at the local, be exposed. regional, and global levels. The The environmental regulation current and projected requires calculation of the atmospheric concentration of expected emissions (including greenhouse gases (GHG) noise) and discharges as part of threatens the welfare of current the EIA, so that compliance of an and future generations. At the intended project with the same time, more efficient and established thresholds is proven. effective resource use, pollution prevention and GHG emission avoidance, and mitigation technologies and practices have 59 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Relevant to this WB ESS requirements KR National E&S legislation and Social Project (yes or requirements Standards no) become more accessible and achievable. This ESS sets out the requirements to address resource efficiency and pollution1 prevention and management throughout the project life cycle consistent with GIIP. ESS 4 – Yes ESS4 recognizes that project The general principles of Community activities, equipment, and protecting the health and safety of Health and Safety infrastructure can increase citizens and communities are community exposure to risks and embedded in the Constitution of impacts. the Kyrgyz Republic and the Law ESS4 addresses the health, on Environmental Protection. safety, and security risks and These laws stipulate that impacts on project-affected everybody has a right to live in a communities and the natural environment that is not corresponding responsibility of harmful to their health. To achieve Borrowers to avoid or minimize this goal, thresholds are such risks and impacts, with established to limit human particular attention to people exposure to hazardous who, because of their particular environments based on several circumstances, may be physical, chemical, and biological vulnerable. parameters. ESS 5 – Land No Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use, and Involuntary Resettlement ESS 6 – Yes ESS6 recognizes the importance The Kyrgyz Republic has a strong Biodiversity of maintaining core ecological regulatory framework for Conservation and functions of habitats, including protecting, conserving, and Sustainable forests, and the biodiversity they restoring biodiversity, but legal Management of support. All habitats support provisions for sustainable use of Living Natural complexities of living organisms living natural resources do not Resources and vary in terms of species provide regulatory basis enabling diversity, abundance and to meet social needs of forest- importance. This ESS also dependent communities and addresses sustainable maximize benefits of its economic management of primary use while preserving forest production and harvesting of ecosystems, preventing forest living natural resources. degradation and depletion of its resources. National legislation mainly focuses on protecting and conserving species and less so on preserving habitats. 60 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Relevant to this WB ESS requirements KR National E&S legislation and Social Project (yes or requirements Standards no) The Law on Red Book and Red List of Species prohibits any activities that would damage habitats that support species under protection, meaning that any proposed activity in such habitats must prove that the proposed mitigation measures are sufficient to meet this requirement. ESS 7 - Not relevant as Indigenous there are no such Peoples/Sub- social groups in Saharan African the Kyrgyz Historically Republic. Underserved Traditional Local Communities ESS 8 – Cultural Yes ESS8 recognizes that cultural The Law on Protection and use of Heritage heritage provides continuity in Historic-Cultural Heritage obliges tangible and intangible forms the state to recognize universal between the past, present and cultural values, support cultural future. It sets out measures development and international designed to protect cultural cultural relations, and ensure the heritage throughout the project availability of cultural values to life cycle. The requirements of society. ESS8 apply to cultural heritage This standard will have limited regardless of whether or not it application only in the case of has been legally protected or chance finds. previously identified or disturbed, and to intangible cultural heritage only if a physical component of a project will have a material impact on such cultural heritage or if a project intends to use such cultural heritage for commercial purposes. ESS9 – Financial Yes ESS9 recognizes that strong Loans for the supply of clean Intermediaries domestic capital and financial energy heating equipment will be markets and access to finance issued by the Ministry of Finance are important for economic through the Lending Fund to development, growth and commercial or state-owned banks poverty reduction. FIs are and their credit structures. required to monitor and manage When citizens purchase the environmental and social equipment and installation risks and impacts of their services under a credit line,these portfolio and FI subprojects, and activities would have low monitor portfolio risk, as environmental and social risks; appropriate to the nature of hence, per ESS9, the PFIs must intermediated financing. The comply with the pertinent national way in which the FI will manage regulations to manage them. 61 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Relevant to this WB ESS requirements KR National E&S legislation and Social Project (yes or requirements Standards no) its portfolio will take various Guarantees for the proper forms, depending on a number performance of services and work of considerations, including the will be provided in accordance capacity of the FI and the nature with the Law of the Kyrgyz and scope of the funding to be Republic dated December 10, 1997 provided by the FI. FIs are No. 90 “On the Protection of required to develop and Consumer Rightsâ€? maintain, in the form of an Article 50. Obligation of the Environmental and Social manufacturer (performer, seller) Management System (ESMS), to provide information to effective environmental and government agencies social systems, procedures and capacity for assessing, managing, The manufacturer (performer, and monitoring risks and impacts seller) is obliged, at the request of of subprojects, as well as the state antimonopoly body, managing overall portfolio risk in authorized state bodies exercising a responsible manner. state control (supervision), to provide, within the period established by it, reliable documents related to the subject of control, explanations in written and oral forms, information provided for in Articles 8- 10 of this Law, necessary for the exercise by state bodies of the powers provided for by this Law. (As amended by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated June 22, 2023 No. 125). ESS 10 – Yes This ESS recognizes the In general, a robust legislation Stakeholder importance of open and exists, however, it needs to be Engagement and transparent engagement applied consistently. Information between the Borrower and In regard to investment projects, Disclosure project stakeholders as an national legislation and norms are essential element of good focused mainly on stakeholders international practice. Effective engagement during project stakeholder engagement can preparation stage. improve the environmental and The existing legal framework social sustainability of projects, describes a grievance procedure in enhance project acceptance, and detail without differentiating into make a significant contribution local, regional/central levels as in to successful project design and the IFI-funded projects. implementation. The client will No special rules exist in national engage with stakeholders legislation regarding the throughout the project life cycle, involvement of vulnerable or commencing such engagement disadvantaged individuals and as early as possible in the project groups in public consultation development process and in a process and project activities. 62 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Relevant to this WB ESS requirements KR National E&S legislation and Social Project (yes or requirements Standards no) timeframe that enables Regulations on information meaningful consultations with disclosure and meaningful stakeholders on project design. consultation with project-affected The nature, scope and frequency persons are not as clearly of stakeholder engagement will prescribed as under ESF. be proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts. In consultation with the Bank, the Borrower will develop and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts. 2.7.1. Social and Environmental Standards of the World Bank and their Application to the Project As part of its environmental and social procedures, the Bank classifies all projects into one of four categories: high risk, substantial risk, moderate risk, or low risk. In determining the appropriate risk classification, the Bank takes into account relevant issues such as the type, location, sensitivity and scale of the project; the nature and extent of potential environmental and social risks and impacts; and the Client's ability and willingness to manage environmental and social risks and impacts in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards. Based on the above, the project environmental and social risks (E&S) were assessed, and the overall E&S risk rating was assessed as Moderate. The following standards as applicable: ESS 1; ESS 2; ESS 3; ESS 4; ESS 6; ESS8; ESS9 and ESS 10. The project will have an overall positive environmental and social impact as it is expected to result in improved air quality and improved air monitoring. Project activities under Components 1 and 3 will support sub-projects with minor civil works and well drilling. The Project will, by design, avoid any action that could result in physical and/or economic displacement. Social impacts are expected to be typical of construction/rehabilitation activities, temporary in nature and site specific, and can be mitigated through the application of good construction practice and appropriate mitigation measures. All social risks are identifiable and can be mitigated. Direct environmental risks under Components 1 and 3 are associated with: i) a slightly increased level of pollution from construction waste; (ii) generation of dust, noise and vibration due to movement of construction equipment; (iii) habitat disturbance and pollution and low risk of 63 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) biodiversity loss; (iv) possible spills of fuels and lubricants during construction; (v) landscape disturbance; (vi) water pollution and sedimentation. Attention should be paid to aspects of water protection strip management, prevention of pollution by drilling products (oil products, solutions) of underground water horizons during well drilling, leading to the transformation of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. In addition, the risks and adverse effects of the components are associated with occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards associated with physical construction activities (hazards associated with physical construction, drilling operations, and limited use of herbicides, see Annex 7). Table 4.Presents the ESSs of the WB and their application in the implementation of the project Environmental Applies to this Direct and indirect environmental Provisions of the ESF instruments and Social project (yes and social risks and adverse impacts for compliance with the Standards or no) requirements of the ESS ESS 1 - Assessing Yes Possible environmental and social To address the ESS1 requirement , and managing impacts are possible during the the following tools will be environmental Modernization of existing manual air prepared: (i) Environmental and social risks and quality monitoring stations Social Management Framework impacts. (Component 1. Sub-component 1.1), (ESMF): (i) Environmental and ESS 1 establishes Construction of a modern laboratory Social Commitment Plan; (ii) the Client's with a data processing center (DPC) Stakeholder Engagement Plan responsibilities in Bishkek (Component 1. Sub- (SEP); and (iii) Labor Management for assessing, component 1.2). Procedures (LMP). managing and During the construction of facilities, The ESMF covers applicable ESF monitoring the the generation of waste is possible - Standards and the General environmental old-style finishing building materials, guidelines on HSE and ESA of the and social risks outdated station equipment and World Bank Group. The ESMF has and impacts construction waste, packaging checklists to determine where and associated with materials. when Environmental and Social each stage of a Impact Assessments (ESIAs)/ project supported Construction of 20-25 new well Management Plans (ESMPs) will be by the Bank systems (integrated with water required for a particular site. through saving solutions); development of Sub-component 3.1: Investment the green belt; including detailed The safe handling and subsequent Project Finance to design and supervision services disposal of oily materials and achieve (Component 3. Sub-components 3.1 drilling cuttings must be carried out environmental and 3.2). Drilling produces drilling without harm to the environment and social cuttings and drilling waters (these and society. The general approach outcomes waters contain small amounts of oil when handling these materials is consistent with products, lubricants and suspended that construction organizations the ESS. solids), packaging and insulating should not allow contamination of materials for drilling fluids and soil and groundwater. components. The safe handling of herbicides When planting green spaces and includes the selection of an care, fertilization will be necessary appropriate preparation and the (the main substances that plants use of an appropriate safe control need are nitrogen, phosphorus and method to environment and potassium), and spraying seedlings health. with selective herbicides that affect weed plant species. ESS 2 - Labor and Yes The project is associated with The project must be implemented working occupational health and safety (OHS) in accordance with the applicable conditions. hazards associated with construction requirements of ESS 2 in a manner acceptable to the World Bank, by 64 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Applies to this Direct and indirect environmental Provisions of the ESF instruments and Social project (yes and social risks and adverse impacts for compliance with the Standards or no) requirements of the ESS The ESS 2 (of wells) and installation of drilling implementing appropriate health standard reflects equipment. and safety measures, including the importance of Most of these risks and adverse emergency preparedness and creating new jobs impacts are temporary, localized, response measures, identifying and sources of mitigable and mostly expected mechanisms for contacting project income for during the construction phase workers, and incorporating poverty reduction (Component 1; Component 3). requirements for labor in the and inclusive HSESP specification in procurement economic growth. Workers will not work in hazardous documents and contracts with Borrowers can contaminated areas and will be contractors and supervisory firms. build strong protected by appropriate protective In accordance with ESS 2 and relationships measures and personal protective relevant national legislation, the between workers equipment. Workers should be Project prohibits the use of forced and managers aware of how complaints can be or fixed-term labor. and add value to registered at the workplace should the project by they arise. Based on the requirements of ESS2, treating workers an LMP has been prepared, fairly and creating identifying direct employees, a safe working contractors and subcontractors. environment. ESS Direct workers. 2 is applicable to The MNRETS PIU complies with project workers, national labor laws and practices including full-time when hiring project staff. MNRETS employees, PIU employees are not external workers, government/civil servants as they temporary and are contracted to provide a wide seasonal workers, range of services. The and migrant implementing agency applies two workers. types of employment contracts: one-year employment contracts and short-term employment contracts. Direct workers are permanent employees with one- year employment contracts at fixed monthly wage rates. All personnel procedures are documented and stored in folders. Monthly time sheets are also neatly filed and stored. Contractors. Contractors are guided by the legal provisions of the Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. The MNRETS PIU will also procure the services of local service providers/construction providers at the national and local levels. They will hire local staff and make employment and service contracts for the hired staff. Contractors will be required to follow health and safety regulations, which include, among other things, strict adherence to established health and safety regulations and procedures, which depend on the 65 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Applies to this Direct and indirect environmental Provisions of the ESF instruments and Social project (yes and social risks and adverse impacts for compliance with the Standards or no) requirements of the ESS type of work carried out, the use of PPE, training activities and monitoring. Subcontractors. Subcontractors (including local private firms) will be hired by contractors to carry out project activities in the project sites. They are required to comply with local labor laws and regulations during the implementation of the subproject. The ESMF includes sections of General guidelines on OHS and ESA, including specific tools that must be prepared by the client or contractor prior to commencement of work (OHS and ESA checklists, codes of conduct; safety training, etc.). Civil works contracts will include social and environmental mitigation measures based on the WB General guidelines on OHS and ESA and the ESMF. All civil works contracts will include industry standard codes of conduct that include measures to prevent gender-based violence/sexual exploitation and abuse (GBV/SEA). A local Grievance Mechanism (GM) will be provided specifically for contract workers. ESS3-Resources Yes The main risks are associated with: i) The ESMF covers issues of resource and efficiency, pollution from construction waste; efficiency, pollution prevention and pollution (ii) generation of dust, noise and management, - prevention and vibration due to movement of it requires that ESIA surveys and management. construction equipment; (iii) proposed mitigation measures The ESS 3 disturbance and pollution of natural related to relevant ESS3 standard draws ecosystems and biodiversity; (iv) requirements, including raw attention to the spills of fuels and lubricants during materials, water use, air pollution, fact that construction; (v) landscape hazardous materials and hazardous economic activity disturbance; (vi) pollution of soil, wastes, be included in the scope of and urbanization water and sediments from drilling. the site-specific ESMP, as often lead to air, appropriate. water and soil For component 1, potential impacts pollution and the are Air pollution and dust consumption of generation; noise pollution; waste exhaustible generation; resources. This ESS sets out For component 2, potential impacts MoF PIU and PFIs will help expand requirements for are Waste generation, Waste knowledge to households about resource insulation materials; possible methods of recycling old efficiency, coal boilers and associated waste. pollution For component 3: potential impacts prevention and from improvement of urban greening management and irrigation activities include noise 66 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Applies to this Direct and indirect environmental Provisions of the ESF instruments and Social project (yes and social risks and adverse impacts for compliance with the Standards or no) requirements of the ESS over the duration pollution; air pollution; emissions of the project. from combustion of fuels and lubricants in engines of drilling and compressor equipment; formation of drilling cuttings and drilling water; packaging and insulation materials for drilling fluids and components. It also includes the use of herbicides to protect seedlings from weeds (chemical weeding). Additional risks associated with construction are the potential danger of works and mechanisms for residents of nearby neighborhoods and territories. ESS4 - Community Yes In the project area, the population Public health and safety, such as health and safety. may be exposed to risks and impacts traffic disruption and risks of ESS4 recognizes as a result of the proposed activities. unauthorized entry to construction that project These risks and impacts may include sites leading to accidents, activities, risks to health and safety during operation of trucks, construction equipment and construction activities (operation of equipment, use of building infrastructure trucks, construction equipment, use materials, etc., will be reduced may increase the of building materials, etc.) and through the implementation of the exposure of the suspension of traffic, as well as risks ESMP. The EMP will include public to risks and of inadvertent or unauthorized entry appropriate measures, including: impacts. to construction sites , as a result of fencing of construction sites, ESS4 considers the accident, limited application of placement of warning signs and the community herbicides and fertilizers information on construction sites, health and safety (Components 1 and 3). holding educational and risks and impacts demonstration events, etc. affected by the As outlined in the ESMF, the project and the project includes civil works that Borrowers' require the delivery of labor mainly respective on site - labor inflow is expected to responsibilities be low due to the nature and scale for preventing or of the activity, so the associated minimizing such risks are small and manageable. risks and impacts, with particular For each facility, schemes and attention to methods for evacuating workers people who may from hazardous work areas, be vulnerable due possible accidents or soil collapse to their special to special safe areas should be circumstances. developed. Explications of evacuation plans should be posted in a conspicuous place. Explications when the main lighting is turned off should be illuminated from backup autonomous power sources. ESS5 - Land No. The project will not affect private land. acquisition, land use restrictions 67 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Applies to this Direct and indirect environmental Provisions of the ESF instruments and Social project (yes and social risks and adverse impacts for compliance with the Standards or no) requirements of the ESS and involuntary resettlement. ESS6- Biodiversity Yes Potential environmental risks and Potential site-specificbiodiversity conservation and impacts are associated with drilling risks will be assessed for each sustainable wells, which can lead to short-term individual subproject and, if management of changes in the landscape, impacts on necessary, appropriate mitigation living natural soil, groundwater, quality and measures will be included in the resources. morphology of anthropogenic ESMP. ESS6 recognizes ecosystems, and disruption of that the background biodiversity. This is due protection and to the work on the allocation of sites conservation of for exploratory drilling, and then for biodiversity and construction and installation works, the sustainable which include: management of • site planning for drilling living natural equipment; resources are • digging trenches and building fundamental to foundations for blocks; sustainable Preparatory work for drilling consists development. of the following types of work: • docking of technological lines; • Checking the health of the equipment. Drilling and well casing. Unintentional pollution of the environment, possibly in case of violation of the drilling process, and spillage of drilling fluid entering the circulation system for flushing the well. Drilling fluids are not absolutely environmentally neutral and adversely affect the biodiversity of the macro and microflora of the soil and groundwater. Further, during the operation of the drills, noise and vibration are generated, as well as emissions from the diesel plants that drive the drills, compressors, pumps and heavy equipment. These effects deter small birds and small burrowing mammals that live in the soil, not to mention worms and insects. ESS7- Sub- Not relevant as there are no such social groups in the project area. Saharan indigenous/histori cally underestimated traditional local communities ESS8 - Cultural No The project activities do not involve Because project activities may Heritage. the development in uncultivated or include the accidental discovery of virgin lands. However, it is possible cultural heritage, the ESMF 68 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Applies to this Direct and indirect environmental Provisions of the ESF instruments and Social project (yes and social risks and adverse impacts for compliance with the Standards or no) requirements of the ESS ESS8 recognizes to find objects of cultural heritage of includes a section on protecting that cultural the late 19th-20th centuries that cultural heritage, as well as heritage provides were not previously identified or appropriate “selective searchâ€? continuity in included in the national catalog of procedures to be included in the tangible and the protection of monuments of the EIA/ESMP and site-specific intangible forms past (the city of Bishkek was founded checklists. While in general the between past, in 1878 as a village on the site of the proposed activity will not have present and former Kokand fortress Pishpek). direct physical impacts on heritage future. It sets out sites, indirect impacts from project the measures This applies to the projected areas of funded activities will be carefully designed to responsibility of the project, as well considered and mitigation protect cultural as areas allocated for the measures described in the ESMP. heritage improvement of the municipal urban The document also provides for the throughout the irrigation system, including the application of national project's life construction of wells (component 3). requirements specified in the Law cycle. “On the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritageâ€? (1999), which establishes legal norms for the protection and use of material historical and cultural heritage in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. The law determines that in the case where construction work begins before the adoption of a new regulation, it is advisable to include it in the requirements for tender documentation. A management plan should be prepared to prevent damage to existing cultural heritage sites/objects. The contractor must comply with and establish protection zones, procedures, management plans in accordance with the plan and must be agreed with the MNRETS of the Kyrgyz Republic. ESS9 - Financial Yes Sub-loans provided to households To ensure that PFIs will follow the intermediaries. and firms will be consumer loans. ESS 9 requirement, the PFIs are ESS9 recognizes The sub loans will be used for the required to maintain capacity for that strong purchase and installation of clean assessing, managing, and domestic capital heating equipment. The associated monitoring risks and impacts of and financial environmental and social risks of subprojects in a responsible markets and such activities are assessed as low manner. Respectively, before the access to finance and could result in minor soil or credit line operation, all PFIs will are important for water pollution and/or issues related need to adopt an environmental economic to waste management or and social governance policy. development, occupational or community health Commitments to following all growth and and safety. environmental and social poverty provisions of the project will be reduction. included in the subsidiary Financial agreements signed by PFIs, as well institutions have as integrated into the application a responsibility to procedures signed by credit 69 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Applies to this Direct and indirect environmental Provisions of the ESF instruments and Social project (yes and social risks and adverse impacts for compliance with the Standards or no) requirements of the ESS monitor and beneficiaries. Adherence to these manage the measures will be monitored and environmental reported on a quarterly basis by and social risks PFIs to the MoF PIU. and impacts of their portfolio and subprojects of financial institutions, and to monitor portfolio risks depending on the nature of interim financing. ESS10 - Yes Proper implementation of the The project will actively engage Stakeholder project involves integrating with citizens both during the design engagement and investment in greener cities into phase and during the information wider urban planning will provide implementation phase. Under disclosure. selective support to the city Component 3, the project will ESS 10 recognizes authorities in the development of a actively engage with the residential the importance of new City Master Plan until 2050 by sector on cleaner and more open and providing technical assistance in the efficient options for drilling wells transparent development of several chapters of and safe operation of equipment. communication the strategic document, especially between the focused on greener cities, urban The priority of the project is to Recipient and key irrigation, and as well as water identify the stakeholders that can project protection zones. be positively and negatively stakeholders as a impacted by project activities, in key element of particular the impact on people's good lives and the sustainability of international livelihoods. In this regard, the practice. Effective MNRETS PIU has compiled a list of stakeholder key stakeholder groups, participation can highlighting the high and medium enhance the levels. environmental A Stakeholder Engagement Plan and social (SEP) was developed to identify sustainability of a and analyze stakeholders and project, ensure a define a stakeholder engagement positive attitude program which also developed a towards the Grievance Redress Mechanism project, and make (GM) to allow stakeholders to a significant express any contribution to its concerns/comments/suggestions. If successful there are any. preparation and In consultation with the Bank, the implementation. Borrower will develop and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) appropriate to the nature and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts. 70 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 4. National institutional framework for environmental and social assessment The potential state and self-government bodies that may be involved in the project are described in the matrix of relevant institutions in Table 5. In accordance with their level, they are divided into national and municipal institutions. Table 5.State and self-government bodies involved in the project â„– Institution Authority Function/Role Level 1 National High-Level National Will ensure coordination, information exchange and timely Committee (HLC) decision-making at the national level. Supervising deputy ministers - from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Energy, supervising vice-mayor of Bishkek. 2 Ministry of Natural National • Ensure overall coordination of the project with Resources Ecology ministries and departments; and Technical • Providing relevant technical contributions, especially Supervision at the strategic and political level; • Hire project coordinator and other key consultants to support the development of a paperwork package for the Bank to review; • Establish a functioning Project Implementation Unit (MNRETS PIU)/ Project Management Office (MNRETS PIU), including all key consultants and staff. • Ensure empowerment and responsibilities of decision makers and PIU in managing environmental and social risks 3 Ministry of Finance National Ensure supervision, control and monitoring of the of the Kyrgyz compliance of the allocated project funds with financial Republic (MoF KR) reporting and national legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. Under Component 2, the funds will go through the PIU of the Ministry of Finance. 4 Ministry of National • Ensure the collection, analysis, compilation and Emergency provision of relevant data on air quality; Situations through a • Assists in the implementation of Component 1 of the subordinate project; structure - 71 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Agency for • Improvement of the collection, analysis and Hydrometeorology dissemination of AQ data. under the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic 5 The Ministry of urban/ Investment in cleaner heating and hot water solutions Energy (MoE) - municipal (ground, solar) and energy efficiency measures in buildings including territorial operated by utilities. authorities of energy and energy supply 6 National Academy of urban/ Will provide input to the development of the concept of Sciences of the municipal green zones/belts at strategic points under Component 3. Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter NAS) through the Botanical Garden named after E.Z. Gareev NAS KR 7 National Statistical urban/ Provide relevant official statistics under Components 1 and Committee of the municipal 2. Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as the National Statistical Committee) 8 The Mayor's Office urban/ • Assists in the implementation of the project at the of the city of Bishkek municipal/ municipal level; – including municipal quarterly • Coordination between the national and local levels; districts and level • Create an interdepartmental working group at the municipal territorial city level; administrations and • Provision of all the necessary statistical and other municipal housing data for the needs of the project; and communal • Manage stakeholder engagement at the municipal enterprises of the level. city • Municipal enterprises directly assist in the implementation of the project; • Interaction and coordination with stakeholders at the district and territorial level, and management of social and environmental impacts at the lowest level. 9 City Council urban/ • Assist at the municipal legislative and regulatory municipal level in the implementation of the project; • Coordination between the national and local levels; • Create an interdepartmental working group at the city level; • Provide all the necessary statistical and other data for the needs of the project; • Manage stakeholder engagement at the municipal level. 72 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision (MNRETS) is the key institution responsible for the development and implementation of environmental policy in the Kyrgyz Republic and provides state supervision and control over compliance with safety standards for human life and health, flora and fauna, the environment and prevention of adverse effects. The procedure of state environmental expertise is mandatory for any plans or projects that involve adverse environmental impacts, and if the activity is included in the EIA law. According to the law, no project can be considered fully operational without a positive conclusion of the State Environmental Expert Review. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (MES) is an authorized state executive body of the Kyrgyz Republic that implements a unified state policy in the field of Civil Protection, fire safety, safety of people at water bodies, hydrometeorology, and management of the state material reserve system. Carries out monitoring and forecasting of dangerous natural, technogenic processes and phenomena, planning of measures in the field of Civil Protection, fire safety, safety of people at water bodies and hydrometeorology, preparation of government bodies, Civil Protection forces and the population for actions in emergency situations. • The Agency for Hydrometeorology (Kyrgyzhydromet) under the MES of the Kyrgyz Republic is a subordinate subdivision of the MES of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry), carrying out activities in the field of hydrometeorology and monitoring the level of environmental pollution. • The Agency for Hydrometeorology (Kyrgyzhydromet) under the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic is a subordinate subdivision of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as MES), which carries out activities in the field of hydrometeorology, monitors the state of atmospheric air in order to protect the population from natural hydrometeorological phenomena, prevent or reduce the damage that may be caused by them; The Mayor's Office of the city of Bishkek is the executive body of local self-government in the city and carries out all delegated issues of state administration and local self-government, with the exception of powers assigned by the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic to the competence of other bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic. In addition to the powers of the Akimat of the city of Bishkek, provided for by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Local Self-Government", the following issues include: development and implementation of measures for urban planning, environmental protection and control, maintenance and development of urban roads, housing and communal services and landscaping of urban areas (Bishkekzelenkhoz, Bishkekvodkhoz), consumer waste management (Tazalyk); The Ministry of Energy (MoE) is the state executive body of the Kyrgyz Republic, which performs the functions of developing and implementing state policy in the field of the fuel and energy complex, as well as state control and supervision over compliance with legislation in the energy sector. The MoE is responsible for the implementation of a unified state policy in the field of energy for the participation of citizens in the organization; making proposals for creating favorable investment conditions to improve the quality of services, forming a unified state policy 73 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) in the field of energy development, as well as determining priorities and strategies for the development of innovative research on automating the energy and electricity consumption accounting system, as well as connecting or modernizing energy systems and units. The National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic12 is the highest state scientific institution that unites research institutes of the National Academy of Sciences, members of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists, specialists and service personnel. Botanical Garden named after E.Z. Gareeva13 National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic is a research institute in the NAS system, a leading scientific institution in the field of introduction, selection, conservation and enrichment of plant genetic resources of the world and natural flora of Kyrgyzstan for their sustainable use, one of the main centers for the study and conservation of biodiversity, a national treasure republic. 12 https://naskr.kg/ru/2019/06/30/ustav-nan-kr/ 13 https://naskr.kg/ru/2019/06/20/botanicheskij-sad-im-e-gareeva/ 74 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 5. Environmental & Social Baseline 5.1. Environmental Baseline The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked country in the mountainous part of Central Asia. The country has an area of 199,951 sq km. The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked country with mountainous terrain. It borders Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west and southwest, Tajikistan to the southwest and China to the east. The capital and largest city is Bishkek. Bishkek is the most populated city in the Kyrgyz Republic with an estimated population of 1,012,500 in 2019. Figure 2. Map of the Republic 75 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Figure 3.Map of the Bishkek (general and administrative) 5.2. Physical Resources 5.2.1. Terrain and Topography Bishkek City is located in the north central part of the Kyrgyz Republic. The city area is situated at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains in the center of the Chui valley at an altitude of around 750 meters above sea level. Bishkek lies in the plain formed by the confluence of rivers 76 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) such as Ala-Archa and Alamedin. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains ranging from 600 to 4,000 meters above sea level. 5.2.2. Energy Resources The main producer of heat and electricity in the north of the country is the Bishkek Thermal Power Plant, and the Bishkekteploset utility company, which is a branch of the Electric Stations joint-stock company, provides the city with heat and hot water and covers mainly the central, southeastern parts of the city. The heat supply scheme can be found at the link14 Bishkekteploset manages more than 2.5 thousand apartment buildings, 1,100 private sector houses connected to central heating. According to the sales department of Bishkekteploset, more than 130 thousand subscribers are connected to central heating: 127.6 thousand of them are the population, 365 budget organizations, including 80 schools, 90 kindergartens, more than 70 healthcare facilities. The municipal enterprise "Bishkek Teploenergo " serves the western part of the city - the microdistrict "Jal", Gazgorodok, the Military town and the residential town of the Council of Ministers. In total, it supplies heat to 605 multi-story buildings. The total number of subscribers of the utility company is 33 thousand 189 people, 12 healthcare facilities, 40 schools, 14 kindergartens, 8 universities, 25 other budgetary institutions and 212 other consumers. As part of the signing of the intergovernmental agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation dated July 26, 2013, Gazprom Kyrgyzstan was appointed as the gas operator that supplies natural gas to Kyrgyzstan, distributes it and sells it within the country. The company's activities are controlled by the State Agency for Regulation of the Fuel and Energy Complex under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic15, which, within its powers, sets natural gas tariffs for all categories. According to the company, in the period from 2016-2020, 22 railway stations in Bishkek were supplied with gas16. In 2020, Gazprom Kyrgyzstan faced a number of economic problems that were the consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic, and therefore there has been no gasification activity to date. State enterprise " Kyrgyzteploenergo ", which includes 134 regional boiler houses. Of these, 54 operate on coal, 32 on electricity, 28 on fuel oil, and 20 on natural gas. The remaining consumers 17, who do not have access to the services of the above providers, apparently use stove heating. According to the population and housing census of the Kyrgyz Republic (2009)18, 228,657 households were registered in Bishkek, of which 33.8% used stove heating. The last census took place in 2020, the results have not yet been published. According to the National Statistical 14 http://www.teploseti.kg/content/page/51-zona-obslujivaniya 15 At present, the Department for Regulation of the Fuel and Energy Complex 16 https://kyrgyzstan.gazprom.ru/press/news/2021/01/704/ 17 It is not possible to determine the exact number of households, the results of the last census (2022) are not yet completed. 18 http://www.stat.kg/media/files/7785e73a-a9b8-4d57-8011-3ceb391b6e0a.pdf 77 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Committee, the results of the census are being summarized and will be completed in the current 2023. 5.2.3. Climate and precipitation Bishkek, according to climatic conditions, occupies the extreme southern position in the continental climate region of temperate latitudes. The climate of the city is sharply continental. The average annual temperature is +12.2 °C. Precipitation falls 451 mm per year. With an average summer temperature of about 25 °C and an average winter temperature of about -2 °C, there are frequent cases when t exceeds 40 °C in summer and reaches -30 °C in winter. temperatures in the winter months can exceed the 20.25 C° degree mark. The coldest month is January (-1.7 °C), the warmest is July (+25.3 °C). The average monthly relative humidity rises from 44% in June and July to 74% in March, and the annual average is 60%. Table 6.Bishkek climate (monthly average temperatures) Climate of Bishkek Index Jan. Feb. March Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Okt. Nov. Dec. Year Absolute 20,0 25,4 30,5 34,7 37,7 40,9 43,0 39,7 37,1 34,2 29,8 23,3 42,1 maximum, °C 3,3 5,3 12,9 18,8 24,7 30,0 32,7 31,5 25,8 17,6 9,9 4,0 18,1 Average maximum, °C −1,5 0,4 7,2 13,6 18,5 23,3 25,3 24,3 18,9 11,8 5,3 −0,4 12,2 Average temperature, °C −6,5 −4,4 1,8 7,4 12,0 16,4 18,3 17,0 11,8 5,7 −0,4 −5,6 6,2 Average minimum, °C −31,9 −34 −21,8 −12,3 −4 3,9 7,4 5,1 −2,8 −11,2 −32,2 −29,1 −34 Absolute minimum, °C 27 34 52 71 63 33 21 14 18 42 44 33 45 Source: Weather and climate In general, extremely continental and arid climate in the Kyrgyz Republic, to some extent smoothened by increased cloudiness and precipitation due to mountainous terrain, is caused by its location in the Northern Hemisphere in the center of the Eurasian continent, as well as remoteness from large water bodies and proximity of the desert. The precipitation trends show that the overall mean (for meteorological stations) annual precipitation slightly increased (by 0.847 mm/year), but during the last 50 years this increase significantly reduced (to 0.363 mm/year), and over the last 20 years there is a significant tendency to its decrease (-1.868 mm/year), i.e. we can say that there is a definite trend towards aridity of the country's climate. 5.2.4. Soil and Geological Characteristics The soils of Bishkek city are presented by northern grey common soils with low carbonate content. The soil and vegetation cover of this territory is represented by ordinary gray soils and light chestnut soils under semi-desert and dry steppe vegetation. The territory of the city of Bishkek is located on the accumulative type of relief (formed as a result of the accumulation of rocks brought by water, wind, ice) and is subdivided into two subtypes in the sub-latitudinal direction. To the south of the middle part of the city, an alluvial-proluvial relief subtype is developed, represented by a slightly dissected surface of foothill valleys and plumes 78 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) of Lower Quaternary alluvial fans. This relief subtype is dissected by terraces of the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers. To the north of the middle part of the city there is an alluvial relief subtype, represented by the surfaces of the terraces of the flat complex, these terraces, as a rule, have undergone planning within the city territory. From the south, the Chon-Aryk and Bosboltok uplifts adjoin the territory of the city. 5.2.5. Hydrology The Chu River is the largest river; the remaining rivers in this area belong to the Chu River basin. The main waterways in the suburbs of Bishkek city are the river Chu and its feeders: the left shore river Issyk ata. The river Chu flows from east to west in the outskirts of Bishkek city; in some areas it closely approaches the ground road, necessitating bank protection. In the suburbs of Bishkek city, the groundwater is present at a depth of 3.0m to 10m and in low sections from 0.5m to 1.8m, on the sides of Karasuk, the groundwater wedges out at a depth of 1.5-5.5m. Surface and ground waters are highly saline to fresh, moderately hard and, in general, have sulphate aggressiveness towards concrete. The hydrographic network is represented by two main rivers Alamedin and Ala-Archa. The Alamedin River originates from the glaciers of the southern slope of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, at an absolute mark of about 4000 m and flows from south to north. The type of feeding of the river is glacier-snow with ground recharge. The flood period begins in May. The maximum flood occurs in July-August and can reach 57.8 m3/s, the river is mudflow-prone. The average long-term discharges during the low-water period are 3.7-10.2 m3/s. In winter, ice formation and sludge processes take place on the river. Ice phenomena are observed from December to February. The duration of the drifters along the river is 25 days. The Ala-Archa River originates from the glaciers of the northern slope of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, at an absolute mark of 4000 m, and is formed from the confluence of the tributaries Tuyuk-1, Tuyuk- 2, Ak-Sai, Adygene, Kashka-Suu and several smaller tributaries. The type of feeding of the river is glacier-snow with ground recharge. The flood begins in May. The maximum flood occurs in July- August and can reach 57.6 m3/s. The average long-term flow during the low-water period is 3.1- 3.6 m3/s. In the period from November to February, ice formation and sludge processes take place on the river. The duration of ice phenomena is 97 days. Background information on groundwater. Kyrgyzstan is the only Central Asian country whose water resources are completely formed within its territory. There are no water sources entering the republic from outside, this is its hydrological feature and advantage. Significant reserves of water resources are formed in the mountainous geosystems of the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alay. The natural total annual average annual runoff of the country's rivers is 44.5 km3, 1745 km3 contain lakes and 650 km3 are concentrated in glaciers. Hydrogeological conditions of the groundwater deposit in Bishkek. The main aquifer of the Chuya basin, confined to loose-clastic deposits of the Quaternary age, lies directly on the rocks of the Paleozoic base of the basin, as well as in the eastern part of the region, and on the rocks of the Paleogene-Neogene age in its central and western parts. 79 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Groundwater is widespread in Bishkek almost everywhere. Depth change ranges from 0 to 100 or more meters. The maximum depths of groundwater occurrence are noted in the southern part of the city, along the foothills, decreasing in the northern direction. The flood zone in Bishkek covers the peripheral part of the foothills. A plume formed by the fans of the Alamedin and Ala- Archa rivers and a part of a slightly undulating plain adjacent to it from the north. The formation of this zone is due to the loamy composition of the deposits that make up the plain. A thick layer of almost impenetrable loams prevents the flow of groundwater from the side of the mountain framing of the Chuya basin to its regional outflow - the channel of the Chu River. The groundwater level rises to the level of the earth's surface, and the height of the hydraulic head exceeds this level. Such hydrogeological conditions determine the stable shallow occurrence of groundwater in the northern part of the city. The areal wedging out of groundwater in this zone and their swamping is prevented by the draining effect. local collector-drainage network in the form of tie-ins in the channels of the Alamedin, Ala-Archa rivers, numerous "Karasuu" artificial drains, ditches, canals, as well as intensive evaporation of groundwater in shallow areas. 5.2.6. Seismology The location of Bishkek in the central part of the Chui depression and at the same time in the foothills of the Kyrgyz Range, characterized by seismic activity, determines the variety of engineering and geological conditions for construction within Bishkek and its agglomerations. There is a fault line called Issyk-Ata running east-west direction at the southern end of the territory of the city. It also indicates a zone of hazardous areas (level >9) in the north and classifies as an unsuitable land for urbanization. In the immediate vicinity of Bishkek, within the North Tien Shan zone, the Chon-Kurchak fault is traced and along the northern foot of the foothills of the ridge, the Issyk-Ata fault. These two faults are seismically dangerous for two reasons: firstly, the zone of such faults, as a rule, is represented by fragmented products of tectogenesis, which have dangerous seismic properties; secondly, during strong earthquakes in such zones and in the sediments covering them, the manifestation of residual seismic deformations is possible, sharply intensifying the seismic effect on the surface. Since the seismicity of sites is very strongly influenced by soil conditions and the position of the groundwater level, the intensity of earthquakes on flooded bulk and waterlogged soils can increase. The following map of the Institute of Seismology shows that earthquakes of magnitude 9 are possible in the 11-12th microdistricts, and magnitude 9 earthquakes are also possible in the new buildings "Orok", "Upper Orok", "Yntymak", as well as in the village of Ortosai. Zones in the areas of Alamedin-1, the village of Lebedinovka, in the area of Kyzyl-Asker and in the residential area Ala-Too are considered dangerous. The entire territory of the city to the north coinciding with Zhibek-Zholu Street, where residential areas and the Dordoi market area are mainly located, is classified as especially dangerous zones above 9 points. 80 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Figure 4.Zoning map of seismically hazardous areas in Bishkek city 5.3. Air Quality 5.3.1. Background and causes of pollution The development of the city, which followed the fall of the communist regime, is an unplanned growth of private residential areas, due to the banal distribution of land to supporters of various victorious political forces. A brief excursion into history gives an idea of the negative cumulative effect of today's air pollution problem in the city of Bishkek. The reasons for the current state of air pollution are associated with (i) relief features, (ii) climatic phenomena, (iii) historical events, and now - with (iv) a constantly growing population and (v) a permanent crisis of the economy, unable to independently solve environmental problems at the modern technological level. Currently, there are three main sources of air pollution in Bishkek: 1) Pollution due to incineration for heating; 2) Pollution due dust and other solid particles. 3) Exhaust gases of road transport; 5.3.2. A brief overview of the chronicle of urban air pollution The World Health Organisation's guidelines (WHO), states that the air quality in Kyrgyzstan is considered moderately unsafe for most of the year. The most up-to-date figures indicate the country's annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is23 µg/m3, which exceeds the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3. The review of the chronicle of urban air pollution takes the cold period 81 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) of 2020, 2021 and 2022, according to the bulletins of Kyrgyzhydromet and its official data in comparative reports. Bishkek city. According to the air pollution monitoring department of Bishkek, Kyrgyzgidromet, there have been no cases of high or extremely high air pollution in Bishkek in recent months. However, observations of the air pollution level are carried out by Kyrgyz Hydrometeorology on 5 indicators: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), formaldehyde (CHO2) and ammonia (NH3). Observations indicate that levels of NO (nitrogen oxide) exceed the national standards by an average of one and a half times, and formaldehyde-by more than 2 times. Other observable indicators also show an excess of 1.1-2.5 times. Observations of dust pollution are not carried out on a regular basis, but one-time measurements show that this indicator sometimes exceeds the norm by 5-10 times. The problem of smog in Bishkek becomes relevant in winter, although with the onset of warm months the problem of dirty air does not go away - it becomes invisible due to the lack of temperature inversion. Below are data on air pollution in cities in the autumn-winter period, when they can be observed visually due to temperature inversions. in the winter of 2020-21 was unsatisfactory, i.e. most (from 75 to 98% of days) exceeded the daily norms of the Kyrgyz Republic (35 µg/m). The highest average daily concentrations of PM25 at all stations were found in December and January; they exceeded the MPC from 8 to 12 times. December was the most polluted month in terms of PM25 concentrations on all monitoring devices, since almost all days (except for 1-3 days, depending on the station) exceeded the MPC of the Kyrgyz Republic from 1.2 to 10 times. Monthly average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), and formaldehyde (Ð?СОÐ?) at PNZ No. 1 (the central part of the city: Manas / Moskovsky) exceeded the average daily MPC of the Kyrgyz Republic from 2.3 to 3.5, from 4.3 to 6 and from 2.6 to 5 times, respectively. For the heating season from December 2020 to February 2021, according to sensors certified by the Hydrometeorological Service and the US Embassy, the air in the city center was satisfactory for 0 days (0%), acceptable for 5 days (6%), unhealthy for sensitive groups for 8 days (11%), unhealthy for 28 days (37%), very unhealthy - 17 (23%) and dangerous - 17 (23%). In the spring of 2021, the average monthly concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO) and formaldehyde (HCO), according to Kyrgyzhydromet, exceeded the average daily MPC of the Kyrgyz Republic from 2 to 2.2, from 2.2 to 2.6 and from 3.3 to 5 times respectively, and in April and May, an improvement in air quality of PM2.5 was noted at all stations. In the autumn of 2022, only two gases (NO2 and HCOH) out of four observed at the Kyrgyzhydromet refinery had concentrations exceeding the average daily MPC of the Kyrgyz Republic. The concentrations of these gases were: NO2 — 52 μg/m3 or 1.3 MPC in September and November, 72 μg/m3 or 1.8 MPC in October; HCOH - in September - 10 µg/m3 or 3.3 MPC, in October - 8 µg/m3 or 2.7 MPC, in November - 7 µg/m3 or 2.3 MPC. The concentrations of other gases did not go beyond the MPC (they were at the level of 0.06-1.0 MPC) in all months of the season under consideration. It should be noted that the number of days when the maximum allowable average daily concentrations were exceeded is quite large in each month of autumn: for NO2 it is 20-25 days, for HCOH it is 23-26 days, for NO it is 1-11 days. 82 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Figure 5.The values of air pollutants in Bishkek during autumn 2022 Figure 5 shows the values for NO, NO2, SO2 and HCOH, which are measured at the city's OPAAP (Observation posts for atmospheric air pollution), for three autumn months. The dotted line of the corresponding color on the graph highlights the zone of excess of the MPC for each pollutant19. As can be seen from the above, air pollution in the autumn-winter period is repeated with temperature inversions inherent in the mountain-valley relief of the city. The level of pollution coincides with the direction of the winds in Bishkek. Polluted air does not linger for a long time inside the city. The transfer of air masses prevails, when the mountain-valley circulation of the northern slopes of the Kirghiz Range and the macro mountain-valley circulation of the Chui Valley has a significant impact on the wind regime of the region. According to the analysis of data for the winter period of 2021 on gas concentration (points of observation for atmospheric air pollution (POAAP) of Hydromet, in cold months, at negative or slightly maximum positive air temperatures20, formaldehyde concentrations are low and rarely exceed the one-time MPC. In spring, when the temperature rises to 10 degrees Celsius, concentrations increase, reaching a maximum in summer (June-August)21. According to the Hydromet bulletin for 2021, here, the content of fine particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 in the air is below the MPCds, except for July, when on some days the concentrations of these impurities slightly exceeded the MPCds. That is, here we can see an increase in their content associated with a hot period and with the predominance of frequent southern and southwestern winds during this period, which prevent the ventilation of urban air. 19 Seasonal reports on air quality in Bishkek. Spring 2021. MoveGreen 20 Seasonal air quality report air in Bishkek. Winter 2020-2021. MoveGreen. 21 News bulletin on the state of air pollution in the city of Bishkek for the summer period 2021. Kyrgyzhydromet 83 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The prevailing wind circulation carries emissions from the north, from the northwest to the south and east, along the central streets of Chui Avenue, ave. Manas, st. Deng Xiao Ping St. Baytik-Batyr to the areas of Masaliev Ave. and the western residential areas of the city (Ak-Orgo, Rabochy Gorodok, L. Tolstoy St. or Lushchin St.). These streets are areas of the Leninsky and Oktyabrsky districts of the city, in which many industries are concentrated, including those that are harmful to air quality. The growing population of the city (1.5 million with agglomerations), climate change towards aridity do not allow further traditional ways to protect citizens from the growing impact of exhaust and industrial gases, as well as dangerous fine particles. The cities of Osh, Kara-Balta, Tokmok and Cholpon-Ata. Atmospheric air quality is monitored by Kyrgyzhydromet at stationary posts in the cities of the Kyrgyz Republic. Five pollutants are identified: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and dioxide, formaldehyde and ammonia. The main sources of air pollution in cities are: 1. Exhaust gases of road transport; 2. Pollution from burning fossil fuels for heating; 3. Contamination with dust and other solid particles. On July 31, 2023, the PM2.5 concentration was recorded as 1550.7 µg/m³ (Lebedinovka village). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level is less than 10 µg/m³. However, other regions are not as polluted as here: Chui oblast has a US air quality index of 46, Issyk-Kul oblast has a US air quality index of 49, and Osh oblast has a US air quality index of 45 (https://www.iqair.com/kyrgyzstan). The primary sources of pollution problems in cities are: underdeveloped public transport systems, the lack of proper thermal insulation of buildings and the concentration of economic activity in and around cities. 5.4. Noise and vibration levels In Bishkek, the main source of noise pollution is industry and road transport (82-87%). Other sources of noise include: railway transport (2-3%), electric municipal transport (3-6%), industrial enterprises, organizations, construction (3-4%). The urban population is exposed not only to external, but also internal noise that occurs when the engineering equipment of buildings (elevators, heating units, boilers, pumping stations, electrical sanitary equipment, etc.), as well as noise associated with the process of human activity (household noise). The table shows the normalized parameters and maximum permissible noise levels are given from SN 2.2.4 / 2.1.8.562-96 "Noise at workplaces, in residential, public buildings and residential premises." Table 7.Permissible sound pressure levels, sound levels, equivalent and maximum sound levels of penetrating noise in the premises of residential and public buildings No. Purpose of Times Sound pressure levels, dB, in octave bands with geometric Sound Maximum premises or of mean frequencies, Hz levels LA LAmax territories Day 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 and levels, 84 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) equivalent dBA22 sound levels L Aeq dBA 4 Living rooms of from 7 79 63 52 45 39 35 32 thirty 28 40 55 apartments, am to living quarters 11 pm of rest homes, boarding houses, social stationary institutions for the elderly and persons with disabilities, from 23 72 55 44 35 29 25 22 20 18 thirty 45 sleeping to 7h quarters in preschool institutions and boarding schools * dBA – acoustic decibel, a unit of measurement of the level of noise, taking into account the perception of sound by a person dB - Decibel — Logarithmic unit of levels, attenuations, and gains Hz - hertz, the maximum frequency range for the human ear, on average - from 20 to 20,000 Hz Studies have shown that the intensity of traffic flow is not always the main factor in increasing noise levels. This is largely influenced by the presence of two-way roads, intersections, markets and shopping areas. Noise pollution levels on city streets are not measured, at least not on a regular basis. According to the head of the Production laboratory of the Ministry of health of the KR, noise interference is measured only for indoor premises, in particular, at the request of citizens who may complain about such factors as noise from industrial enterprises, loud music etc. The table shows the normalized parameters and maximum permissible vibration levels are given from SN 2.2.4 / 2.1.8.582-96 "Industrial vibration, vibration in residential and public buildings." Table 8.Permissible values of vibration in residential premises, wards of hospitals, sanatoriums Maximum allowable values along the axes X o , Y o , Z o Geometric mean frequencies of bands, vibration acceleration vibration velocity Hz 2 -3 m/s 10 dB m/s 10 -4 dB 2 4.0 72 3.2 76 4 4.5 73 1.8 71 8 5.6 75 1.1 67 16 11.0 81 1.1 67 22 Permissible noise levels from external sources in the premises are established subject to the provision of normative ventilation of the premises (for residential premises, wards, classes - with open windows, transoms, narrow window sashes). Additionally, for time-varying and intermittent noise, the maximum sound level should not exceed 110 dBA, and for impulsive noise - 125 dBA. 85 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Maximum allowable values along the axes X o , Y o , Z o Geometric mean frequencies of bands, vibration acceleration vibration velocity Hz 2 -3 m/s 10 dB m/s 10 -4 dB 31.5 22.0 87 1.1 67 63 45.0 93 1.1 67 Adjusted and equivalent adjusted 4.0 72 1.1 67 values and their levels N o t e s . 1. During the daytime in the premises, it is permissible to exceed the normative levels by 5 dB. 2. For non-permanent vibration to the allowable values of the levels given in Table. 9, a correction of -10 dB is introduced, and the absolute values are multiplied by 0.32. 3. In the wards of hospitals and sanatoriums, the permissible vibration levels must be reduced by 3 dB. 5.5. Ecological Resources 5.5.1. Flora and Fauna Flora. The location of Kyrgyzstan in the center of the mainland, far from the oceans and seas, surrounded by vast deserts, differently oriented ridges raised above the snow line, determines the richness and diversity of the country's vegetation. A small country (199.9 thousand sq. km.) is characterized by high floristic richness: 4100 species of higher and 3464 species of lower plants. In Kyrgyzstan, natural ecosystems are under the influence of an excessively high anthropogenic load, which has led almost everywhere to the degradation of the soil, vegetation cover, and a sharp decrease in its productivity. Foothill and low-mountain steppes, tugai forests and wetland communities of the Chui valley have practically disappeared. In 1956, I. Vykhodtsev developed a detailed scheme of vertical zonality for each ridge of the Tien Shan and Alai Mountain systems within Kyrgyzstan. A generalized scheme of zonation types for the territory of Kyrgyzstan is given by K.V. Stanyukovich (1973): moderately humid continental, dry continental and very dry continental. In all types, the lower belt is a belt of desert vegetation. The height of the ascent to the mountains of the belt of desert vegetation depends on moisture. In the moderately humid type of the desert, the absolute marks are from 500 - 800 m; in the dry they rise to 1500-1600 m; in very dry - in the high-mountainous syrt Central Tien Shan type - it reaches 2800-3000 m. Bishkek city is heavily disturbed by urban and agricultural development, the possibility that any habitat occurs, that is suitable for threatened or endangered plant species is very low. There are no special protection zones in the vicinity of the project areas. In the Kirghiz SSR, elm, poplar, elm, white locust, plane tree, honey locust, elderberry, ash, maple, mulberry, chestnut, thuja, privet, as well as oak, sucker, vinegar tree, willow, sucker, linden were used for landscaping Bishkek. now form the basis of old parks and green spaces. Now up to 200 different types of plant genera are used: pine, spruce, juniper, thuja, mulberry, birch, catalpa, acacia, lilac, jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, viburnum, amorpha, biota and many others. Among the weeds of the urban landscape, the most common are: knotweed, dandelion, plantain, walker, veronica, Velcro, pinworm recumbent, bedstraw. There are field and garden weeds - field sow thistle, field bindweed, white gauze. The vegetation of the rivers and canals of Bishkek is distributed as follows: algae dominate in deeper places, pondweeds appear closer to the coast, 86 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) then reeds and cattails, reeds, sedges and grasses follow. Photos of plants in parks, rivers and canals of Bishkek are given below. Fauna. The natural environment of the city of Bishkek, as a large settlement, has experienced a strong anthropogenic impact and is currently in practice a modified urban landscape. Invertebrates: bivalve mollusc Anodonta toothless, leeches Hirudinea, introduced crayfish Astacus, daphnia, cyclops. Of the arthropods, the most characteristic are: dragonflies Odonata, mosquitoes Anophelea, Aedes, Culex, Tendipedidae, stoneflies Plecoptera, mayflies Ephemeroptera, amphipods Gammarus, biting midges Ceratopogonidae, water spiders Argyroneta, water scorpion Nera cinerea, ranatra Ranatra, swimmers Dytiscus, smooth, water measure, phalarope, tinnik Ilibus, swimmer Dytiscus, whirlwind Gyrinus, water-loving Hydrous, midges Simuliidae. Fish. In the river basin In Chu and in other studied watercourses, native fish species are found: Common marinka (Schizothorax intermedius); Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.); Catfish (Silurus glanis 1852), Salmo trutta L. - brook trout, grass carp Ctenopharyngodon. 87 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Common marinka (Schizothorax) Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Salmo trutta L. - brook trout Catfish (Silurus glanis) Amphibians and reptiles: toad Bufo, frogs (Central Asian) Rana ridibunda, R.asiatica, water snake Natrix tesselata. Birds: kestrels (steppe, common) Falco naumanni et F. tinnunculus, doves (large, common, small, ringed) Streptopelia turtus, S. palumbus, S. senegalensis, S. decaocto, swallows (barn, red- rumped) Hirundo rustica et H. daurica, blackbird Turdus merula, great tit Parus major, greenfinch Chloris chloris. Synanthropic bird species: common myna (Acridotheres tristi), turtledove Streptopelia, great tit Parus major, pigeon Columba livia, gray crow (Corvus corone cornix) and black crow Corvus Corone corone). Of the large, valuable and protected birds in Bishkek, mallard and Semirechensky pheasant are found on rivers and canals in parks and floodplains. Gray crow (Corvus cornix) Black crow (Corvus corone) House sparrow (Passer domesticus) Common myna (Acridotheres tristi) 88 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Kestrels (steppe, common) Turdus merula L. – дрозд чёрный Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Semirechensky pheasant (Phasianus colchicus mongolicus (Brandt, 1845) Mammals. Characteristic types of urban high-rise buildings and parks: eared hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus, shrews (Tienshan, small) Sorex minutus et S. aster, small shrew Crocidura suaveolens, bats (pointy-eared, mustachioed), muskrat Ondatra zibethicus, gray rat Rattus norvegicus. In addition, Siberian squirrels live in the city, successfully brought to the city in the early 1970s of the last centuries. Gray rat (Rattus norvegicus) Eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) muskrat Ondatra zibethicus bat (Myotis) According to the IUCN list, all plant and animal species listed are classified as a taxon with low risk (LC) conservation status. 89 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 5.6. Social Baseline 5.6.1. Population Bishkek is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic and the country's largest city. It is a special administrative unit and is a city of republican subordination. The city is located in the Chui valley at the northern foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too on a sloping plain, at an altitude of 700-900 m above sea level, 25 km from the border with Kazakhstan. The used territory of the city of Bishkek according to the population census ( 2009 ) is 169.6 sq. km. Administratively, the city is divided into 4 districts: Oktyabrsky, Pervomaisky, Sverdlovsky, Leninsky. The number of permanent populations in the project city of Bishkek is shown in the table below. The resident population in the project city of Bishkek is reflected in the table below 23. Table 9.Number of permanent populations Population 2021 2022 Kyrgyz Republic 6636.8 6747.3 Bishkek, including villages 1093.8 1099.4 Bishkek 1,078.9 1083.4 v. Chon-Aryk 10.3 10.4 v. Orto-Say 4.6 5.6 Distribution of the permanent population by administrative regions 201724 2022 Bishkek 980.4 1,083.4 Pervomaisky 201.1 n/a Sverdlovsky 251.2 n/a About ktyabrsky 279.6 n/a Leninsky 248.5 n/a25 The natural increase at the beginning of 2021 amounted to 19.0 people. per 1000 people/population, the mortality rate is 5.6 per 1000 people/population. Women make up 52.8% of the total population. Thus, the demographic processes taking place in recent years are characterized by high rates of population growth. The birth rate remains high, ensuring an expanded reproduction of the population. 23 Source: http://www.stat.kg/ru/statistika-goroda-bishkek/ 24 NSC: Socio-economic development of Bishkek 25 Need to be corrected in the rayon administrations (RA) 90 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) At the moment, specific sites for the implementation of Components 2,3 have not been identified, later accurate statistical data for specific project sites can be clarified at the Bishkek City Department of Statistics, at the Municipal Territorial Units (MTU) of the Mayor's Office, district departments of social protection can provide the exact number of poor and the number of people in need. As a result of the complex transformational processes taking place in the country after gaining independence in 1991 and the deterioration of the socio-economic situation in the regions, residents of the regions, in the hope of a better life, move closer to the capital. it led to education sets residential districts (called new buildings). According to the mayor's office, 48 residential areas (named- novostroika) have been formed in Bishkek, where about 30% of the population lives. The table below shows their distribution by administrative districts of the city. Table 10.Distribution of residential areas by administrative district of Bishkek administrative Number of Number of district RA MTU26 Pervomaisky 17 5 Leninsky 11 6 Sverdlovsky 14 5 Oktyabrsky 6 6 Total 4827 22 5.6.2. Ethnic composition As of the beginning of 2021, the Kyrgyz make up the majority of the population (73.5%), Russians (16.7%), Uighurs (1.57%), Uzbeks (1.38%), and the rest are other minorities ethnic groups (Koreans, Turks, Ukrainians, Germans and others). 5.6.3. Migration Over the past decades, interregional movements have been steadily directed to the Chui region and Bishkek, while other regions have been steadily losing population. In 2020 _ a positive influx of migrants to these regions from other regions amounted to 2.0 thousand people and 1.2 thousand people, respectively. 5.6.4. Education Over the past five years, the number of daytime general education organizations has increased by 13 units and in the 2020/2021 academic year amounted to 1 63 units, the number of secondary vocational educational organizations by 4 units and amounted to about 5 5 units, the number of higher professional organizations by 7 units and amounted to 40 units. 26 MTU - MTU is a territorial subdivision of the Mayor's Office of Bishkek. 27 Need to be corrected, because the process of formation of residential areas continues 91 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) In the 2020/2021 academic year, compared to the 2016/2017 academic year, there was an increase in students in daytime general education institutions by 37.7 thousand people, the number of students in secondary vocational schools increased by 4.1 thousand people, and the number of students in higher professional educational organizations by 0.6 thousand people. healthcare According to statistics, at the beginning of 2021, the provision with medical workers per 10 thousand of the population amounted to about: doctors - 26, against 27 in 2016, nurses - 37 against 40 in 2016. The provision of hospital beds per 10,000 population in 2020 was about 25, against 28 in 2016. Level Bishkek has a high poverty rate of 35.8% in 2021 due to the impact of COVID 19. The table below shows the level of poverty, per capita income/expenditure of the city's population in comparison with the nationwide indicators. Table 11.Poverty level, per capita income/expenditure of the population Poverty rate, % 2020 2021 Kyrgyz Republic 25, 3 33.3 Bishkek 16.8 35.8 Per capita income/expenditure, som/month Income spending 2020 2021 2020 2021 Kyrgyz Republic 5625 6648 3914 4681 Bishkek 6013 6946 4792 5374 Table 12.Employment rate, in % U employment rate, %28 2020 2021 Kyrgyz Republic 5.8 5.3 Bishkek 5.0 4.1 Remuneration levels, som / month Kyrgyz Republic 18940 19330 Bishkek 22 667 23 085 5.6.5. Sector of the economy The main producer of heat and electricity in the north of the country is the Bishkek CHPP, and Bishkekteploset OJSC, which is a branch of Electric Stations OJSC, provides the city with heat and hot water and covers mainly the central, southeastern parts of the city. The heat supply scheme can be found at the link29. According to the sales center of OJSC "Bishkekteploset", more than 130 thousand subscribers are connected to central heating: the population - 127.6 thousand, budgetary organizations - 365, 28http://www.stat.kg/ru/statistics/zanyatost/ 29 http://www.teploseti.kg/content/page/51-zona-obslujivaniya 92 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) including 80 schools, 90 kindergartens, more than 70 health facilities. In service" Bishkekteplosetiâ€? has more than 2.5 thousand apartment buildings, 1100 private sector houses connected to the central heating supply. The ME "Bishkek Teploenergo" serves the western part of the city - the microdistrict "Jal", Gazgorodok, the Military town and the residential town of the Council of Ministers. In total, it supplies heat to 605 multi-storey buildings. The total number of subscribers of the utility company is 33 thousand 189 people, 12 healthcare facilities, 40 schools, 14 kindergartens, 8 universities, 25 other budgetary institutions and 212 other consumers. As part of the signing of the intergovernmental agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation dated July 26, 2013, Gazprom Kyrgyzstan was appointed as the gas operator that supplies natural gas to Kyrgyzstan, distributes it and sells it within the country. The company's activities are controlled by the Department for Regulation of the Fuel and Energy Complex, which, within its powers, sets natural gas tariffs for all categories. According to the company, in the period from 2016-2020, 22 railway stations in Bishkek were supplied with gas (source: https://kyrgyzstan.gazprom.ru/press/news/2021/01/704/) In 2020, Gazprom Kyrgyzstan faced a number of economic problems that were the consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic, and therefore there has been no gasification activity to date. State enterprise "Kyrgyzteploenergo", which includes 134 regional boiler houses. Of these, 54 operate on coal, 32 on electricity, 28 on fuel oil, and 20 on natural gas. The remaining consumers, who do not have access to the services of the above providers, apparently use stove heating (It is not possible to determine the exact number of households, the results of the last census (2022) are not yet completed.). According to the population and housing census of the Kyrgyz Republic (2009), 228,657 households were registered in Bishkek, of which 33.8% used stove heating. The last census took place in 2020, the results have not yet been published. According to the National Statistical Committee, the results of the census are being summarized and will be completed in the current 2023 (source: http://www.stat.kg/media/files/7785e73a-a9b8-4d57-8011-3ceb391b6e0a.pdf). 5.7. Identifying Stakeholders: Project Affected Parties One of the priorities of the SEP is to identify stakeholders, who may be positively and negatively affected by the project activities, in particular the impacts on people's lives and livelihood sustainability. In this regard, the following list of key stakeholder groups was prepared: 1. Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic; 2. Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Technical Supervision; 3. Ministry of Emergency Situations: - Kyrgyz Hydromet 4. Bishkek City Mayor’s Office: - 4 District administrations, 2 Aiyl Okmotu; - Municipal services Bishkekteploenergo, Bishkekgaz, Bishkekzelenhoz, Tazalyk, etc.; 5. Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic: - Power distribution companies; 6. Other government organizations; 93 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 7. Small and medium enterprises; 8. Potential contractors and workers; 9. Electricity consumers; 10. People who will be adversely affected by the project; 11. Socially vulnerable groups of population. Other stakeholders of the Project: • Civil society groups, research centers/institutes and NGOs interested in monitoring the financial activities of the Kyrgyz Republic. • Plenipotentiaries of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the regions. • Local authorities, including ministries and committees. • State-owned enterprises • Local and foreign investors interested in investing in the Kyrgyz Republic. • Private firms, entrepreneurs, youth and women's groups, who would benefit from competitive economic opportunities. • Media and the related stakeholders, including local and national print and broadcast media, digital/web entities and their associations. • International development partners involved in the socio-economic development sector. 5.8. Socially vulnerable populations It is particularly important to understand whether project impacts may disproportionately affect socially vulnerable populations, who are often not in a position to communicate their concerns or understand the impacts of the project. Vulnerable status may be due to origin, gender, age, health status, economic difficulties, financial insecurity, socially disadvantaged position in the community (e.g., unemployed youth), dependence on others (dependency) or on natural resources, and etc. Interaction with vulnerable groups and individuals often requires special measures and assistance to support their participation in the project-related decision making, so that their awareness and contributions to the overall process are comparable with those of other stakeholders. Socially vulnerable population groups under the project may include the following categories, among others: 1) Low-income households and individuals; 2) The elderly, people of pre-retirement age; 3) People with disabilities; 4) Single parents with minor children; 5) Households headed by women; 6) Residents of mountainous and border areas; 7) Unemployed youth; 8) Labor migrants. Socially vulnerable population groups. They will be checked as the work progresses and will be consulted using special methods, if necessary. Methods of interaction that will be used in the Project are described in the sections below. 94 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The website and other social media of the Ministry of Energy will be used for disclosing project documentation, including SEP, project updates and information, as well as the Project GM in Russian/Kyrgyz language. Where Internet use is not feasible, traditional methods such as face- to-face meetings, focus groups, information stands and distribution of booklets will be used to inform and engage vulnerable groups. Further consultations to determine the final list of vulnerable groups as part of the social impact assessment will be conducted in the course of the Project implementation. The following mechanisms will be used for disclosure of information to vulnerable groups: 1. Social networks and traditional media for any announcements related to the project. These include the official web pages of the ministries, as well as social media (Facebook, Instagram, Telegram) and official newspapers. 2. Publication of all information about the project, including the GM process, in Russian/Kyrgyz. 3. In the case of public meetings, including workshops or meetings, these meetings should be held at a suitable time and place for women, and should also take into account the needs of persons with disabilities (if any), or the barriers faced by socially vulnerable population groups. These meetings are often more conveniently held in public spaces or in women's civil society organizations (if available). 5.9. Segmenting / prioritizing stakeholders Stakeholders identified in the project were segmented according to their sphere of influence. Stakeholders of high and significant importance are described in Table below. Table 13.Segmentation of stakeholders Stakeholders Level Description Sphere of influence Interest Extent of influence Ministry of Finance National Beneficiary Implements supervision and High High of the Kyrgyz control of the disbursement of Republic the project funds to the Project Management Unit (MNRETS PIU) and sub-projects. Monitors and evaluates the compliance of financial reporting on project funds by the MNRETS PIU Ministry of Natural National Beneficiary Implements supervision and High High Resources, Ecology control of the disbursement of and Technical project funds to the Project Supervision Management Unit (MNRETS PIU) including MNRETS and sub-projects. Monitors and PIU evaluates the compliance of financial reporting on project funds by the MNRETS PIU Fiduciary (procurement process/financial management) and protective SE measures. Directly benefits from project implementation. 95 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Stakeholders Level Description Sphere of influence Interest Extent of influence Bishkek City National Direct Directly benefits from project High High Mayor’s Office beneficiary implementation. including municipal Will benefit from the utilities and reconstruction and institutions modernization of the energy sector using funds from MNRETS PIU. Ministry of National Direct Direct benefit from the High High Emergency beneficiary implementation of the project. Situations Benefit from improved air quality including Kyrgyz management system using Hydromet MNRETS PIU tools. Ministry of Energy National Beneficiaries support for investments in High High of the Kyrgyz cleaner heating and hot water Republic; solutions (ground, solar) and including energy efficiency measures in buildings Other state National Beneficiaries They will benefit from the High Moderate organizations implementation of the project in terms of technical measures to reduce air pollution, such as switching to cleaner and more energy-efficient heating technologies for residential buildings and support for a greening city program in targeted areas Small and medium National Beneficiaries Implementation of measures to High Low enterprises reduce air pollution in the city, such as switching to cleaner and more efficient heating technologies for residential buildings and supporting the greening of the city program, improving irrigation will help distribution companies improve the quality of service Prospective Subnational Project Implementation of project High High contractors and workers and activities. workers Project Employment opportunities. beneficiaries Source of income Negatively affected National Beneficiaries The project will develop High High consumers of heat mitigation measures in energy from boiler collaboration with the PAP and houses incorporate them into SEP tools and enforce the adopted measures. Socially vulnerable National Beneficiaries Based on the results of the study, High Moderate groups if necessary, additional measures to support low-income families 96 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Stakeholders Level Description Sphere of influence Interest Extent of influence with children who are under the potential negative impact of the project may be considered, taking into account the capabilities of the national economy Citizens, consumers National Beneficiaries Will benefit from a project to High Low of heat energy improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the health and well- being of urban areas 5.10. Legislative opportunities for stakeholder participation in the development process The Kyrgyz Republic pays special attention to citizens’ engagement in the decision -making processes and project implementation. According to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, people exercise their power directly through elections and referendums, as well as through the system of state bodies and local self- governments based on the Constitution and laws. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Local Self-Government (July 15, 2011 No. 101, last amended on August 8, 2019, No. 118) states that local self-government exercises its power based on, among other principles, (i) willingness of citizens through the system of local self-government, as well as through meetings of citizens and (ii) publicity and consideration of public opinion. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Jamaats (Communities) and their Associations (February 21, 2005, No. 36 with the latest amendments of July 18, 2014, No. 144) defines the procedure, principles of formation and activities of jamaats (communities) and their associations established in villages, cities, and also regulates their relations with the public authorities and local self- governments, legal and natural persons and aims to create a legal and organizational framework for social mobilization in the Kyrgyz Republic, providing state guarantees to jamaats (communities) and their self-governance associations. According to the Law on Environmental Expertise, citizens can conduct independent public environmental expertise. Although findings of the public environmental expertise are advisory in nature and are taken into account when preparing the conclusion of the state environmental expertise. 97 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 5.11. Grievance mechanism 5.11.1. Description of the grievance mechanism The main purpose of the Grievance Mechanism is to facilitate timely, effective and efficient resolution of grievances and complaints to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Specifically, the GM provides a transparent and credible process for achieving fair, effective and lasting results. GM also enhances trust and cooperation as an integral component of broader community consultation that promotes corrective action. In particular, the GM: â–ª provides affected persons with opportunities to file a complaint or resolve any dispute that may arise during projects; â–ª ensures that appropriate and mutually acceptable corrective actions are identified and implemented to the satisfaction of complainants; avoids the need to resort to litigation. The GM is also necessary for direct and indirect Project beneficiaries to have a possibility to file grievances, complaints or suggestions on improvement of the Project activities at all stages of the Project implementation without any costs yet guaranteeing timely resolution thereof. Grievances directly related to the Project implementation shall be considered. Grievances or queries / inquiries may be both individual and collective. The GM will also allow anonymous complaints/complaints to be submitted and considered. In accordance with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the Procedure for Considering Public Appealsâ€?, citizens can apply with any requests on issues within the scope of the Project at all stages of the Project. This GM will be used for the entire Project as residents/populations residing in the selected areas and in the Project area will be directly affected by the Project activities and social, environmental and other problems may arise in the restoration of the urban irrigation system necessary to maintain urban green spaces. The PIU will operationalize a project-specific GM to address all citizen grievances / complaints and queries related to the project. Day-to-day implementation of the GM and reporting to the World Bank will be the responsibility of the MNRETS PIU. The new Social Specialist will be the key nodal officer for GM in the MNRETS PIU. The system and requirements for the grievance redress chain of action – from registration, sorting, and processing, and acknowledgment and followâ€?up, to verification and action, and finally feedback – are incorporated in the GM. The more sensitive grievances such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including Sexual Exploitation and Abuse / Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH) are described in Section 8.3 separately. To ensure management oversight of grievance handling, the MNRETS PIU M&E will be responsible for monitoring the overall process, including verification that agreed resolutions are implemented. 5.11.2. GM Objectives Register, verify, consider, track and respond to grievances or queries received related to social, environmental and other issues related to the Project activity; Find mutually agreed solutions satisfactory for the Project and Project Affected Parties and resolve any grievances / complaints on-site through consulting with the affected party; 98 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Facilitate the development process at the local level with maintaining transparency and establish the level of responsibility before the Project Affected Party; Ensure a possibility for providing feedback; Provide a possibility to vulnerable individuals and / or groups to express views thereof. 5.11.3. Grievance Resolution Process Information about the GM will be publicized as part of the PR/community communication (e.g., through websites, social media). Brochures and posters will be displayed in public places, Project offices, subdivisions and information desks of MNRETS KR and etc. Information about the GM will also be posted online on the MNRETS KR website. The overall process for the GM will be comprised of six steps, as described in Figure 4 below: Step 1: Uptake Step 2: Sorting and processing Step 3: Acknowledgement and follow-up Step 4: Verification, investigation, and action Step 5: Monitoring and evaluation Step 6: Providing Feedback Figure 6.The overall process for the GM Step 1: Uptake. Project stakeholders will be able to provide feedback and report grievances / complaints through several channels: verbally, by mail, telephone, email, social media, and WhatsApp messenger. Step 2: Sorting and processing. Complaints and feedback will be compiled at MNRETS PIU level by the Social Specialist at MNRETS PIU and recorded in a register. These are assigned to the respective individuals/agencies to address. Step 3: Acknowledgement and follow-up. The responsible person/ agency will communicate with the complainant and provide information on the likely course of action and the anticipated timeframe for resolution of the grievance / complaint. If grievances / complaints are not resolved within indicated period at each level, the responsible person will provide an update about the status of the complaint/question to the complainant and again provide an estimate of how long it will take to resolve the issue. Step 4: Verification, investigation, and action. This step involves gathering information about the grievance to determine the facts surrounding the issue and verifying the grievance’s / complaint’s validity and then developing a proposed resolution, which could include changes of decisions concerning eligibility for mitigation, assistance, changes in the program itself, other actions, or no actions. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the process can include site visits, document reviews, a meeting with the complainant (if known and willing to engage), and 99 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) meetings with others (both those associated with the project and outside) who may have knowledge or can otherwise help resolve the issue. It is expected that many or most grievances would be resolved at this stage. All activities taken during this and the other steps will be fully documented, and any resolution logged in the register. Step 5: Monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring refers to the process of tracking grievances and assessing the progress that has been toward resolution. The MNRETS PIU will be responsible for consolidating, monitoring, and reporting on grievances / complaints, queries, and other feedback that have been received, resolved or pending. This will be accomplished by maintaining the grievance register and records of all steps taken to resolve grievances or otherwise respond to feedback and questions. Step 6: Providing feedback. This step involves informing those to submit grievances / complaints, feedback, and questions about how issues were resolved or providing answers to questions. Whenever possible, complainants should be informed of the proposed resolution in person (communicating by telephone or other means). If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, she/he will be informed of further options, which would include pursuing remedies through the World Bank, as described below, or through avenues afforded by the Kyrgyz Republic legal system. On a monthly basis, the MNRETS PIU will report to the MNRETS on grievances resolved since the previous report and on grievances that remain unresolved, with an explanation as to steps to be taken to resolve grievances that have not been resolved within 30 days. Data on grievances and/or original grievance logs will be made available to World Bank missions on request, and summaries of grievances and resolutions will be included in periodic reports to the World Bank. Grievance Logs will include at least the following information: • Individual reference number; • Name of the person submitting the complaint, question, or other feedback, address and/or contact information (unless the complaint has been submitted anonymously); • Details of the complaint, feedback, or question/her location and details of his/her complaint; • Date of the complaint; • Name of the person assigned to deal with the complaint (acknowledge to the complainant, investigate, propose resolutions, etc.); • Details of the proposed resolution, including person(s) who will be responsible for authorizing and implementing any corrective actions that are part of the proposed resolution; • Date when the proposed resolution was communicated to the complainant (unless anonymous); • Date when the complainant acknowledged, in writing if possible, being informed of the proposed resolution; 100 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) • Details of whether the complainant was satisfied with the resolution, and whether the complaint can be closed out; • Date when the resolution is implemented (if any). Feedback from project-affected persons/citizens will be collected through the local territorial divisions of the mayor's office (MTU) and transferred to the MNRETS PIU of the Executing Agency (EA) for taking the necessary actions. The feedback mechanism will then be used as discussed in the Grievance Redress Mechanism. The Ministry of Energy will offer its district and local channels, and at the level of the Bishkek municipality, starting with MTU, akimats and the central office, as well as at the level of municipal enterprises, GM will also be provided. To manage the GM project, it will include the following sequential levels of out-of-court review and grievance resolution: Territorial department of the energy companies at the first level, who are responsible for helping members of the community and other social work (conflict resolution, overall community upkeep, etc.). Their responsibility is to receive/register a grievance, then communicate it to the MNRETS PIU and assist in the process of reviewing and responding to applicants. At the second level, the MNRETS PIU Social Specialist will register grievance in the Grievance Log, review and respond to the applicant. The Social Specialist of the MNRETS PIU will report on the status of handling complaints on a monthly basis. At this level, PAPs will also have an option of submitting grievances to the MNRETS PIU or MNRETS KR. At this level a Grievance Redress Commission (GRC) will be formed, including the MNRETS KR and MNRETS PIU representatives, district and local level office managers, and one village leader as needed. GRC will resolve issues that were not resolved at the first and second levels or matters that came directly. To promote the transparent and efficient implementation of the project, the MNRETS PIU and MNRETS KR will accept and investigate queries from any Project-affected parties, including anonymous queries. If PAP objects against a decision of the 2rd level commission, the PAP may apply to court. 101 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Table 14.Grievance redress and feedback matrix To whom is the grievance Form of Grievance management procedure Time for filed submission grievance handling THE FIRST LEVEL Verbal, written, 1.Registration in a Grievance Log with 5 days Territorial department of an in electronic indication of date and time; energy company format 2. A secretary of a local commission Address: shall register a grievance; Tel.: 3.An applicant is provided feedback; Fax: 4. If a grievance is not satisfied, the E-mail address: grievance is redirected to the central Officer responsible for level. maintaining the GM Log: THE SECOND LEVEL Verbal 1. MNRETS PIU registers grievances / 14 days Project Management Office Written proposals in the Grievance Log; Address: In electronic 2. Maintains and monitors the process of Tel.: format by filing an reviewing and responding to complaints; Fax: e-application 3. Monthly the MNRETS PIU Social E-mail address: Specialist reports on the status of work Officer responsible for with grievances to the MNRETS KR and maintaining the GM Log: World Bank. 4. Consideration of the grievance may require additional verification of the issue, including the collection of additional documents; 5. If necessary, an information on the status of grievance review in written form is filed with the higher authority on a monthly basis (depending on the nature of the issue); 6. A grievance at this level must be resolved. The Project GM does not prevent applying to a court in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. If a grievance resolution requires special verification (consideration), additional materials or other measures, the terms for resolution may be extended but not more than for 30 calendar days in accordance with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Procedure of Handling Public Appealsâ€?, No. 67, dated May 4, 2007. Anonymous complaints will also be considered under the Project and relevant measures will be undertaken. Grievance Log. All incoming grievances, queries, suggestions shall be subject to registration in the Grievance Log. The log information is copied and included into the e-database. The e- database must contain at minimum the relevant information about filing date, registration number, essence of the issue, responsible person, time for resolving the complaint and feedback (positive or negative). The specialist shall track the process of consideration of a complaint based on its registration number. An inquiry / proposal or complaint may be filed through the following channels: PIU mail address: Bishkek, Erkindik boulevard, 2 PIU phone: PIU email: 102 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Online application by filing a complaint form on the Project website: ____________________________________________________________ 5.11.4. Handling of Sensitive Grievances Taking into account the World Bank ESF policy and related standards regarding the prevention of SEA/SH, which, in accordance with the requirements of the World Bank, must be observed in all projects financed by the World Bank, these standards will be observed and responsibilities take action to raise awareness on the prevention and suppression of SEA/SH. The Project staff and contractors will be informed of oversight principles and SEA/SH risk prevention at all stages of the Project implementation. GM will ensure access and confidentiality of a complaint filing mechanism and will allow an applicant not to be afraid of possible retaliation. These complaints will be handled without any delay and all those responsible wills be held accountable. The SEA / SH issues will require adoption of certain additional measures: â–ª Gender sensitivity will be sought in the employment of Social Specialist, who will work at PIU. â–ª Social specialists will be informed about SEA/SH issues. â–ª In addition to the socioâ€?cultural characteristics and nonâ€?violent communication ways in the training of workers, SEA/SH will also be on the agenda. Worker training will include the following information on SEA / SH: - Definition of violence against women in national and international documents; - Types of violence (physical, sexual, economic, emotional); - Legal sanctions; â–ª The grievance mechanism will be accessible and ensure the confidentiality of personal information. â–ª Information activities will be carried out to inform women about the mechanism. The following types of information will be provided during these activities. â–ª The following types of information are presented in these studies: - Women's rights - Selfâ€?protection in cases of violence and sexual abuse - Emergency phone numbers - Contact information of the institutions and organizations they can apply to - Grievance mechanism and privacy policy â–ª The confidentiality principle of the grievance mechanism will be repeated in all information materials. The Project will utilize additional mitigation measures proportional to risk. The contractor will be responsible for developing the workforce management procedure, occupational health and safety plans as well as SEA/SH protocols which will apply to their own and subcontractors’ employees who work on the Project. These procedures and plans will be submitted to MNRETS PIU for review and approval before the contractors are allowed to mobilize to the field of construction. All contractors will be required in the contract to commit against the use of child and forced labor, introduce mitigation measures against SEA/SH, and MNRETS PIU staff in charge 103 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) of contractor supervision will monitor and report the absence of forced labor and cases of SEA/SH. All personal data and complaints received by the GM will be treated in a confidential manner unless the complainant’s consent to the disclosure of their personal information. Especially, the confidentiality of sensitive issues and complaints related to SEA/SH raised by communities will be followed. 5.11.5. World Bank Grievance Redress Service Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a project supported by the World Bank may also complaint directly to the Bank through the Bank’s Grievance Redress Service (GRS) (https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and- services/grievance-redress-service). A complaint may be submitted in English, Kyrgyz or Russian, although additional processing time will be needed for complaints that are not in English. A complaint can be submitted to the Bank GRS through the following channels: â–ª By email: grievances@worldbank.org â–ª By fax: +1.202.614.7313 â–ª By mail: The World Bank, Grievance Redress Service, MSN MC10-1018, 1818 H Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20433, USA â–ª To the World Bank Kyrgyz Republic Country Office in Bishkek: 214 Moskovskaya street, Bishkek, 720010, +996312625262 The complaint must clearly state the adverse impact(s) allegedly caused or likely to be caused by the Bank-supported project. This should be supported by available documentation and correspondence to the extent possible. The complainant may also indicate the desired outcome of the complaint. Finally, the complaint should identify the complainant(s) or assigned representative/s and provide contact details. Complaints submitted via the GRS are promptly reviewed to allow quick attention to Project-related concerns. 5.11.6. Grievance monitoring and reporting MNRETS PIU will be responsible for: • Analyzing qualitative data on the number, substance and status of the complaints and uploading them to the project databases created by MNRETS PIU; • Monitoring unresolved issues and proposing actions to resolve them; • Preparation of GM reports as part of the project progress reports to be submitted to the WB. Semi-annual reports submitted to the WB should include a section on GM that provides updates on the following: • GM implementation status (procedures, training, public awareness campaigns, budgeting, and etc.); • Qualitative data on the number of complaints received (applications, proposals, complaints, requests, positive feedback), indicating the number of complaints resolved; • Quantitative data on the type of complaints and responses to them, issues provided and complaints that remained unresolved; 104 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) • The level of satisfaction with the action taken (response); • Any corrective actions taken. 5.11.7. Current GM In addition to the World Bank's requirements for the development and implementation of a grievance mechanism for each WB-financed project, a grievance procedure is also required under the national laws. The procedure for filing and consideration of complaints is regulated in Kyrgyzstan by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the procedure for consideration of citizens' appeals" dated July 15, 2013 No. 144. Channels for accessing information and filing complaints are as follows:[1] Description Contact information Level I The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (MNRETS KR) Level II Project Management Office Address: Bishkek, Erkindik boulevard, 2 Phone: 0 (312)300667 Hotline: +996 554 434 202 Web platform: https://mnr.gov.kg/ Email: info@mnr.gov.kg Social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram Anonymous complaints can also be made through the above channels 105 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 6. Screening of potential Environmental & Social impacts and mitigation measures 6.1. Positive environmental Impacts The main objective of the ESMF is to provide guidance, procedures and guidelines to identify the environmental and social risks/impacts during the implementation and operation and maintenance phases and measures to manage these impacts. The ESMF also establishes requirements and procedures for the preparation of site-specific E&S assessment A of a specific subproject if, after screening it is determined that the subproject activities may have certain environmental and social impacts that require special intervention for management/minimization. The ESMF is designed around the principles of prevention, minimization and mitigation, including compensation for any residual issues to meet sustainability requirements and comply with the Bank's ESS. The main environmental and social issues associated with the project and related preventive and/or mitigating measures are designed in accordance with the principle of the mitigation hierarchy: “Avoid, minimize, mitigate and compensateâ€? in order of preference. Positive Environmental Impacts The project will bring a positive socio-economic effect by improving the environmental situation in the energy complex of the city and its quarters. This will significantly improve living conditions and quality of life, reduce pollutant emissions, which will positively affect air quality and public health. The proposed activities and sub-project funding will improve the sustainability of the energy supply, which typically combines the introduction of new technologies, policies and activities aimed at integrating socio-economic principles with environmental concerns. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts The project’s environmental risks and impacts during construction phase are not expected to be significant. Environmental risks and impacts during the construction phase are associated with pollution, occupational and community health and safety. Below, is a description of the possible impacts, with photographs from the survey of potential project sites of the project components conducted on June 6th, 2023, which clearly characterizes the situation. Most impacts are possible during the construction phase for Component 3/Subcomponent 3.1 then for Component 1/Subcomponent 1.2. Component 3 involves the construction of new well systems integrated with water saving solutions. During construction, it is necessary to take into account areas where there are no storage areas in the protective and sanitary zone - warehouses for fuels and lubricants, pesticides and mineral fertilizers, industrial wastewater storage tanks, sludge collectors and other objects that create a danger of chemical pollution of groundwater. It is not allowed to lay water conduits on the territory of landfills, sewage fields, filtration fields, irrigation fields, cemeteries, cattle burial grounds. 106 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Drilling of new wells associated with disturbance of the soil cover is carried out with the obligatory coordination with the center of state sanitary and epidemiological supervision and taking into account the conclusion of the geological control bodies. Limited impact is possible with the use of selective herbicides and fertilizers for spraying tree and shrub seedlings, to protect cultivated plants from weeds (chemical weeding) (Component 3., sub- component 3.2.) Photo 1.Green belt design terrain 107 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Photo 2.Lab and Data center construction site Next in impact is Component 1/Subcomponent 1.1, Modernization of 11 existing manual air quality monitoring stations in Bishkek (6), Osh (2), Kara-Balta (1), Tokmak (1), Cholpon-Ata (1), where there will be minor construction work. During construction, the following typical impacts on the natural and social environment are expected: air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid waste disposal, noise, vibration, and OHS issues. When building a new laboratory and related infrastructure, it is possible that a limited number of perennial trees and shrubs located on the existing site will be cut down. 108 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Photo 3.Hydromet bservation post Manas-Moskovskaya Under Component 2, the introduction of cleaner heating solutions includes installing heat pumps in households to substitute air-polluting coal-fired heating equipment to achieve environmentally friendly heating and energy-efficient solutions. 109 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Photo 4.Air-to-water type heat pump Photo 5.Heat pump operation diagram As illustrated in photo 5, there is no need for a large land area. The well has a stable temperature throughout the year. Does not affect the area. When used as a well heat source, a U-shaped collector is immersed in it. There is no need to use one very deep well, you can drill several shallow, cheaper wells, the main thing is to get the total estimated depth. Impacts during Construction Phase Impacts under Component 3/Sub-component 3.1 (construction of wells) are expected at the pre- construction stage, as the results of engineering and geological surveys, Identification of soils and rocks and Classification of soils are required to proceed to the construction stage. Possible impacts are the impact on the state of the soil, micro and mesofauna of the soil, vegetation, the geological environment of rocks, the quality of groundwater and groundwater. Exploratory drilling, sampling of cores and samples of rocks, water lead to erosion processes in exploration wells, soil and water pollution, destruction of vegetation cover, and destruction of soil micro and mesofauna. 110 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The following main sources of impact on the natural and social environment will be active in the construction area: emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, generation of wastewater, generation of construction and municipal solid waste, noise, vibration. The most significant dust emission comes mainly from sources on the job site (compressors, pumps, generators) but also from vehicles. The largest contribution to the total emission is made by inorganic dust with a silicon oxide content of 20-70% during construction, as well as pollutant emissions from the combustion of fuels and lubricants. During the construction of the Data Center and laboratory building under Component 1, the following main sources of impact on the natural and social environment will operate: emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, wastewater generation, solid construction and household waste, noise, and vibration and OHS. Dust, comes mainly from sources on the job site (compressors, pumps, generators) as well as from vehicles. The largest contribution to the total emission is made by inorganic dust with a silicon oxide content of 20-70% during construction, as well as pollutant emissions from the combustion of fuels and lubricants. It is possible to cut down a certain number of trees and shrubs on a dedicated site, while preserving the existing valuable species. Impacts during Operation Phase The impact from the constructed facilities is reduced to the generation of laboratory wastewater and the generation of municipal solid waste from personnel. Since the stations and the designed laboratory are located in infrastructure developed cities, it is assumed that wastewater will be discharged into the sewerage system, and waste collection and disposal will be carried out according to the standard procedure. Negative factors are discussed in the subsections below with proposals for conceptual mitigation measures. Soil/ Forest/Vegetation Soil impacts will not be significant for Component 1/Subcomponent 1.1, 1.2 as new areas will not be used for construction but existing buildings and infrastructure will be used. Serious habitat changes are also not expected due to the lack of forest ecologically sensitive areas or natural habitats. Mitigation measures. Mitigation measures that may be considered to reduce the impact on soil during construction are listed below: â–ª Excess excavated soil material from trenches or foundations must be removed by the contractor immediately after the installation of the support is completed. The following measures will be taken during planning and construction. â–ª asphalt access roads will be used for the movement of people and equipment, which does not require the removal of vegetation to access construction sites. 111 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) â–ª Contract documents will include specific clauses prohibiting the felling of trees unless absolutely necessary. If logging is necessary, then a logging permit must be obtained through the procedure from the Ministry of Natural Resources. â–ª Construction work can only be started after obtaining the necessary permission from State agency of architecture, construction and housing and utilities under the Cabinet of Ministers of the KR. â–ª The use of herbicides when planting seedlings should be strictly regulated in accordance with the List of chemicals and pesticides, the use of which is prohibited or strictly limited, approved by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 27, 2001 N 376, with the amendment of the notes to section 1.4 indicated in paragraph 2 Decisions of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission "On measures of non- tariff regulation" dated April 21, 2015 No. 30 (link https://www.gov.kg/ru/npa/s/8). List of chemicals and pesticides, the use of which is prohibited or strictly limited is given in Annex 12. 6.1.1. Wildlife/Avian Fauna/ Ichthyofauna In urban settings, for Component 1/Subcomponent 1.1, 1.2, the most likely impact on fauna would be the loss of bats, small birds and their broods. This may be caused by the dismantling of obsolete facilities or their infrastructure, which may contain nests and overnight stays. Mice and small birds choose the roofs or crevices of urban buildings for nesting and lodging for the night. For Component 3/Subcomponent 3.1, the impact of the project will be on soil invertebrates through land cover movement. On average, per 1 m2 of the soil layer there are more than 100 billion cells of protozoa, millions of rotifers and tardigrades, tens of millions of nematodes, tens and hundreds of thousands of mites and primary wingless insects, mainly springtails, thousands of other arthropods, tens of thousands of enchitreids, tens and hundreds of earthworms, mollusks and other invertebrates. In addition, the impact of the project will have an impact on soil microfauna, 1 cm2 of soil contains tens and hundreds of millions of bacteria, microscopic fungi, actinomycetes and other microorganisms. In the illuminated surface layers, hundreds of thousands of photosynthetic cells of green, yellow-green, diatoms and blue-green algae live in every gram. Soil microfauna Soil mesofauna 112 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Mitigation measures. To minimize bird and bat strikes, the following prevention and control measures will be taken: â–ª Areas with known bird and mouse populations should be avoided, such as nesting areas, feeding grounds, migration corridors, etc. â–ª Preservation of the microfauna will be ensured by measures to localize construction work, as well as work to maintain the facility within the allotted lands. 6.1.2. Air & Noise Pollution from Construction Activity During the construction phase of the project, a small amount of air pollution may be caused by various construction activities. This will include emissions from fugitive and exhaust gases from vehicle traffic carrying construction materials and machinery used during site clearing and site leveling, trenching and backfilling, etc. However, this will be a temporary and intermittent action, only during the construction phase. Therefore, will not affect the overall/existing air quality index (AQI) in the project area. No emissions to air or noise are expected during the operational phase. The main source of noise during construction will be the operation of machines and equipment’s. These machines can produce noise levels in excess of 70 dB(A) if they are not properly maintained. This may cause disturbance to the locality, close (100-300 m) to the construction sites. Mitigation measures. The MNRETS PIU will implement the measures specified in the ESMP to prevent pollution. The ESMP will become part of the contractors' standard tender documents. To prevent air pollution, vehicles carrying construction materials and equipment will only move along the access road reserved for freight traffic. Vehicles will only be used for this purpose when regularly inspected. In order to avoid excessive noise when trenching or grading, regular equipment maintenance will be carried out to prevent excessive noise. In addition, for equipment involved in construction, a maintenance schedule must be prepared and maintained by the contractor. Construction work at night will be prohibited. These measures as mentioned above shall also be included in the Contractor's standard tender document. 6.1.3. Impact of Hazardous & Other Waste As part of the reconstruction of stations and the construction of a laboratory, the formation of used technical oils, asbestos or glass-basalt sheets / plates is possible, their unregulated disposal can lead to soil and groundwater pollution. The life activity of workers will be sources of solid and liquid waste. These wastes can contaminate the soil and waterways around the site if not handled properly. Mitigation measures. 113 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The MNRETS PIU and the Contractor will ensure that any type of waste is disposed of in accordance with procedures for handling hazardous and other waste. A preliminary list and classification of wastes are presented in Appendix 12. The contractor will also obtain the necessary permits from the Ministry of Natural Resources for waste disposal. The contractor will perform the duties of a waste producer, i.e. keep records, submit annual reports. Direct connection to the sewer or modular dry closets will be installed in all construction camps, warehouses. Upon completion of construction work, the construction site will be cleared of all remaining materials and debris to eliminate the possibility of contamination. 6.1.4. Impact from Construction of new well systems Construction of 20-25 new well systems with integrated water saving solutions aimed at the development of the green belt; should create and ensure proper management of unstable water flow conditions throughout the irrigation water distribution system. The detailed engineering and supervision services planned under the project will help to restore and improve the operation of the irrigation networks by increasing the actual volume of irrigation water supplied, reducing water losses and expanding the irrigated area. All construction work must be designed and executed in accordance with engineering practice and be guided by the relevant environmental standards in force in the Kyrgyz Republic. This work will require the use of heavy equipment (eg drilling rigs, excavator, bulldozer). The process of well construction consists of the following works: construction and installation, drilling, fastening and testing, movement of vehicles and mechanisms. Possible negative impacts on the environment are as follows: when testing and drilling wells - contamination of rocks with oil products (lubricating oils of drilling fluids, or oil-containing components of solutions), formation waters, toxic reagents of drilling fluids with a violation of the natural occurrence of rocks. The impact of the movement of vehicles during the production of the planned work consists in the violation of the soil-forming substrate; impact on relief; soil pollution in case of accidental spills of fuel and lubricants. The stability of the geological environment to various types of impact on it in the process of testing and drilling wells is not the same and depends both on the specifics of the work and on the duration of the impact. Impact during well construction. The construction of drilling sites, access roads, auxiliary structures lead to disturbance and damage to the earth's surface in the selected area. The impact from the ongoing works will be observed only at the stage of construction and arrangement of the facility. In view of the short duration of the planned work, disruptions in the continuity of the geological environment during the work are assessed as minor, local. Disturbances in the continuity of the geological environment during drilling of wells, due to the insignificant time of their drilling, are estimated as minimal. 114 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Impact of drilling operations. When driving production wells, the main object of impact will be the rock, aquifers of the upper zone. Well drilling is planned to be carried out within the depths: up to 200 m. The technogenic impact will occur on the rock mass throughout the entire depth of well drilling: well drilling is carried out by destroying rocks at the bottom of the well with a rock cutting tool (chisel) with transportation (flushing) of cuttings to surface with chemically treated drilling mud. The type of drilling fluid and its formulation should be selected based on the mining and geological conditions of drilling, taking into account their least harmful impact on the geological environment. The main consequence of the impact during drilling and testing of wells on the geological environment can be: contamination of the soil and upper horizons of groundwater as a result of the extraction of underlying rocks to the surface, spills of drilling fluids, drilling waste (drill cuttings, drilling wastewater). Mitigation measures. The principal approach to the work should be based on the environmentally friendly process of drilling wells, the use of environmentally friendly production technology. The main principles of this approach are as follows: • Design of wells, taking into account the real geodynamic conditions of the drilling sites; • The use of materials, technical means and technological processes with a minimum potential for pollution or active impact on environmental objects; • Minimum waste generation for safe disposal/landfill. The reduction of contamination of materials and chemicals used in drilling is achieved by using drilling fluids with the lowest toxicity for the preparation. In this case, when drilling wells, it is supposed to use a polymer drilling fluid. These solutions prevent the dispersion of drillable rocks and the increase in the content of solid and clay phases in the solution. In order to predict possible adverse geodynamic processes during design, it is necessary to monitor the geological environment, geological study of rocks, characteristics of its composition, lithological features, age, degree of metamorphization of sedimentary rocks, temporal variability of the stress field, structure and composition of rocks. Accordingly, for these studies and studies after construction, it is necessary to lay financial resources. 6.1.5. Impact on Water Resource Water will be required for construction work, as well as for domestic needs. The water will also be used for earthworks, leveling, concreting and curing of concrete, and dust suppression. For this purpose, the possibility of using recycled water, if available, will be explored. However, during the operation phase, groundwater can be used for household needs. For the supply of drinking water and technical water, the city's drinking water supply network will be used. The need for water in unauthorized or illegal connection is excluded, due to the presence of municipal special places for water intake for irrigation and other technological needs. 115 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Usually, all these sources use the artesian water of the Alaarcha deposit supplied to the city's water supply system, which are not returned to circulation, and directly after use are discharged into the sewer and go to the city's treatment facilities. Mitigation measures. The use of water for construction work can be reduced by adopting the following best practices: â–ª use of buckets, etc. for washing tools instead of running water; â–ª Use of automatic cranes in working areas; â–ª Installation of water meters on main water pipelines/water collectors/wells to account for the amount of water consumed â–ª Use of admixtures in concrete production to reduce water consumption. 6.2. Positive Social Impacts Only existing right-of-way and municipal land will be used for the implementation of the project components. Direct potential social impacts are limited, site specific, largely reversible and can be addressed with mitigation measures. 6.3. Potential Negative Social Impacts Standing crop. It is expected that project activities will not affect agricultural land/crops. Future investments in energy efficiency of individual residential buildings (Component 2) will be carried out in existing buildings, existing networks, parks, sidewalks, yards. Construction of new borehole systems for landscaping and improvement of urban irrigation (Component 3) in existing aquifer municipal areas. Land use pattern. The project activity does not imply restrictions on land use. Impact of Labor Influx. The investment activity of the project does not involve a large influx of labor, with the organization of work camps with accommodation. It is expected that the project will involve direct employees of the relevant municipal services and, if necessary, hired workers from among urban residents. The Labor Resources Management Plan (LMP) that is part of the ESMF will be prepared. Impact on Common Property sources. During construction work, damage to roads, sidewalks or any engineering communications is possible during construction work. Mitigation measures. In case of damage to the road, culverts or any general house communications during construction work, the contractor is responsible for their repair and bringing them to the pre- design state. Interference with public services and traffic, as well as blocking access roads. There may be temporary traffic restrictions and traffic disruption during construction work to improve the city's irrigation network, as well as temporary restriction of foot traffic or access during landscaping work. 116 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Mitigation measures. All work must be carefully planned and coordinated with the city leadership and various services, for example, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to control traffic. Alternative routes for cars and pedestrians should be developed in advance. Local communities will be properly informed about the works through publications and/or announcements in the media and/or information boards in public places (and workplaces). The Contractor is obliged to: organize parking of equipment at a safe distance from social facilities (schools, kindergartens, hospitals, etc.); protect dug trenches with warning signal tapes; install road signs, safety signs for pedestrians and drivers; provide residents with a sufficient number of safe crossings on bridges (through trenches). Tribal communities and their cultural values. No impacts on tribal communities are expected and there are no ancestral domains/natural areas, sacred sites or places of worship within the project area. No impact is expected on existing sites/structures of worship or religion, and other possible places of worship. Women's participation in work and decision-making. There may be restrictions on the involvement of women in paid work in the project, as well as in decision-making on the implementation of the project. Mitigation measures. Adequate measures will be taken to protect gender issues in the project area. A gender-disaggregated project monitoring system should be put in place to evaluate and, if necessary, adjust actions aimed at increasing women's participation. Involvement of women will be ensured by inviting them to all information, consulting and training activities of the project through the system of territorial authorities (LTA) to ensure their participation in the course of project implementation. Contracts for work under the contract must include a clause on non-discrimination against women in employment, zero tolerance for cases of sexual exploitation / abuse / harassment. Social Exclusion The social risk is rated as moderate. The Project will result in significant air quality improvements leading to major health benefits, particularly at the household level. Thus, the project is expected to provide generally positive social benefits due to energy efficiency and the use of cleaner renewable energy. It could also generate economic opportunities for enterprises, directly and indirectly, that are involved in or affected by the project. However, one aspect that warrants attention relates to the potential socio-economic impacts of the changes in the source of energy for heating purposes. While much of the new energy could be environmentally friendly, some poorer households may find it difficult to afford such technological changes and may get excluded. An assessment of the scope and nature of this risk and a financial assistance strategy will be prepared to inform a fully inclusive green heating transition for pour and vulnerable households. Impacts on Community Health and Safety 117 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Construction work is expected to be minor, of which the most dangerous may be the transportation of goods and equipment. They can create some problems for local residents in the form of congestion, or temporary blocking of access. Other potential hazards may be: pollutant emissions from transport, noise and vibration. There is a risk of transmission of diseases such as HIV, COVID, etc. to and from communities and construction workers during construction activities. In addition, truck traffic can destroy or degrade roads within settlements. The transport of other materials must also be carefully planned. The mitigation measures for such situations will be developed by adapting the WBG EHS guidelines https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustai nability-at-ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines. The relevant guidelines are the General Guidelines for Construction Materials Extraction, Electricity Transmission and Distribution. Contractors will be required to comply with occupational health and safety regulations, which include, among other things, strict adherence to established health and safety regulations and procedures, which depend on the type of work carried out, the use of PPE, training and monitoring. In addition, all workers should be familiar with the rules for working with hazardous materials (such as asbestos materials). Contractors must provide workers with adequate living conditions: safe water supply, washing facilities, recreation facilities, etc. Therefore, it is important that an effective and specific Health and Safety Management Plan, as well as emergency preparedness, be prepared during the planning stage. independently and implemented on the site to ensure trouble-free operation and safety of the population. Ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety Plan (EMP, OHS) to be developed by Contractors, as well as timely notification of the public about upcoming construction works and schedules. The contractor will prepare and implement an occupation health and safety plan, in accordance with the WB EHS Guidelines. The plan must contain the following sections: 1) Objectives 2) Scope of work 3) Compliance with the relevant regulations 4) Hazard identification and risk assessment 5) Hazard inventory and risk matrix 6) OHS training and briefings, including use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 7) Incident and accident reporting 8) The plan must contain the following information: 9) Security fences at the construction site to avoid any unauthorized intrusions. 10) Observance of vehicle speeds near/inside the settlements. 11) Firefighting equipment and their proper application in case of need. 12) OHS training for personnel. 13) Precautions when transporting, handling and storing hazardous substances. 14) The use of warning signs. 118 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Mitigation measures. Where necessary, the contractor will make minor improvements before using the road, which will also help in expanding and strengthening the road network, which will have a positive impact on the population. In case of damage to the road, culverts or any utilities during construction work, the contractor will be obliged to repair them (observance of the restoration procedure). 119 Table 15.Impact and general mitigation measures during the subproject’s construction phase Potential impact Characteristic General mitigation measures Erosion and soil During most types of the construction/reconstruction work dust will be • Removal of fertile soil and storage for subsequent reclamation of the area. Excess degradation. generated due to excavation, vehicle traffic, restoration of curbs, sidewalks soil, if any, will be deposited at sites permitted by the municipality. Such sites will be Waste generation. after replacement of wooden poles with the reinforced concrete, etc. The selected after surveying the area and ensuring that the deposition of soil will not risk of dust pollution will especially increase in windy weather. The impact have any significant consequences, such as loss of productive land, blocked access, will increase when construction/reconstruction works are performed near natural vegetation and disturbance of drainage. residential areas. Given the nature of most works, these impacts are • Where the use of cultivated land as a filling material is unavoidable, the top fertile expected to be short-term with moderate risk, and can be easily mitigated soil layer will be removed and stockpiled to restore the ground cover. through implementation of appropriate measures. • No filling material will be taken from any agricultural fields unless authorized by Waste generation - two types of waste will be generated as part of the the landowner. project: non-hazardous and hazardous wastes. • Areas from which filling material or extra stockpiled soil is taken will be landscaped to minimize erosion and hazards to people and livestock. Non-hazardous waste will be generated during most constructions activities • The construction camp will be located in a stable and even area. and will be represented by inert materials, construction residues, etc. • Embankments and excavated slopes will not be left unattended for a long time. Storage of such wastes in places close to the settlement and untimely or Appropriate slope stabilization measures will be taken in accordance with the design improper disposal may affect air quality, entail dust generation and cause (e.g. rocking). dissatisfaction of residents in the neighboring settlements. In addition to this • Movement of vehicles on unpaved roads will be avoided as far as poss ible. waste, welding rods, packing materials and wood will be used. When Operation of vehicles and machinery near water channels, reservoirs will be replacing bare overhead lines with steel insulated wires and replacing of the minimized. old induction meters with electronic smart meters, this can generate a lot of • After completion of construction works, power transmission line routes, other cardboard, polyethylene and scraps of steel insulated wires cables, which construction sites will be completely cleared of debris. should be disposed of in special places. • Vehicles and equipment will not be repaired in the field. If unavoidable, measures should be taken to avoid dirt and water contamination. Hazardous wastes are wastes (other than radioactive wastes) containing • Domestic wastewater from the construction camps will be substances that have one of the hazardous properties (such as toxicity, collected in septic tanks and cesspools for further disposal in the municipal infectivity, explosiveness, flammability and high reactivity) and are present wastewater treatment plants. in such quantity and in such form that they pose an immediate or potential • Waste oils will be collected and transferred to a licensed company for disposal. hazard to human health or the environment, either alone or when in contact • Inert recyclable waste from the facility (such as cardboard, coils, broken/used with other substances. It is expected that special attention will be required parts, etc.) will be transferred for recycling. Hazardous waste will be stored for certain types of hazardous materials - (i) asbestos contained in roofs, separately and treated depending on the nature of the waste. pipes, (ii) paints containing lead, (iii) transformer and motor oils during the • Solid domestic waste from the construction camp will be implementation of project works. placed so that not to contaminate the soil. A solid waste management plan shall be drawn up by the contractor. Risks related to asbestos-containing waste 120 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Potential impact Characteristic General mitigation measures Asbestos-containing waste are residues of raw materials, semi-finished products and other products that were generated during the extraction, enrichment, processing and use of asbestos-containing materials. The project works will not entail the formation of asbestos-containing materials; however, asbestos-containing materials may emerge when replacing old electrical cables at crossings, which should be handled in a special way to ensure safety of workers. When performing work involving asbestos- containing waste, work must be done in accordance with the Asbestos Containing Materials Management Plan (ACMMP); Risks related to POPs Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of synthetic organic substances Upon detection of equipment that may contain PCBs, personnel actions are required used for a variety of industrial purposes (mainly as dielectric fluids in according to the protocol for handling PCBs. capacitors and transformers, and in other industries). PCBs fall under a â–ª Test results of analysis undertaken for PCB presence group of persistent organic pollutants. â–ª Visual inspection of information/signage availability â–ª Checklist for confirming handling of PCB containing equipment to cover â–ª Waste segregation â–ª Isolated Storage â–ª Authorized transfer to processors Materials and liquids containing PCBs should be stored in special warehouses outside production facilities and in warehouses equipped with forced ventilation and fire extinguishing facilities, in normatively established quantities. Safety signs should be posted on the doors of these warehouses warning of the presence of toxic substances and prohibiting their use. A table with the storage standards for these materials should be posted on the inside of the warehouse doors. Generation of Risks when handling electronic and electrical waste This type of waste includes waste containing discarded electronic and other specific waste National legislation classifies e-waste as "defective electronic equipment" electrical devices, as well as their parts. To date, there is virtually no system for from the electric and there is no definition of "electronic and electrical waste". But given that handling electronic and electrical equipment waste in Kyrgyzstan. power industry most e-waste contains hazardous substances and poses a threat to life and Energy organizations that generate these types of waste are recommended to the environment, it should be identified as hazardous waste. Therefore, for separate storage of waste, with subsequent transfer to the ownership of interested the safe handling of electronic and electrical waste, it is proposed to reuse or parties specializing in the extraction and reuse of the resulting non-ferrous metals, neutralize them and transfer them to other economic entities for further precious metals and other types of secondary material resources (plastic, glass, use, neutralization and disposal. wood and rubber). 121 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Potential impact Characteristic General mitigation measures Generation of In the Soviet period and after the operation of public facilities, toxic Municipal organizations that generate these types of waste are recommended to thermal insulation materials were used as heat-insulating materials - asbestos, asbestos pipes carry out separate storage and disposal of hazardous and toxic waste with waste and slabs, roofing material, resin, mineral wool. subsequent transfer to the ownership of interested persons specializing in disposal and disposal. Planned construction and renovation activities will not use ACM, and municipal organizations will also be advised to avoid using ACM. Waste in the form of ferrous metals and other types of secondary material resources (plastics, glass, wood and rubber) generated during the dismantling of station equipment is recommended to be transferred for reuse to the ownership of interested persons specializing in waste disposal. Deterioration of Dust generation. During most types of the construction/reconstruction work • Construction equipment, generators and vehicles shall be in good working order air quality dust will be generated due to excavation, vehicle traffic, restoration of curbs, and properly configured to minimize exhaust emissions. sidewalks after replacement of wooden poles with the reinforced concrete, • Fugitive dust emissions will be minimized by spraying water onto the soil where etc. necessary. • Project vehicles should avoid driving through populated areas and cultivated fields The risk of dust pollution will especially increase in windy weather. The as much as possible. impact will increase when construction/reconstruction works are performed • If unavoidable, speed should be reduced to 15 km per hour to avoid excessive dust near residential areas. emissions. • When installing technological lines, irrigation networks, wells in settlements, Given the nature of most works, these impacts are expected to be short- mandatory coordination with the population is required to minimize negative term with moderate risk, and can be easily mitigated through impacts. implementation of appropriate measures. • Air quality analysis (once a quarter during the construction phase) Surface water and Water contamination. Where project activities are located near • Prevent water pollution. groundwater watercourses, the surface waters may be contaminated due to improper • Carry out a groundwater quality analysis (during drilling operations) before pollution placement of excavated soil, improper storage of the construction materials, mobilizing construction teams to establish baseline water quality conditions. leakage of fuel and lubricants from the construction machinery and washing • Rotational camps should be located no closer than 500 m from rivers and main of vehicles and machinery without proper operation. canals. • If necessary, analyze the quality of nearby groundwater at construction sites. Loss of natural Since all work will be carried out mainly in the developed area, and more • Minimize the removal of natural vegetation. vegetation and precisely near or in the territory of settlements, significant damage is • Develop a tree cutting and planting plan with the municipality. impacts on unlikely, as well as impacts on cultural heritage sites or natural habitats. • Plot design should include tree planting. wildlife. • Local tree species must be selected for planting; 122 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Potential impact Characteristic General mitigation measures If tree felling is unavoidable, compensation is paid in accordance with the • The use of herbicides is possible only to a limited extent, when tilling the soil Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the Protection and Use of Vegetationâ€? before planting the lawn and seedlings (2001). • Rubbish must not be left in unauthorized places or outdoors. • Project staff are not allowed to engage in any kind of hunting or trapping of animals. Damage to the Operation of the construction equipment and project vehicles should be Any damage caused by the project activities should be fully removed. irrigation network avoided near canals and watercourses. Minimize damage to the existing infrastructure. and municipal All damaged infrastructure should be restored to its original condition infrastructure Blocked access If the existing routes are blocked, alternative routes should be identified in The contractor will prepare and implement a management plan to minimize the consultation with the affected communities. impact on local routes Noise and In case the noise level exceeds the established limits, appropriate measures It is necessary to ensure acceptable noise level in the vicinity of the project sites: vibration shall be taken. For example, changing the work schedule, using quieter - (70 dB(A) - for industrial zones during the day and at night; equipment and/or erecting barriers to protect the public from excessive - 45 dB(A) at night and 55 dB(A) during daytime for residential areas. noise. If possible, avoid movement of vehicles through the populated areas. Not to exceed the speed limit of vehicles, and not to use audible signals when passing through or near populated areas. Cars shall be equipped with noise suppressors. Prohibit movement of vehicles near the populated areas at night. Movement of all vehicles and project personnel will only be within work areas to avoid noise disturbance. Working hours for the construction works in populated areas will be limited from 8:00 to 18:00 (from 6:00 to 20:00 in summer). Health and Safety At the construction site, to protect workers and the public, including, The contractor will prepare and implement an occupation health and safety (OHS) Contractors shall: provide appropriate personal protective equipment to plan, in accordance with the WB ESS2 and national legislation. workers and install signs to warn the public of potential safety risks on and The plan must contain the following sections: around construction sites. • Objectives • Scope of work • Compliance with the relevant regulations • Hazard identification and risk assessment • Hazard inventory and risk matrix • OHS training and briefings 123 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Potential impact Characteristic General mitigation measures • Incident and accident reporting The plan must contain the following information: • Security fences at the construction site to avoid any unauthorized intrusions. • Observance of vehicle speeds near/inside the settlements. • Firefighting equipment and their proper application in case of need. • OHS training for personnel. • Precautions when transporting, handling and storing hazardous substances. • The use of warning signs. Public health During construction, public health and sanitation is a major public health Equipping construction camps with septic tanks and cesspools. related issues concern. Construction camps must: - Be at least 500 m away from any groundwater wells in use; Work areas will be fenced and warning signs will be posted. In this regard, - Have appropriate containers for solid waste and a way to dispose of it; sanitary and hygienic control will be carried out, including over air quality, - Have first-aid kits. food quality and water supply. In addition, first-aid kits and medical services The construction team must be aware of: will be provided. - Infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C); - The availability of appropriate guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 - The requirements and regulations on gender-based violence and violence against children; Influx of labor Restrict rest and accommodation areas within the boundaries of the work • Use non-solid (non-timber) fuels for cooking and heating; force sites (as much as possible); • Develop and comply with the Code of Conduct for Workers to ensure protection of the local community against gender-based violence and other social problems, protection of flora and fauna, including the prohibition of felling trees and hunting. Workers should understand that violations of the Code of Conduct may result in severe penalties, up to and including termination of employment; • Communicate the minimum requirements for sanitation and hygiene to employees; • Take measures to prevent and treat employees affected by infectious diseases; • Conduct training, information campaigns among workers and the community on the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases HIV/AIDS; • Taking action against an employee failing to comply with the basic rules of conduct that may threat safety and health of the community or the environment; 124 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Potential impact Characteristic General mitigation measures • Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace/construction site; • Prohibit carrying of weapons into the work area; • Install checkpoints, gates to the construction sites to secure equipment, machinery and materials, and to ensure safety of the site personnel; • To avoid conflicts with local residents, the contractors are encouraged to employ local residents as much as possible without compromising the quality of the performed work. • The Contractor will manage the influx of labor force to avoid conflicts between local communities and workers, as follows: - Locate construction camps in designated areas at least 500 m away from • settlements; - Conduct training on topics related to respectful interaction with the local communities; - Include in the Code of Conduct the application of penalties, up to and including termination of employment in case of violation. Gender issues The construction crew should avoid entering dwellings or neighborhoods Communities will be informed and consulted before starting work in or near the outside the working area. populated areas. The Code of Conduct must be strictly complied with during the construction. Provide training to staff on the prevention of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse Child labor Child and forced labor should not be used in the subproject. The Contractor must commit itself against the use of child and forced labor, take measures to mitigate the effects of the gender-based violence Impacts on the Random finds. Some project sites may be located in areas where The Contractor shall develop "chance find" procedures in case of discovery of any historical, cultural, archaeological finds or treasures can be found. This can happen during cultural and historical heritage sites. archaeological earthworks, such as well site preparation or drilling. Sites for new construction should be selected at a distance from any known historic heritage or cultural building or site. Work shall be suspended if any monuments or artifacts of historical, cultural or archaeological significance are discovered. Notify the appropriate authorities to make further decisions to resume work. The existing cemeteries shall not be damaged. Work in the vicinity of cemeteries must be performed after informing/consulting with the relevant communities. 125 Table 16.Impacts and mitigation measures during the subprojects operational phase Potential impact General mitigation measures Soil and water - An environmentally friendly process of drilling wells using nature-saving technology contamination is as follows: - design of wells taking into account the actual geodynamic conditions of drilling sites; - use of materials, technical means and technological processes with a minimum possibility of pollution or active impact on environmental objects; - Minimum waste generation for safe disposal/landfill. - Reducing pollution of materials and chemicals used in drilling is achieved through the use of environmentally less toxic polymer drilling fluids for the preparation of drilling fluids. - The elimination of herbicide contamination is achieved by the following: when tilling the soil before planting lawn grass and green spaces, preparations based on glyphosates are recommended. After 2 weeks, such preparations decompose into natural components: water, carbon dioxide and phosphates, while losing their herbicidal activity. As a result of the use of the drug, yellowing and wilting of the weed leaves occur, and its death occurs within 10-14 days. Safety and health of The employer is obliged to create safe working conditions for employees: employees - develop internal regulatory documentation, conduct briefings and knowledge tests in accordance with the requirements of the law, inform employees about all the circumstances on which the safety of the workplace depends. - use equipment and structures that meet the requirements of standards and other regulatory documents; - comply with the terms of periodic repair and maintenance of equipment; - comply with the requirements of fire and electrical safety when equipping industrial and office premises; - install the necessary protective devices and structures; - provide adequate lighting, ventilation, maintain optimal temperature conditions in the workplace; - remove dust and waste in a timely manner; - provide employees with protective clothing and footwear, as well as other personal protective equipment in accordance with the specifics of production; - provide employees with up-to-date briefings on labor protection and visual materials; - create all the necessary alarm systems at workplaces and production facilities, ensure the placement of safety signs, etc. Post information boards about the dangers of electric shock and how to avoid accidents. Shields should be placed in populated areas near electrical substations and power lines. Public health - Proper disposal of solid waste and wastewater. - Timely decontamination of the transformer oils in case of leakage. - Adherence to the SPZ regime, prevention of exposure to EMI caused by high voltage power transmission lines. - Compliance with the relevant regulations, requirements and guidelines to prevent the spread of viral infections, including COVID-19 Loss of agricultural During the repair work, no municipal building or private building should be damaged. farming Any damage during repairs and maintenance must be reimbursed. Noise exposure Use of the properly operating equipment. Noise measurements to determine levels and ensure that they are within acceptable limits. If excessive levels are found, appropriate measures, such as replacing faulty equipment and/or installing a noise barrier, shall be taken. Gender issues Employment opportunities for women will be created. Provision of separate sanitary facilities and places of rest for women and prevention of harassment. 126 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 6.4. Other potential risks, impacts and mitigation measures (other than risks related to the construction work and social exclusion) Low capacity of the parties involved in the implementation of ESMF. ESMF implementation requires specific knowledge for all parties involved in its implementation, especially for the MNRETS PIU Therefore, the project will support appropriate training on topics related to ESMF implementation, ESMF / ESMP reporting, and the WB Guidelines. Project risk of not meeting local stakeholder expectations. Another potential risk is high expectations of the local stakeholders. Such expectations, if not met, can lead to dissatisfaction and indignation, which in turn can lead to seditious actions against the Project or those related to the Project. This risk will be mitigated through careful management of the expectations from the beginning of the Project, through outreach and information induction meetings. The project will rely on the established NGOs with good local knowledge and understanding of local sensitivities. Poor investment management (project management and control). Considering that most local energy providers have little experience with commercial projects, training will be provided on project procedures for social responsibility, gender mainstreaming and equity, as well as environmental risk mitigation procedures, preparation of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental Management Plans. and social environment (ESMP). This capacity building will be complemented by implementation planning and project management training to deepen the skills of those involved in project implementation and improve their ability to manage investments. Table 17.Potential social impacts of the project Social parameter Impact Mitigation measures Institutional responsibility At the design and investment phases Social Exclusion Poorer households may An assessment of the scope and nature MNRETS PIU, MoF, FI find it difficult to afford of this risk and a financial assistance such technological strategy will be prepared to inform a changes and may get fully inclusive green heating transition excluded. for pour and vulnerable households. MNRETS PIU, Representatives of municipalities MNRETS PIU, Representatives of municipalities MNRETS PIU, Representatives of municipalities During the construction phase Impacts on the health, Regulated by the development and MNRETS PIU, safety and welfare of enforcement of Environmental Contractor, 127 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) workers and project- Management Plans, as well as Supervision Specialist. affected communities occupational health and safety plans (EMPs, OHS) which Contractors must develop; Timely notification to the public of the upcoming construction activities and schedules; GM Cultural heritage Tangible objects of All ESMPs of such subprojects will have MNRETS PIU, cultural heritage might be special provisions in all contracts for Contractor unexpectedly discovered the construction works on "chance during the construction. finds procedure", which will specify how chance finds related to the subproject will be handled. They will specify (a) not to move any chance finds until assessed by competent professionals and actions identified, (b) notify appropriate authorities of finds or sites by cultural heritage experts, (c) fence off the finds or site to avoid further disturbance, (d) have finds or sites assessed by cultural heritage experts, (e) identify and implement actions consistent with ESS 8 on cultural heritage and the National GM Women, children Risk of sexual Based on WB project experience, the and vulnerable exploitation/ abuse and risk assessed as significant, Labor groups harassment (SEA/SH) Management Plan (LMP) will be Forced child labor developed, with due consideration of GM, including SEA/SH Risks of child labor will be regulated by the ESMP 128 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 7. Procedures for Environmental and Social management during project implementation 7.1. Environmental and Social Assessment and the Role of the Parties Involved 7.1.1 Stages of Environmental and Social Assessment Each subproject activity with the access to finance component will undergo the ESA procedure as follows. Environmental assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic is the national procedure for environmental impact assessment, where the Project Initiator identifies adverse environmental impacts, ensures public participation, assesses the consequences of such impacts and proposes mitigation measures. The EIA is conducted for activities subject to mandatory environmental expertise in accordance with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "General technical regulations to ensure environmental safety in the Kyrgyz Republic". The EIA is based on two subsystems: (i) EIA (abbreviated as Environmental Impact Assessment). (ii) Environmental Expertise (State Environmental Expertise, SEE). SEE experts review the project to determine if the project is subject to environmental review. Where required, the EIA is conducted by a consultant hired by the Project Initiator. Based on the results of the environmental assessment, EIA documents are prepared and will be subjected to further verification (appraisal). The results of the EIA/ SEE are then submitted for public consultation, after which changes are made in accordance with the public feedback. Afterwards, the EIA report, the Environmental Impact Statement and other supporting documents are submitted to the State Environmental Expertise (SEE). The project will then be approved, rejected or sent for re-examination. SEE continuation depends on the project, but it cannot last for more than 3 months after the Project Initiator submits all EIA/EE documents to the SEE. Public Environmental Expertise (PEE) is organized and conducted at the initiative of local residents, local administrations and civil societies registered in the Kyrgyz Republic. The results of the public environmental expertise are sent to the body which conducts the state environmental expertise and to the organization which is responsible for decisions on introduction of the objects of expertise. Public consultations shall be conducted for EE at the stage of feasibility study. The results of the public consultations must be included in the Public Environmental Expertise (PEE), which can be performed both at the EIA stage and in parallel with the SEE. The duration of the SEE depends on the complexity of the project but should not exceed 3 months after the Project Initiator submits all EIA documents for the SEE. 129 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 7.1.2 ESIA procedure: step-by-step ESS1 sets out the Borrower’s responsibilities for assessing, managing and monitoring environmental and social risks and impacts associated with each stage of a project supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing, in order to achieve environmental and social outcomes consistent with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). Borrowers will manage environmental and social risks and impacts of the project throughout the project life cycle in a systematic manner, proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and the potential risks and impacts. ESS1 objectives: • To identify, evaluate and manage the environment and social risks and impacts of the project in a manner consistent with the ESSs. • To adopt a mitigation hierarchy approach to: (a) Anticipate and avoid risks and impacts; (b) Where avoidance is not possible, minimize or reduce risks and impacts to acceptable levels; (c) Once risks and impacts have been minimized or reduced, mitigate; and (d) Where significant residual impacts remain, compensate for or offset them, where technically and financially feasible. • To adopt differentiated measures so that adverse impacts do not fall disproportionately on the disadvantaged or vulnerable, and they are not disadvantaged in sharing development benefits and opportunities resulting from the project. • To utilize national environmental and social institutions, systems, laws, regulations and procedures in the assessment, development and implementation of projects, whenever appropriate. • To promote improved environmental and social performance, in ways which recognize and enhance Borrower capacity. The environmental and social assessment will apply a mitigation hierarchy, which will: (a) Anticipate and avoid risks and impacts; (b) Where avoidance is not possible, minimize or reduce risks and impacts to acceptable levels; (c) Once risks and impacts have been minimized or reduced, mitigate; and (d) Where significant residual impacts remain, compensate for or offset them, where technically and financially feasible. Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) is an instrument to identify and assess the potential environmental and social impacts of a proposed project, evaluate alternatives, and design appropriate mitigation, management, and monitoring measures. The MNRETS PIU environmental and Social Specialists will conduct a rapid assessment of possible environmental and social impacts, which will be based on the requirements of the national legislation and the WB ESS by completing the screening form provided in the Annex 4 and 7. 130 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Subproject activities will also be screened for compliance with the WB criteria for high-risk projects. A social and screening checklist must also be completed for this purpose. Location There are a number of locations to consider when deciding to rate a project as "High Risk": 1) In or near sensitive and valuable ecosystems and "critical" habitats - juniper forests, wetlands, wilderness, vulnerable soils and special habitats of the endangered rare and endemic species; 2) In or near areas with archaeological and/or historical sites or existing cultural and social institutions; 3) In the regions exposed to intensive development activities or where there are conflicts over the allocation of natural resources; along watercourses, in aquifer recharge areas or in reservoirs used for drinking water supply; and on lands or waters containing valuable resources (such as fisheries, mineral resources, medicinal plants and primary agricultural soils). Subprojects located in close proximity to such areas will be classified as high-risk projects and will not be considered by the project. Sensitivity Sensitive issues may include (but are not limited to): wetland transformation, potential adverse impacts on endangered species and habitats and protected areas or sites, impacts on international waterways and other transboundary issues, as well as toxic waste disposal. Scale There are several ways to measure scale, such as the absolute amount of a resource or ecosystem affected, the amount affected in relation to an existing stock of a resource or ecosystem, the intensity of an impact, its timing and its duration. In addition, it may be necessary to consider the likelihood of a specific impact occurring and the cumulative impact of the proposed action and other planned or ongoing actions. Although the ESIA risk ratings are the defining categories, they generally correspond to the Kyrgyz categories as follows: High High-risk subprojects correspond to the national categories I and II; Substantial Subprojects with substantial risk correspond to the national Category III and will require either a site-specific EIA or an EMP; Moderate Moderate-risk subprojects are classified as National Categories III and IV and require, in some cases, a partial EIA and/or EMP or EMP checklists; Low Low-risk subprojects correspond to the national category IV and do not require additional expertise 131 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 7.1.3 The E&S procedures for the FIs versus non- FIs subprojects ESS9 applies to financial intermediaries (FIs) that receive financial support from the Bank. In this project, FIs include public and private financial service providers, including national and regional development banks licensed to operate from the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, which direct financial resources for the development of economic activities in the field of energy-saving technologies under Component 2. The Bank's Credit Facility Guidelines for Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) set out the PFIs' obligations to comply with the requirements of ESS 9 and the ESMF, LMP, SEP, including all relevant national laws and actions set out in the Environmental and social commitment plan (ESCP). Develop and maintain an environmental and social governance (ESG) system within the PFI, including the overall policy of the ESMF. Sub-loan borrowers are encouraged to apply appropriate WB ESSs to manage significant risks to the environment, public health and safety, labor and working conditions, and biodiversity. Build and maintain organizational capacity and competencies for ESG implementation in each participating PFI with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, including the appointment of loan officers responsible for borrower selection, risk assessment and monitoring. Appoint a representative from the senior management of the PFIs who will have overall responsibility for the environmental and social performance of the WB credit line. 7.1.4 Screening of subproject activities and identification of ESA tools The sub-projects are of moderate risk and mitigation measures for the identified impacts and risks will be included in the draft ESMP or the ESMP checklist for small scale construction and rehabilitation works. The goal of the ESMP is to improve the environmental and social aspects of subprojects by minimizing, mitigating or offsetting negative impacts. The Environment and Social Management Plan checklists will be used primarily for moderate risk subprojects that may have a negligible environmental impact and are typical of small construction and rehabilitation investments. For subprojects with moderate risks, it is necessary to develop an ESMP document and conduct public consultations with project-affected persons and stakeholders. This requires the publication of an EA document (approximately two weeks in advance) about the project implementer and on the websites of the respective municipalities, as well as the provision of hard copies to local governments and key stakeholders. The ESMP checklist consists of three sections: (a) Part 1 is a descriptive part (“site passportâ€?) that describes the features of the project in terms of physical location, a description of the project and a list of procedures for obtaining permits or notifications with reference to relevant regulations. Annexes for additional information may be added if necessary; 132 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) (b) Part 2 includes environmental and social screening in a simple yes/no format and identifies mitigation measures; and (c) Part 3 is a plan for monitoring activities carried out during the remediation activities. 7.2. Types of Environmental Assessment Instruments and Review Process For moderate risk projects and activities, an ESMP for the specific subproject will be prepared. This will be the responsibility of the MNRETS PIU with the support of the Consultants. An ESMP and/or an ESMP checklist should be attached to tender documents and civil works contracts. In addition, labor management procedures will also become part of the bidding documents for construction works, i.e. road safety plan, hazardous waste management plan, labor protection plan, etc. Implementation of the ESMP on the ground will be the task of the construction contractor, in case any non-compliance may be reported by municipalities or other subproject beneficiaries to MNRETS/MNRETS PIU. For projects with a moderate risk, the MNRETS /MNRETS PIU will submit the site-specific ESMP to the WB for preliminary review. According to Annex 1 to the Regulations on the procedure for conducting environmental impact assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic, the List of economic activities subject to environmental impact assessment (clause 15. Groundwater abstraction), it is necessary to develop a national draft EIA with expertise. It will be necessary to develop a national EIA project for component 3 (Improvement of urban greening) and component 1 (construction of a modern laboratory in Bishkek with a data processing center (DPC), as it involves the demolition of existing perennial green spaces at the designated site (Manas 155). Below is a table on Step-by step subprojects’ E&S risk management. 133 Table 18.Step-by step subprojects Env&Social risk management Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency Component Pre-Construction Soil Carrying out the necessary geological surveys of soils Results of One time Design Consultant Engineering and geological surveys 3/Subcomponent \design erosion for stability should include a comprehensive study of engineering and for the construction of structures 3.1 Quality of the engineering and geological conditions of the area geological surveys of I and II levels of responsibility ground and (site, section) of the planned well construction, Identification of soils are carried out by contracting legal underground including the relief, geological structure, and rocks. entities and individuals who, in the waters seismotectonic, geomorphological and hydrogeological Soil classification. prescribed manner, have received conditions, composition, condition and properties of a license for their production by soils, geological and engineering -geological processes. the architecture and urban Making a forecast of possible changes in engineering planning authorities of the and geological conditions in the field of interaction of executive branch. The quality and the designed objects with the geological environment completeness of the examinations in order to obtain the necessary and sufficient are confirmed by the expertise and materials to justify the construction, including organizations of the Customer's measures for the engineering protection of the Consultants. construction site and environmental protection. Component Pre-Construction Pollution of Engineering or certain types of work (drilling, sampling, Conditions of survey One time, at the Design Consultant. In order to protect soils from the 3/Subcomponent \design soil and etc.). contracts beginning of impact of the technological 3.1 water The collection and processing of survey materials survey work process, a number of resources should be carried out during the engineering and environmental measures are geological surveys for each stage (stage) of the envisaged. development of pre-project and design The complex of environmental documentation, taking into account the results of the measures for the protection of collection at the previous stage. When conducting land resources and the restoration complex survey work, the program of engineering and of a land plot in the process of geological surveys should be linked to programs of drilling includes: other types of surveys (in particular, engineering and • Formation of an artificial bulk environmental surveys) in order to avoid duplication of platform for a drilling rig; certain types of work (drilling, sampling, etc.). • Construction of systems for the accumulation and storage of drilling waste and engineering 134 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency sewage systems for drilling effluents to the places of their organized collection; • Arrangement of places for local collection and storage of waste; • Arrangement of the land plot with protective ditches or embankment; • Establishment of an embankment and embankment near the fuel and lubricants depot. Component Pre-Construction Loss of Areas with valuable/vulnerable natural vegetation, Flora and Fauna In order to Design Consultant. Assessment of the number of trees 1/Subcomponent \design natural wildlife resources will be excluded. Management Plan manage threats Contractor and shrubs to be removed; 1.1. vegetation It is planned to use the aquifers of the right-of-way of to biodiversity, implements including information about the and threat to municipal lands along the highway. the Municipality mitigation measures; species (we are not talking about Component biodiversity must conduct a The Construction valuable tree species). Such an 3/Subcomponent or wildlife in one-time review Supervision assessment is carried out at the 3.1. areas of the project Consultant regularly stage of readiness of the working selected for and obtain monitors the draft, when a special form of the wells. permission from activities of the site selection act is filled out, with the Ministry of Contractor. a commission participation of all Natural parties, where a list of vegetation Resources. is subsequently entered. The adequacy of These data will later be reflected in the Contractors' the act of the established form on plan is environmental consequences and confirmed by the national version of the EIA, the Supervision which will indicate the types and Consultant prior number of trees and shrubs subject to to subsequent restoration. commencement 135 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency of work in such areas. Component Stage - Site - When planning the construction of new wells, Extent of land One-time Safeguards Prior to construction 3/Subcomponent selection for well preference will be given to state or municipal lands. acquisition consultants or commencement 3.1 construction For the construction of the central laboratory, land MNRETS PIU under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Type of current safeguards team Component Resources, and previously used by the laboratory as a activities on such 1/Subcomponent place to store equipment and chemicals, is being used. land 1.2 Component Construction Community During the implementation of all stages of construction The agreement on One-time Design Consultant Before approval of final design for 1/Subcomponent Stage safety. work, the safety of people must be ensured. All the operating bidding documents 1.1 Threats to agreements governing the reconstruction and conditions of the personnel operation of stations should be available and openly plants should contain and discussed by interested parties in all cities. environmental and communities’ social obligations. health and safety; Component Construction Emergency The Ministry of Natural Resources needs to prepare an Have effective One-time Developed by the Prior to construction 1/Subcomponent Stage threats to emergency preparedness plan. The total coverage of measures to respond Contractor, cleared commencement 1.1 personnel these two components is as follows: to emergencies. by the MNRETS PIU and Local Contingency Plan coverage: The Local Emergency E&S specialist Component communities Contingency Plan must include the following: Preparedness Plan 1/Subcomponent near the • Name, title and contact numbers of the organization, 1.2 nearby hospitals, fire departments, etc., and key 136 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency construction personnel, including their responsibilities in the event sites of an emergency. • Roles and responsibilities of executive staff • Layout plan of the object indicating the location of fire extinguishers, emergency gathering and fire alarm areas, gathering places. • List of possible emergencies / preventive measures / control and response measures • Location of the Emergency Control Center (or dedicated area for emergency management/coordination) with the necessary facilities. • Medical services/ambulance List of emergency equipment including fire extinguishers, fire suits etc. •Mock drill provisions All components and Construction Any bias or Appropriate social, environmental, labor standards, Thorough analysis of MNRETS PIU, Prior to construction subcomponents Stage discriminatio standards of interaction with stakeholders in the individuals and Representatives of commencement n against implementation of project activities will be developed groups; municipalities individuals or and include clauses on non-discrimination based on Complying groups in age, religious, ethnic, gender, physical, etc. appropriate terms of their characteristics. standards of access to the interaction with development stakeholders in the related implementation of resources project activities; and benefits from the project, especially groups that may be disadvantage 137 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency d or vulnerable. All components and Construction Risks or Subprojects will be carefully assessed and designed to The RPF will provide Monitoring of MNRETS PIU, Prior to construction subcomponents Stage impacts ensure that existing legal rights (including collective (a) clear and RAP Representatives of commencement related to rights, related rights and women's rights) are protected adequate rules for implementation; municipalities ownership from unintended negative project impacts or other the recognition of GRM and use of unintended consequences. relevant land tenure land and rights in accordance natural with national law; (b) resources, establish fair criteria including (if and effective, applicable) transparent and potential inclusive procedures impacts of for resolving land the project disputes and on local land grievances; and (c) use and include procedures tenure for arrangement informing/consulting s, access to affected persons of and their rights and availability of ensuring that they land, food can obtain security and independent land values, advice/assessment of as well as any property. relevant risks GRM related to conflicts or disputes over land and natural 138 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency resource rights. Component Construction Erosion and • Areas from which bulk material or additional soil - reduction of the Constantly Contractor during construction work 3/Subcomponent Stage soil stock is taken will be landscaped to minimize erosion area of land monitor the implements 3.1 Earth works degradation. and hazard to people and livestock. allotment due to work and related mitigation measures; • The construction camp will be located in a stable and architectural and activities The Construction Component level area. planning solutions; Supervision 1/Subcomponent • Embankments and excavated slopes will not be left - reclamation of Consultant regularly 1.2 unattended for a long time. Appropriate slope disturbed lands; monitors the stabilization measures (eg gabions) will be taken - landscaping, activities of the according to the project. creation of security Contractor. • Vehicle traffic on unpaved roads will be avoided to zones; the extent possible. The operation of vehicles and - anti-erosion equipment near watercourses and reservoirs will be measures; minimized. • After completion of construction works, construction sites will be completely cleared of debris. Component Construction Waste • Vehicles and equipment will not be repaired in the - separate waste Monthly Contractor during construction work 3/Subcomponent Stage generation. field. If this is unavoidable, measures should be taken collection by types Weekly for implements 3.1, 3.2. to prevent the ingress of dirt and water. and hazard classes; household waste mitigation measures; • Household wastewater from construction camps will - identification and The Construction Component be collected in septic tanks and cesspools for further operation of Supervision 1/Subcomponent disposal at municipal wastewater treatment plants. organization of waste Consultant regularly 1.2 • Used oils will be collected and handed over to a accumulation/ monitors the licensed company for disposal. storage/ disposal activities of the • Inert, recyclable plant waste (such as cardboard, sites in line with Contractor. rolls, broken/used parts, etc.) will be recycled. ESMP; Hazardous waste will be stored separately and handled - timely removal of depending on the nature of the waste. waste, taking into • Municipal solid waste will be disposed of in a way account the hazard that does not pollute the soil. The Contractor shall class and methods of draw up a solid waste management plan. 139 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency Only certain waste/garbage disposal sites to be used. disposal/storage/buri al. Component Construction Hazardous Hazardous waste will be stored separately and handled Quantity of Quarterly Contractor during construction work 3/Subcomponent Stage waste according to the nature of the waste. generation of implements 3.1, 3.2. Construction of production and mitigation measures; buildings, consumption of The Construction Component installation of waste during the Supervision 1/Subcomponent equipment and construction Consultant regularly 1.2 connection to monitors the communications Quantity transferred activities of the to other Contractor. organizations for further processing, as well as disposal at specialized waste disposal sites. Component Construction Specific The main wastes in the process of drilling a well are: To reduce the Constantly Contractor during construction work 3/Subcomponent Stage drilling waste • drilling wastewater; impact, the following monitor the implements 3.1 • waste drilling mud; set of measures is work and related mitigation measures; • drill cuttings; taken: activities The Construction • oiled rags; • an embankment is Supervision • scrap metal; made for drilling Consultant regularly • electrode cinders; equipment; monitors the • used containers, packaging; • concreting of the activities of the • used oils; drilling site for the Contractor. • municipal waste. main large blocks of the drilling rig is envisaged; • construction of access roads is envisaged: 140 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency • to prevent soil contamination with chemical reagents, they are transported and stored in closed containers (bags, barrels); • Drilling fluid is prepared in the mud preparation unit, with discharge into the circulation system through metal troughs. The drilling fluid is stored in metal containers; • circulation of the drilling mud is carried out in a closed system: well-cleaning unit (along metal troughs) - metal containers - pumps - manifold - well; • Drilled rock at the cleaning unit (vibrating screen, sand separator, desilter, centrifuge) is separated from the drilling fluid and 141 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency discharged into sludge tanks; • drilling fluid waste with cuttings is passed through two centrifuges installed after the vibrating screens. The liquid phase of the solution is fed into the circulation system for reuse; Component Earthworks, Deterioration • Construction equipment, generators and vehicles - Carry out visual Constantly Contractor during construction work 3/Subcomponent drilling, traffic, of air quality must be in good working order and properly tuned to control to exclude air monitor the implements 3.1, 3.2. storage of minimize exhaust emissions. pollution or dust work and related mitigation measures; materials and • Fugitive dust emissions will be minimized by spraying pollution near activities The Construction Component waste water onto the soil where necessary. sources/vulnerable Supervision 1/Subcomponent • Project vehicles should, if possible, avoid traffic in recipients Consultant regularly 1.2 populated areas and cultivated fields. monitors the • If unavoidable, the speed should be reduced to 15 activities of the km/h to avoid excessive dust emission. Contractor. • When transporting through settlements, mandatory coordination with the population is required to minimize negative impacts. - purification of fuel and raw materials from harmful impurities; - exclusion of dry processing methods and open storage of dusty materials, - sealing of industrial premises and vehicles during the transportation of various products and materials, All components and Construction Risks or Subprojects will be carefully assessed and designed to GRM Regular Representatives of During construction period subcomponents Stage impacts ensure that existing legal rights (including collective monitoring and municipalities 142 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency related to rights, related rights and women's rights) are protected reporting on MNRETS PIU ownership from unintended negative impacts of the project or land and any specialists and use of other unintended consequences. other social land and impacts. natural The RPF (RAP) will ensure clear and adequate rules for resources, the recognition of relevant land tenure rights under including (if national law; (b) establish fair criteria and effective, applicable) transparent and inclusive procedures for resolving land potential disputes and complaints; and (c) include procedures impacts of for informing/consulting affected persons of their the project rights and for ensuring that they can obtain on local land independent advice / assessment of property use and tenure arrangement s, access to and availability of land, food security and land values, as well as any relevant risks related to conflicts or disputes over land and natural resource rights. Component Social Exclusion 143 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency 2, Subcomponent 2.1. All components and Construction Impacts on Provision of personal protective equipment (overalls, Number of incidents Monthly / As per MNRETS PIU, During construction work subcomponents Stage the health, special footwear, head, face, hand, eye, respiratory with severity need in case of Contractor, safety and and hearing protection) for employees of relevant Number of near-miss accidents Supervision welfare of professions and positions (according to the classifiers occurrences Consultant workers and of workers' professions, positions of workers and wage GRM monitored for project- categories), taking into account the characteristics and any complaints from affected conditions of the work performed by them work, must workers communities be carried out by the employer in accordance with the collective agreement, but in no less nomenclature, volumes and conditions of use, determined by state rules and regulations for providing employees with these PPE. For the movement of vehicles, traffic patterns must be developed and installed in prominent places. Governed by the development and enforcement of Environmental Management Plans and Health and Safety Plans (EMP, OHS) to be developed by Contractors; Timely notification of the population about upcoming construction works and schedules Component Construction Tangible All ESMPs of subprojects will have special provisions in Reporting of finds on Monitoring MNRETS PIU site During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage objects of all contracts for the construction works on "chance site ESMP engineers, 3.1 cultural finds procedure", which will specify how chance finds Reporting to relevant implementation Contractors heritage related to the subproject will be handled. local authorities in part of chance might be Tangible objects of cultural heritage will specify (a) not GRM reports finds unexpectedly to move any chance finds until assessed by competent Reporting discovered professionals and actions identified, (b) notify during the appropriate authorities of finds or sites by cultural construction. heritage experts, (c) fence off the finds or site to avoid 144 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency further disturbance, (d) have finds or sites assessed by cultural heritage experts, (e) identify and implement actions consistent with ESS 8 on cultural heritage and the National procedures. All components and Construction Risk of sexual Based on WB project experience, the risk assessed as Confirmation of Monthly Contractor During construction period subcomponents Stage exploitation/ significant, Labor Management Plan (LMP) will be implementation of implements abuse and developed, with due consideration of GRM, including Code of Conduct mitigation measures; harassment SEA/SH. GRM reports The Construction (SEA/SH) Risks of child labor will be regulated by the ESMP. Supervision Forced child The project will create an effective and robust Consultant regularly labor grievance system to deal with all grievances, including monitors the SEA/SH including a code of conduct A separate activities of the dedicated privacy window will be created to manage Contractor SEA/SH complaints, if any. Component Construction Damage to Operation of the construction equipment and project Monitoring of Quarterly/When Contractor During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage the irrigation vehicles should be avoided near canals and condition during site ever complaint implements 3.1, 3.2. network and watercourses. inspection received mitigation measures; municipal Any damage caused by the project activities should be The Construction Component infrastructure fully removed. Supervision 1/Subcomponent Minimize damage to the existing infrastructure. Consultant regularly 1.2 Drains and drainage channels for draining water from monitors the the floor surface of buried rooms (rooms for throttle activities of the valves, jet relays, pumping pumps) must be maintained Contractor in good order and ensure complete drainage of water. Manhole covers and edges of wells should be made flush with the floor of corrugated steel or other metal that prevents people from slipping. Crossings through ditches, ditches or trenches should be arranged, where necessary, safe passages with barriers for pedestrians. All damaged infrastructure should be restored to its original condition. 145 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency Component Construction Blocked If existing routes are blocked, alternative routes should Visual inspection Constantly Contractor During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage access be determined in consultation with affected during site visit monitor the implements 3.1 communities. work and related mitigation measures; The Contractor will prepare and implement a activities The Construction Component management plan to minimize the impact on local Supervision 1/Subcomponent routes. Territory, premises and workplaces Consultant regularly 1.2 at each site, alternative and safe routes of passage monitors the through the territory to the place of work / residence activities of the or evacuation, operational plans for extinguishing fires Contractor and evacuating people in the event of a fire or emergency should be developed and communicated to everyone. staff and population. Road signs and markings must be installed on the routes of transport of organizations. The boundaries of the carriageway of transport routes should be established taking into account the dimensions of vehicles with transported goods. The distance from the borders of the carriageway to the structural elements of buildings and equipment must be at least 0.5 m, and when people are moving - at least 0.8 m. Fences must be equipped with warning signs, safety signs, as well as signal lighting that provides good visibility of the fence area at night from all sides of the possible passage of vehicles and pedestrians. At the intersection of ditches, ditches and trenches, transitional bridges with a width of at least 0.6 m with railings should be arranged. Passages for personnel in places with a slope of more than 20 degrees must be equipped with stairs with railings. 146 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency Component Construction Noise and It is necessary to ensure an acceptable noise level near Ambient Noise levels Constantly Contractor During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage vibration the project sites: Speed limit of monitor the implements 3.1 - (70 dB(A) - for industrial areas day and night; vehicles, work and related mitigation measures; - 45 dB(A) at night and 55 dB(A) during the day for Silence zones activities The Construction Component residential areas. delineation at Traffic Supervision 1/Subcomponent Drilling that causes short-term vibration waves should diversions Consultant regularly 1.1, 1.2 be carried out according to drilling projects and near settlements at monitors the working drawings agreed with the territorial technical night. activities of the supervision body and organizations operating these Spot surprise check Contractor. facilities. for speed limits All electrical, air and other communications located Working hours near the drilling sites, as well as operational facilities, must be protected from possible accidental damage. Installation of the least noisy equipment; - arrangement of casings, mufflers, screens; - installation of vibration-isolated foundations and shock absorbers under the equipment to prevent the transmission of vibration to building structures; - the use of noise suppressors on the exhaust and suction of technological equipment, as well as noise suppression of ventilation installations; - application of anti-vibration coatings on air ducts; - selection of soundproof fences, ceilings, doors and windows; Component Construction Occupational The contractor will prepare and implement an Visual inspections Daily for Contractor During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage Health and occupation health and safety plan, in accordance with Training logs compliance implements 3.1 Safety the WBG EHS Guidelines. Weekly for mitigation measures; The plan must contain the following sections: training The Construction Component • Objectives Supervision 1/Subcomponent • Scope of work Consultant regularly 1.1, 1.2 • Compliance with the relevant regulations monitors the • Hazard identification and risk assessment 147 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency • Hazard inventory and risk matrix activities of the • OHS training and briefings, including use of Personal Contractor. Protective Equipment (PPE) • Incident and accident reporting The plan must contain the following information: • Security fences at the construction site to avoid any unauthorized intrusions. • Observance of vehicle speeds near/inside the settlements. • Firefighting equipment and their proper application in case of need. • OHS training for personnel. • Precautions when transporting, handling and storing hazardous substances. • The use of warning signs. Component Construction Communities Equipping construction settlements with septic tanks Confirm distance Constantly Contractor During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage health and cesspools. from settlement monitor the implements 3.1 related issues Construction wagons must: Availability/access to work and related mitigation measures; - Be at least 500 m away from used groundwater wells; medical facilities activities The Construction Component - have suitable containers for solid waste and a way to Supervision 1/Subcomponent dispose of it; Consultant regularly 1.1, 1.2 - Have a first aid kit. monitors the The construction team must know: activities of the - Infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and Contractor. C); - Requirements and regulations on gender-based violence and violence against children; - Availability of relevant guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. - creation of security zones, zones of development restriction; 148 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency - limiting the height of buildings and structures, stepped construction; - electromagnetic shielding of buildings and water areas of great fishery importance. Component Construction Influx of Restrict rest and accommodation areas within the Number of local Monitoring LMP Contractors/MNRETS During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage labor force boundaries of the work sites (as much as possible); labor (male & implementation PIU site engineers 3.1 Use non-solid (non-timber) fuels for cooking and female); including heating; Distance of labor Contractors’ Component Develop and comply with the Code of Conduct for camps; Code of 1/Subcomponent Workers to ensure protection of the local community Number of training Conducts 1.1, 1.2 against gender-based violence and other social sessions on specific Regular problems, protection of flora and fauna, including the topics (infectious reporting prohibition of felling trees and hunting. Workers diseases HIV/AIDS, GRM should understand that violations of the Code of GBV etc); Conduct may result in severe penalties, up to and Number of cases on including termination of employment; violation of Code of Communicate the minimum requirements for conduct; sanitation and hygiene to employees; Others Take measures to prevent and treat employees affected by infectious diseases; Conduct training, information campaigns among workers and the community on the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases HIV/AIDS; Taking action against an employee failing to comply with the basic rules of conduct that may threat safety and health of the community or the environment; Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace/construction site; Install checkpoints, gates to the construction sites to secure equipment, machinery and materials, and to ensure safety of the site personnel. 149 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency To avoid conflicts with local residents, the contractors are encouraged to employ local residents as much as possible without compromising the quality of the performed work. The Contractor will manage the influx of labor force to avoid conflicts between local communities and workers, as follows: - Locate construction camps in designated areas at least 500 m away from settlements; - Conduct training on topics related to respectful interaction with the local communities; - Include in the Code of Conduct the application of penalties, up to and including termination of employment in case of violation. Component Construction Gender The construction team should avoid entering villages The Code of Conduct Monitoring LMP Contractors/MNRETS During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage issues and settlements. must be strictly implementation PIU site engineers 3.1 Communities will be informed and consulted before complied with during including and social specialist starting work in or near the populated areas. the construction. Contractors’ Component Provide training to Code of 1/Subcomponent staff on the Conducts 1.1, 1.2 prevention of sexual Regular exploitation, sexual reporting abuse. GRM Component Construction Child labor Child and forced labor must not be used in the project. The Contractor must Monitoring LMP Contractors/MNRETS During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage commit itself against implementation PIU site engineers 3.1 the use of child and including and social specialist forced labor, take Contractors’ Component measures to mitigate Code of 1/Subcomponent the effects of the Conducts 1.1, 1.2 gender-based Regular violence. reporting 150 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency GRM Component Construction Impacts on The Contractor shall develop "chance find" procedures Sites for new Monitoring of Contractors/MNRETS During construction period 3/Subcomponent Stage the historical, in case of discovery of any cultural and historical construction should ESMP PIU site engineers 3.1 cultural, heritage sites. be selected at a implementation; and environmental archaeologic Work shall be suspended if any monuments or artifacts distance from any Reporting specialist Component al heritage of historical, cultural or archaeological significance are known historic or 1/Subcomponent discovered. cultural building or 1.1, 1.2 Notify the appropriate authorities to make further site. decisions to resume work. The existing cemeteries shall not be damaged. Work in the vicinity of cemeteries must be performed after informing/consulting with the relevant communities. Component Operation and Soil and To prevent possible negative impact from wells on the Ensuring well Regular Local Municipality; During the period of acceptance 3/Subcomponent Maintenance water geological environment: operation control monitoring and and operation 3.1 contaminatio •Creation of both sanitary and protective zones of and digital water reporting Ministry of Natural n wells intake system Resources Component • carrying out regular monitoring of the state of 1/Subcomponent groundwater; Availability of local 1.2 • a set of measures to prevent blowouts, open flowing, wastewater collapses of well walls, loss of drilling fluid and other treatment systems to complications. To do this, the tightness of the strings is receive chemicals ensured, the wellbore is secured with a conductor, from the laboratory. intermediate, production strings with a high quality of their cementation; • ensuring maximum tightness of underground and surface equipment; • implementation of the designed anti-corrosion measures; • ensuring reliable, trouble-free operation of the water collection, treatment and storage system. 151 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency The laboratory must have an appropriate wastewater collection system (sewerage, septic tanks, cesspools). The wastewater collection system can be connected to the city sewer. Waste chemicals must be disposed of in accordance with their safety data sheet. Non-toxic recyclable waste (such as packaging cardboard) can be reused or taken to paper recycling offices.Toxic waste must be stored separately and disposed of in accordance with the draft waste standards agreed upon with the relevant state authorities. Power supply stations should have special containers for collection of used transformer oils with their further transfer for recycling or neutralization. Soil contaminated by fuel/chemical spills will be removed and disposed of properly in accordance with the liquid waste generation rules. Component Operation and Safety and The employer is obliged to create safe working Availability of PPE Daily for Local Municipality; During the period of acceptance 3/Subcomponent Maintenance health of conditions for employees: First Aid / medical compliance and operation 3.1 employees - develop internal regulatory documentation, conduct facility Training logs Weekly for Ministry of Natural briefings and knowledge tests in accordance with the training Resources Component requirements of the law, inform employees about all Quarterly for 1/Subcomponent the circumstances on which the safety of the signage and 1.1, 1.2 workplace depends. information - use equipment and structures that meet the requirements of standards and other regulatory documents; - comply with the terms of periodic repair and maintenance of equipment; - comply with the requirements of fire and electrical safety when equipping industrial and office premises; 152 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Component/Subco Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Implementation mponent stage Impact Measures monitored and Responsibility schedule frequency - install the necessary protective devices and structures; - provide adequate lighting, ventilation, maintain optimal temperature conditions in the workplace; - remove dust and waste in a timely manner; - provide employees with protective clothing and footwear, as well as other personal protective equipment in accordance with the specifics of production; - provide employees with up-to-date briefings on labor protection and visual materials; - create all the necessary alarm systems at workplaces and production facilities, ensure the placement of safety signs, etc. Component Operation and Public health Places for waste storage must comply with the Keep an incident When Local Municipality; During the period of acceptance 3/Subcomponent Maintenance requirements of sanitary rules for the device, logbook complaints are and operation 3.1 equipment and maintenance. Ensuring proper received Ministry of Natural Proper disposal of wastewater. disposal measures Resources Component Compliance with the SPZ regime of objects. 1/Subcomponent Comply with relevant regulations, requirements, and 1.1, 1.2 guidelines to prevent the spread of viral infections, including COVID-19. All components and Operation and Gender Employment opportunities for women will be created. Provide training to Whenever Local Municipality; During the period of acceptance subcomponents Maintenance issues Provision of separate sanitary facilities and places of staff on the complaint is and operation rest for women and prevention of harassment. prevention of received through Ministry of Natural harassment. GRM Resources 153 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 154 Table 19.Roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the project Responsible party Responsibilities World Bank Review and approve the E&S screening results of subprojects; Review all the SSMPs of subprojects with significant risks and for the first five subprojects with moderate risks or until the WB determines that the ESMPs are being prepared with sufficient details and can afterward be approved by the PIU;Review the labor management procedure; Conducting support and oversight missions to ensure that the Project meets WB's ESS requirements; MNRETS PIU Prepare and implement the ESMP and RP and submit to the Bank for approval; Disclose the ESMP and RP on the MNRETS website; Preparation of ESMPs and RPs in accordance with the ESMF and the RF; Submit ESMP and RAP to WB for preliminary review; Perform quality control and analysis of ESMPs and RPs; Disclose the ESMP and RP on the official website and include the ESMP and RP in the bidding documents; Prepare labor management procedures; Appoint field specialists for environmental and social monitoring; Conduct inspections of the construction contractor’s compliance with compliance ESMP, make recommendations, and decide if additional measures are needed or not; Implement RP on site and provide WB with regular implementation reports; In the event of non-compliance, make sure the contractor corrects the non-compliance; notify the WB of the non-compliance; Prepare, update, and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) that considers vulnerable groups, as well as the gender dimension of the Project; Hold consultation meetings and prepare and distribute flyers or other informational documents to inform communities, hire a public relations officer for the project, its impacts and construction schedule, and PAP rights and entitlements; Establish a multi-tiered GRM, monitor and handle complaints related to the project in a timely manner; Supervise the construction contractor and technical supervision firm. Present environmental and social issues related to the project to the WB in regular progress reports; Be open to comments from affected groups and local environmental authorities on the environmental aspects of the project. Meet with these groups during site visits, if necessary; Coordinate and liaise with WB oversight missions regarding the environmental and social protection aspects of project implementation; Conduct regular monitoring activities to implement site-specific ESMPs and RPs; and Prepare/develop trainings and tools for local staff (branch representatives) and community representatives. MoF PIU Implement the financing scheme for subcomponent 2.1 through commercial/state- owned banks; Ensure that the PFI Agreements between the Association and participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) set out the PFIs' responsibilities to comply with the requirements of relevant national legal and regulatory provisions, supplemented by any corporate Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policies and guidelines, LMP and SEP; Ensure the PFIs comply with the above requirements throughout Project implementation; Contribute to the semiannual reporting to the Bank Contractor Implement ESMP on site, update ESMP, if necessary, in cooperation with MNRETS PIU; Implement labour resource management procedures; Manage the contractor's claims mechanism, regularly report claims to MNRETS PIU through ESMP monitoring reports; Regularly monitor site activities (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.); Prepare ESMP progress reports for MNRETS PIU review 155 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Responsible party Responsibilities Compensate or repair any damages incurred during construction (e.g., infrastructure damage, tree felling) as specified in the ESMP or RP. Beneficiaries / Clients Ensure that the contractor has properly and timely implemented the ESMP; Ensure timely and successful implementation of the RP; Conduct environmental and social monitoring as defined in the ESMF and RP, as well as the ESMP and RP for individual projects; and Gather information on environmental and social issues (including completed letter of credit activities) for progress reports submitted to WB, and make sure they all meet Bank requirements. 7.3. Project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) The MNRETS PIU M&E team will assess the quality of community mobilization as well as other community engagement, voting and interaction activities, which will be evaluated through community scorecards that will be discussed and reviewed along with financial and project implementation records at social audit meetings. Feedback and complaints received through GRM will also be included in the semi-annual reporting. The M&E team will collect and analyze these semi-annual perception-based performance evaluations and enter them into the ISU and include them in quarterly and annual reports for submission to the World Bank. Outcome measures will focus primarily on the outcomes defined in the Outcome Matrix and the set of output indicators defined by the MNRETS PIU. The MNRETS /MNRETS PIU will be responsible for preparing a completion report based on MIS data and surveys prior to project completion. 156 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 8. Environmental and Social Standard’s compliance 8.1. Requirements and actions to address potential risks and impacts during construction work Incorporation of ESMP into the Project documentation. The provisions of ESMP will become the part of Project documentation and will be included in (re)construction contracts for individual subprojects, either in specifications, or in estimates. Thus, the Contractors will have to include the costs of ESMP requirements in their financial applications and will have to comply with them while implementing the Project activities. The bidding documentations for selection of contractors will include specifications that will ensure that a winner of a bidding process effectively meets the environmental, health and safety criteria. Preliminary Arrangements. Prior to commencement of construction/reconstruction, the local construction and environmental control authorities and communities must be informed about the upcoming activities through the media and/or by means of notices in publicly accessible areas (including the site of the work). In addition, all legally required permits must be in place. All work must be performed in a safe and disciplined manner to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and the environment. Construction workers must be properly briefed on OHS and equipped with personal protective equipment. Protect air quality and minimize dust. During construction / rehabilitation works, it is necessary to install containers for waste collection, ensure timely removal of garbage to a sanctioned landfill site and impose a categoric ban on incinerating garbage. During the dry period, it is necessary to suppress dust during excavation works, during the movement of heavy equipment. To transport any other dusty material to the rehabilitation site, it is necessary to either water the access way or cover the cargo. Dust reduction at the rehabilitation site during the dry season can be achieved by watering the ground surface. Workers performing the work must wear protective clothing and respirators. Noise Suppression. It is recommended that all potentially affected parties, directly or through local billboards or newspapers, be informed of upcoming activities before work begins. Noise should be limited by using good work management practices and restricting work to normal daily shifts (during holidays) and/or after school hours. Construction equipment and machinery used should be calibrated to noise standards. Construction Waste and Spills. Construction waste must be sorted and removed in an organized manner and placed on approved landfill. Valuable materials shall be transferred for recycling or sold. Waste, where possible, should be minimized, segregated, and treated accordingly. Segregated waste is more manageable. Unused materials should be taken to a suitable location for recycling. In the case of non-recyclable waste, in consultation with local councils, the waste will be placed in a permitted landfill. Open burning and illegal dumping of any waste is strictly 157 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) prohibited. In addition to solid waste, some hazardous waste will be generated at the site: e.g. residues of used oil, paint, oil-contaminated materials, insulation materials, etc., which must be collected in a safe way for the environment and handed over to appropriate organizations or decontaminated. Temporary Storage of Materials (Including Hazardous Materials). Accumulation of construction materials should be avoided if possible. If it is impossible to avoid such accumulation, construction materials should be stored at the construction site and protected from the weather. Hazardous materials such as spent oils, paints and other materials should be stored on an impervious surface, and adsorbents such as sand or sawdust should be kept within reach to handle small spills. Ensuring Health and Safety of Workers. Personnel must have protective equipment, rubber gloves, respirators, safety glasses and breathing masks with filter, as well as safety helmets. All workers must complete a health and safety training course before beginning construction work. In addition, it is necessary to conduct routine inspections of machines and equipment to troubleshoot and comply with maintenance intervals, to train and instruct workers involved in the maintenance of machines, tools and equipment in safe methods and techniques of work. Particular attention should be paid to welding operations. Do not use defective or untested tools to perform work, and do not leave unattended mechanical tools connected to the power grid. Special Requirements and Mitigation Measures for Asbestos-Containing Materials. The project- related activities do not involve the formation of ACM, however, asbestos-containing pipes may be used for laying electrical cable at crossings; in such cases the asbestos-containing materials should be handled in a special way to ensure the safety of workers. When performing work involving asbestos-containing waste, the contractor will be required to develop an Asbestos Containing Materials Management Plan (ACMMP) prior to commencing any construction work, as per the sample provided in Annex. The ACMMP describes and assesses the risk of contractors (and others) encountering asbestos-containing materials (ACM) on construction sites during the project phase, and provides a procedure for quick and safe handling of any ACM that may be encountered. The WB ESS1 Environmental Assessment requires that WB-funded projects use pollution prevention and control technologies and health and safety measures consistent with international best practices, as reflected in international standards such as the IFC/WB General Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. Kyrgyz Republic has adopted a National Hazardous Waste Management Procedure No. 855, dated 28.12.2015, regarding disposal of ACM. Nevertheless, the procedure does provide a clear description of the handling of ACM, so ACMMP follows the recommendations of the World Bank. The basic principles of the ACMMP are (i) rapid and effective action to contain and properly handle ACM (including safe management and disposal); and (ii) maintaining the safety of site personnel and the public. The ACMMP is intended to be used by the Contractor and subproject customer to manage the risk of ACM within the project, and by contractors to effectively deal 158 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) with any ACM they encounter. Therefore, the procedural element of the ACMMP is designed to provide simple instructions that can be easily and quickly understood without the need for specialized knowledge and without reference to other sources. The general approach when dealing with this material is for builders to avoid crushing/destroying asbestos boards from roofs and/or insulating walls and to place them in an organized manner on construction sites. In addition, builders should avoid releasing asbestos fibers into the air through crushing. It is also essential that workers wear special clothing, gloves, and respirators when working with asbestos boards. Once the presence of ACM has been assumed or confirmed in a construction application and it has been shown that damaging ACM is unavoidable, include the following requirements for construction work in the EMP: • Develop a plan to perform work related to the removal, repair, and disposal of ACM in a manner that minimizes exposure of workers and the public to asbestos. • Require that construction firms/and/or persons hired during construction be trained in appropriate health and safety issues; • Provide all construction workers with personal protective equipment, including respirators and disposable clothing; • Require the beneficiary or selected contractor to notify the authorities of the removal and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations and to cooperate fully with the investigating agency representatives during all inspections and inquiries. Project Design The Borrower will demonstrate that involuntary land acquisition or restrictions on land use are limited to direct project requirements for clearly specified project purposes within a clearly specified period of time. The Borrower will consider feasible alternative project designs to avoid or minimize land acquisition or restrictions on land use, especially where this would result in physical or economic displacement, while balancing environmental, social, and financial costs and benefits, and paying particular attention to gender impacts and impacts on the poor and vulnerable. The Borrower will take possession of acquired land and related assets only after compensation in accordance with this ESS has been made available and, where applicable, displaced people have been resettled and moving allowances have been provided to the displaced persons in addition to compensation. In addition, livelihood restoration and improvement programs will commence in a timely fashion in order to ensure that affected persons are sufficiently prepared to take advantage of alternative livelihood opportunities as the need to do so arises. In certain cases, there may be significant difficulties related to the payment of compensation to particular affected persons, for example, where repeated efforts to contact absentee owners have failed, where project-affected persons have rejected compensation that has been offered to them in accordance with the approved plan, or where competing claims to the ownership of lands or assets are subject to lengthy legal proceedings. On an exceptional basis, with prior agreement of the Bank, and where the Borrower demonstrates that all reasonable efforts to 159 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) resolve such matters have been taken, the Borrower may deposit compensation funds as required by the plan (plus a reasonable additional amount for contingencies) into an interest- bearing escrow or other deposit account and proceed with the relevant project activities. Compensation placed in escrow will be made available to eligible persons in a timely manner as issues are resolved. The Borrower will engage with affected communities, including host communities, through the process of stakeholder engagement described in ESS10. Disclosure of relevant information and meaningful participation of affected communities and persons will take place during the consideration of alternative project designs referred to in paragraph 11, and thereafter throughout the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the compensation process, livelihood restoration activities, and relocation process. Additional provisions apply to consultations with displaced Indigenous Peoples, in accordance with ESS7 (There are no Indigenous Peoples in the Kyrgyz Republic). 8.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Incidents Reporting Occupational health and safety issues must be covered in all types of supervision and monitoring. This means, among other things, the presence of any incidents, logbook checks, and the use of protective and preventive equipment. Accordingly, the sections on safety measures in all progress reports include statements that the MNRETS PIU has reviewed occupational health and safety issues. The World Bank Environmental and Social Incident Response Toolkit helps manage incidents consistently by providing clear guidance on how to classify the severity of an incident, how to provide a proportional response based on severity, and clarifying roles and responsibilities. The borrower must conduct a root cause analysis in the event of a serious incident. "Incident" is defined as an accident, incident or adverse event resulting from failure to comply with established safety measures or conditions resulting from unexpected or unforeseen risks, or the impacts of safety measures during project implementation. Examples of safety-related incidents include: loss of life, serious accidents and injuries; social impacts from labor influx; sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) or other forms of gender-based violence (GBV); severe environmental contamination; child labor; forced labor; risks and adverse effects of temporary labor influxes caused by the project; loss of biodiversity or critical habitats; loss of physical cultural resources; and loss of access to community resources. In most cases, an incident is an accident or adverse impact occurring when a contractor fails to comply with WB safety policies, rules and regulations established by Kyrgyz Republic regulations or unforeseen events occurring during the course of the Project. The World Bank's Environmental and Social Incident Response Tool (ESIRT) does not replace monitoring procedures and regular monitoring of compliance with project safety measures. The document includes the following six steps in the incident management and reporting process: 160 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Step 1: Informing MNRETS PIU, local authorities, the World Bank, the public, providing emergency medical care and ensuring necessary safety measures for workers. All measures must be taken immediately. In parallel, all necessary data about the incident is collected - its scale, degree of danger to public health and the environment, location, cause of occurrence, duration, what decisions are made by the Executive, what actions should be taken next, etc. Step 2: Assess the seriousness of the incident. The contractor must immediately provide WB through the MNRETS PIU with information about the incident and its severity. Step 3: Notification. The Contractor shall prepare an incident notification for the WB. The filing of an incident notification shall be determined when signing the contract with the Contractor. Step 4: Investigate the incident. The Contractor shall provide any information requested by the WB and shall not prevent a site visit. The Contractor shall also, with the assistance of the Contractor, analyze the causes of the incident and document the information received. The Contractor may need to bring in outside experts to investigate the incident. The period of investigation shall not exceed 10 days after the incident. The results of the investigation shall be used by the Contractor and the Contractor to develop corrective actions and a corrective action plan (CAP) to avoid a future recurrence of what happened. In addition, the findings must be submitted to the WB. Step 5: Corrective Action Plan. The Contractor develops a CAP with specific actions, responsibilities, implementation timelines and a monitoring program and discusses it with the WB. In case of serious incidents, the WB and the Contractor will agree on a set of actions to address the root causes of such incidents. The CAP specifies the actions, responsibilities, and timelines to be implemented by the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for implementing the CAP. The CAP may include the development or upgrading of technical measures to protect the environment and prevent further contamination, training, including emergency medical care, compensation for insured injuries or deaths. If the WB believes that CAP measures are ineffective, and/or the Contractor has shown unwillingness or inability to take corrective action, WB may consider a decision to suspend all or part of the loan payments until such action is taken, or in some cases may consider canceling all or part of the Project after suspension. Step 6: Monitoring the execution of the CAP. The contractor implements the CAP, monitors the individual elements of the CAP, and provides an implementation report to the WB. The MNRETS PIU Environmental Specialist may use "Health, Safety and Welfare Checklists" to monitor HSE issues during project implementation, which include construction activities. The above arrangements and stages of subproject beneficiaries and MNRETS PIU in the case of workplace accidents are mandatory and shall be implemented throughout the project. 161 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 9. Monitoring and Reporting 9.1. Monitoring of Environmental and Social Indicators Environmental and social issues included in mitigation measures will be monitored by project beneficiaries, contractors and local specialists appointed by MNRETS PIU. Although environmental and social impacts are expected to be moderate or low, potential adverse environmental and social impacts are planned to be prevented or mitigated during the construction and operation phases. The environmental and social monitoring system starts from the subproject preparation phase through to the operational phase to prevent negative project impacts and monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures. This system helps WB and the Client to assess the success of mitigation measures as part of project supervision and allows action to be taken if necessary. The monitoring system provides technical assistance and oversight as needed, early identification of conditions associated with mitigation measures, tracks mitigation results, and provides information on project progress. The environmental and social monitoring to be carried out by the MNRETS /MNRETS PIU should provide information on key environmental and social aspects of the subprojects, in particular the environmental and social impacts of the project and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures taken. Such information makes it possible to assess the success of mitigation measures as part of project oversight and allows for corrective action, if necessary. In this regard, the Monitoring Plan defines monitoring objectives and defines the type of monitoring and their relationship to impacts and mitigation measures. Specifically, the monitoring section of the ESMP contains (a) a specific description and technical details of the monitoring measures, including the parameters measured, methods used, sampling locations, and frequency of measurements; and (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to: (i) ensure early identification of conditions that require specific mitigation measures, and (ii) provide information on progress and results of mitigation. An example of a monitoring plan format and an indicative budget is provided in Appendix 11. In addition, the MNRETS /MNRETS PIU environmental and socials specialists and engineering team will monitor compliance with the environmental and social standards and ESMP and submit regular quarterly monitoring reports on implementation of ESCP. The MNRETS /MNRETS PIU will also comply with the provisions of any other E&S documents required under the ESF and referred to in the ESCP, such as Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Labor Management Procedures (LMP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), and the timelines specified in those E&S documents. Moreover, project progress reports will contain section on environmental and social srisk- management. In case of accidents and incidents, the MNRETS /MNRETS PIU will promptly notify any incident or accident related or having an impact on the Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers, including without limitation any Project related fatalities, serious accidents, significant pollution, community unrest caused by the Project or allegations of gender-based violence. It will provide 162 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) sufficient detail regarding the incident or accident, indicating immediate measures taken to address it, and include information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, as appropriate. The MNRETS /MNRETS PIU will also monitor the community mobilization and other inclusion, voice, and MNRETS PIU activities with communities will be measured through community scorecards, which will be discussed and verified, along with financial records and project implementation records, in social audit meetings. Feedback and grievances received through the Beneficiary Feedback Mechanism will also be included in the semiannual reporting. MNRETS /MNRETS PIU’s M&E team will collate and analyze these semi-annual assessments of outcomes and perception-based results and include them in quarterly and annual reports to be submitted to the WB. 9.2. Key Performance indicators (KPI) KPI as defined below shall be used to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of citizen’s engagement and social performance: ✓ The Project information is available for public to comment; ✓ Actions listed in the ESMF and any further document and Information Disclosure programme are implemented as scheduled; ✓ The minutes of consultation meetings are recorded and meetings logged in a register; ✓ Grievances are logged and tracked through to resolution within a timeframe of 20 calendar days from acknowledgement of receipt (evidenced by an up-to-date grievance register); ✓ Semi-annual Grievance Report to be prepared and made publicly available; ✓ Any future Contractors progress reports include summary of the grievance mechanism (summary of new grievances recorded and update on the resolution of existing grievances); ✓ Annual reports on the implementation of the grievance process are made available as part of annual external reporting on the E&S performance of the Project which shall be made publicly available. The monitoring of Grievance management will be through a set of indicators ensuring effective and timely resolution of grievance. The indicators will be measures within the reporting periods. The indicators are listed below: ✓ Number of Grievances received; ✓ Number (%) of Grievances acknowledged within the timeframe; ✓ Number (%) of Grievances unilaterally decided; ✓ Number (%) of Grievances closed within the specified time-frame; ✓ Number (%) of grievance related to a same or repeated event and /or location to identify areas most affected by potentially negative impacts of the project; ✓ Number (%) of grievance received comparing to the previous reporting period; ✓ Number (%) of complainant satisfied with the process (timely, fair); 163 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) ✓ Number (%) of complainant satisfied with the outcome. 9.3. Reporting Responsibilities MNRETS PIU's E&S staff will monitor all subprojects it funds to ensure compliance with ESHS requirements during construction, operation, and maintenance. They will ensure full compliance with the terms of the contract and the ESMP. Final settlement with the contractor should be contingent upon final inspection, with particular attention to the requirement to restore the facility to its original condition once remediation work is completed. Environmental monitoring of the rehabilitation sites will include regular observations of soil, water, and vegetation in and around the rehabilitation sites; the involvement of environmental inspectors in monitoring and evaluation will help in developing systematic environmental monitoring at the rehabilitated sites. MNRETS PIU E&S staff will visit sub-project sites on a regular basis to ensure adequate implementation of the ESMP by contractors and supervisors. Based on the performance of the various subproject safety measures, they will advise on subsequent payments that should be made to subproject contractors within the project. If it is determined that there is non- compliance with the ESMF and/or ESMP, further payments will be discontinued until ESMP compliance is achieved. In addition, in project areas, MNRETS PIU will be responsible for the environmental and social monitoring activities identified above as part of the preventive and mitigation measures proposed to address potential adverse impacts. This monitoring will be included in the overall project monitoring plan required by the World Bank as part of project implementation. As part of its environmental and social monitoring activities, MNRETS PIU will conduct random inspections of project facilities to determine the effectiveness of measures taken and the impact of subproject activities on the environment. MNRETS PIU is also responsible for processing, reviewing and monitoring complaints and other feedback, including on environmental and social issues. In addition, MNRETS PIU will be responsible for ESMP reporting and will: 1) Record and maintain the results of project supervision and monitoring throughout the project period. It will provide consolidated progress reports on ESMF / ESMP and ESA aspects of sub- projects on a semi-annual basis to the World Bank, and as part of this reporting will provide updates on any project decisions related to complaints / feedback received, which have been addressed, and which may be pending. 2) Prepare quarterly progress reports on the implementation of measures proposed by ESMP for individual subprojects; 3) Prepare annual reports on environmental impacts arising from subprojects and analyze the effectiveness of mitigation measures used to minimize negative impacts; 4) Prepare diagrams and requirements for Contractor's environmental protection and mitigation reports, and review Contractor's monitoring plan and reports; and, 5) Present mitigation and environmental and social protection measures to the general public through special publications or/and annual public seminars. 164 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 10. Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of the ESMF This section describes all actors involved in the implementation of the ESMF and assesses their ability to fulfill their responsibilities. Based on this, it will be necessary to propose a set of specific measures to build the capacity and strengthen the institutions involved to assess and monitor the environmental and social impacts of potential sub-project types for verification and ensuring compliance with existing and proposed legislation and any other requirements necessary to ensure implementation of the proposed environmental monitoring at national and local levels. 10.1. Project Coordination To implement subcomponent 2.1. project funds will be used through the PFIs, which will provide sub-loans to beneficiaries, including households interested in switching to cleaner heating options; and private enterprises involved in cleaner technologies and heating services. Implementation of financing will go through the PIU of the Ministry of Finance, which has extensive experience in implementing various types of financing schemes supported by the World Bank, through commercial banks in Kyrgyzstan. The proposed scheme is described below: (i) The PIU of the MoF announces call for interested/eligible PFIs, including state owned and private banks, to submit their expression of interests and later signing agreements for participating in the Project. The Project funds will be provided to the PFIs as a loan for ten years with one year grace period, in local currency, with the interest rate that considers full coverage of the operational expenses and regulatory costs of such loans. The PFIs will repay loans according to the schedule, transferring the repayments to the special account in the treasury to be used for the revolving of the Project funds and for the next transfers to the PFIs to cover more beneficiaries under the project. (ii) It is expected that the PFIs will provide loans to households under consumer lending rules, without collateral, with five years maturity and around 10 percent interest rate per annum. It is expected that the cost of the single loan will not exceed US$5,000 for HHs. The PFIs are fully responsible for repayment of the loan to the MoF. They can reuse the funds during the ten-year period allocating funds multiple times before repaying to the MoF. (iii) The PFIs may provide loans to the energy service companies as well. Energy service companies can use the loan to supply and install clean heating systems at SFHs, then collect the cost of investments, as well as operations and maintenance cost according to the agreement with the household. It is possible also to receive a license and provide energy service at the adopted tariff for such services. (iv) It was agreed that the main technology for the improved heating system at the SFH is the heat pump (any technically feasible solution). In some cases, electrical boilers could be also applied (criteria and conditions will be elaborated in POM). Solar water heating is also among the eligible technologies for financing under the project. 165 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) (v) The number of beneficiaries likely to benefit from the project is estimated to be up to 20,000 households through the proposed revolving mechanism. With the inclusion of lower-cost technologies such as efficient electric boilers, and longer maturity loans with softer terms, the financing arrangement proposed in the project is expected to benefit large segments of HHs in Bishkek. The issue of the low-income households was also discussed with the MoF and Bishkek municipality. The general approach is that the Project funds should be used only based on the repayment to allow market development and further access to affordable supply by all families. The municipality expressed commitment to support the eligible low-income families with provision of clean heating options for their houses through a financial assistance program to be fully funded by the municipality. The identification of the vulnerable households will be conducted with the participation of the Ministry of Labour, Social Development and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic. (vi) It was agreed that the Bank will help with development of the capital grant pilot scheme enabling efficient way to channel annually about US$1 million funds from the Bishkek local budget to the low-income families. Currently the city provides about US$300,000 subsidy per year for supply with a coal the vulnerable families. It has also been agreed that the piloting of such scheme will be implemented on the 3 rd year of the project based on results and learnings from implementation of the market-based financing scheme discussed earlier. Such staggering will ensure that the vulnerable population benefits from any technological optimization during the initial few years and established quality of service from the providers of cleaner heating technologies and services. If the scheme proves to be efficient, the project will consider expanding such scheme in collaboration with the municipality. This sub-activity will be implemented by the POM at MNRETS. The MoF agreed to elaborate arrangements if the Bishkek municipality is committed to provide adequate funds. The scheme of coordination in the implementation of the project is shown in Figure 7. 166 Figure 7.Scheme of coordination in project implementation 167 10.2. MNRETS Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Project Implementation Unit of the MNRETS ETS shall be responsible for: • All fiduciary functions (e.g., purchasing, financial management, preparation of annual reports, budgets, etc.); and • safety functions, including environmental and social assessment and safety assurance, preparation of documents and the appointment of safety specialists to local and regional authorities for oversight, monitoring and compliance. MNRETS has staff positions in the procurement, financial management, and technical fields. MNRETS PIU will also hire an Environmental and Social Specialists, who will oversee the overall coordination of the implementation of specific ESMF and ESMPs, report to the MNRETS and the WB on the integration of safety requirements into procurement documents and contracts. He/she will also be responsible for interaction with environmental authorities, local implementing agencies ensuring effective implementation of safeguards documents, and will carry out on-site visits and environmental and social supervision and monitoring, assessment of compliance with environmental and social standards in the workplace, advising the project municipalities on environmental and social safeguards. The MNRETS PIU Social Specialist will also be responsible for identifying EA training needs for all parties involved in the implementation of the ESMF/ESMP. They will have primary responsibility for ensuring that project activities are carried out in accordance with WB ESS, GRM, site-specific safeguards documents such as Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies, and preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) that comply with national regulations and ESR procedures. 10.3. MoF Project Implementing Unit (PIU) MoF PIU will be responsible for implementing the financing scheme for subcomponent 2.1 through commercial/state-owned banks; • Ensure that the PFI Agreements between the Association and participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) set out the PFIs' responsibilities to comply with the requirements of relevant national legal and regulatory provisions, supplemented by any corporate Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policies and guidelines, LMP and SEP; • Ensure the PFIs comply with the above requirements throughout Project implementation; • Contribute to the semiannual reporting to the Bank 10.4. Responsibilities of Beneficiaries To ensure effective implementation of the ESMP, the subproject beneficiaries, the local municipalities of Bishkek city, Kyrgyzhydromet, will appoint responsible persons with the main 168 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) tasks of overseeing the implementation of subprojects and reporting to the MNRETS/MNRETS PIU on all environmental and social issues. Energy service companies and banks through which sub-loans will be processed and used by beneficiary households for the supply and installation of green heating systems, and which will then be charged the cost of the investment as well as O&M costs, will be required to undergo due diligence of environmental and social management to verify their compliance with the requirements of the ESS9 and pertinent national regulations. 10.5. Responsibilities of Contractors Real investments will be made by contractors selected through public tenders. Contractors must operate in full compliance with national environmental and social legislation and ESMP requirements. In addition, contractors are required to comply with national traffic, health and safety laws; Fire safety; environment protection; and public health and safety. All activities related to the ESMP will be funded by contractors. The contractors will also be asked to appoint a person responsible for environmental, social, health and safety issues, and for the implementation of the ESMP. 10.6. ESMF Implementation Budget In order to ensure successful ESMF implementation, funding is also required to finance capacity building activities. Since it is difficult to prepare budget estimates for capacity building at this stage, this information will be included in the procurement plan. The tentative plan of capacity building and training plan is presented below. Table 20.Budget items and estimated costs # Name of training Time and tentative Recipients Organizer Tentative duration of the training cost, USD 1 Overview of WB ESSs and During first year of Project MNRETS, selected Consultant 800 their implementation implementation Duration - 1 local authorities during the project cycle. day National Environmental requirements for project preparation and implementation 2 Implementation of ESMF, Before sub-projects MNRETS, selected Consultant 800 ESMPs, ESMPs checklist selection and approval local authorities Duration - 2 days 3 OH&S, Handling and Before starting respective MNRETS PIU; Consultant 800 disposal of hazardous works 1 day Contractors materials 4 Citizen Engagement and Continuously during the MNRETS MNRETS Consultant 800 consultation program implementation PIU 169 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Total 3200 10.7. Capacity Building & Training The project will conduct special training sessions to ensure effective project implementation and a clear understanding of the environmental and social risk management requirements under the World Bank's ESSs. Given the diverse activities and the range of E&S risks associated with them, a comprehensive training/skill enhancement programme is needed for EA staff in general and E&S staff in particular to ensure effective implementation of safeguard issues as well as to meet the requirements of the WB ESS. To meet above requirements, MNRETS PIU will involve a consultant with knowledge of national environmental and social management requirements, as well as substantial knowledge of the World Bank ESSs requirements for developing different training modules for EA staff including the E&S specialist, after assessing the requirement. The training topics will include the basic requirements of the World Bank ESSs, ESIA, ESMP, Occupational Health and Safety Plan, RAP implementation, etc., including exposure to international best practices in safety and security management, and will be provided to project participants. A budget allocation of $28,000 is required as indicated below. Trained E&S personnel of the PIU shall act as a trainer, for contractors' E&S personnel on environmental and social requirements and specific contract terms on safeguards. In addition, the World Bank will organize training during project implementation to respective MNRETS PIU staff and other involved agencies within the first year of the project implementation, in order of relevance, followed by, at minimum, annual refresher trainings as needed throughout project implementation. Also, training for project workers is expected to be delivered by the contractors at the commencement of engagement of project workers, followed by, at minimum, one annual refresher training. Table 21.Preliminary training plan for ESSs â„– Training title Time and estimated Target group Responsible Projecte duration d cost, USD 1. Review of the World Bank During the first year of MNRETS PIU staff Consultant 4000 ESSs and their the Project including municipal implementation during the Duration - 0.5 day. project staff project cycle. National environmental requirements in the preparation and implementation of projects 2. Implementation of Before selecting MNRETS PIU staff Consultant 8000 ESMF/ESIA, ESMP, RAP, LMP, subprojects including municipal SEP, GRM Duration - 2 days. project staff 3. Implementation of ESIA, Before selecting sub- Local stakeholders in Consultant 4000 ESMP, RAP projects the municipal staff Duration - 2 days. 4. Environmental and social Immediately after Contractors Consultant 8000 sensitivity of the project signing the contract area: ESIA/ESMP 5. Reporting on E&S During the first six IA staffing, including Consultant 4000 performance and compliance months of the Project municipal project staff Duration - 0.5 days. 170 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) TOTAL 28000 171 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 11. ESMF Disclosure and Public Consultations 11.1. ESMF Disclosure During the preparation of the ESMF, several meetings were held with stakeholders, in particular, at the concept development stage, with senior officials of the MNRETS KR, the Ministry of the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, and other organizations. Information collected from these meetings was utilized in the drafting of the ESMF document. The draft ESMF document was published in mnr.gov.kg official language [Russian] on the MNRETS website on 05/26/2023 (https://mnr.gov.kg/ru/posts/news/prosli-obshhestvennye-slusaniya-proekta-vsemirnogo- banka-ulucsenie-kacestva-vozduxa). The announcement of the planned public hearings was disseminated through the Ministry of Natural Resources and local administrations of the Bishkek Mayor's Office. Additional consultations will be carried out at the subprojects assessment stage in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry and the requirements of the World Bank. 11.2. Public Consultation on ESMF Public consultations on the project, as well as draft documents on the management of social and environmental risks of the project, were held on May 26, 2023. The format of the consultations assumed open access to the public, NGOs, active citizens with representatives of state bodies, local administrations and other interested parties. A total of 40 people attended the meeting. The meeting provided brief information about the project, its components, executing agencies and draft documents on the management of social and environmental risks associated with the project. During the public consultations, the meeting participants were provided with information about the project, its expected environmental and social impacts, proposed mitigation measures, and the environmental and social assessment procedure. The final documents will be published on the website of the MNRETS KR. Detailed information about public hearings, as well as discussions of project documents, is presented in the attached minutes of the meeting (Annex 14). 172 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 12. Annexes Annex 1. Types of Activities Mandated to Undergo ESIA by National Legislation Annex 1 to the Regulations on the procedure for conducting environmental impact assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic. Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated February 13, 2015 No. 60: 14. Facilities for the treatment of waste water, flue gases. 15. Groundwater intakes. 16. Water supply systems for populated areas, irrigation and drainage systems. 17. Construction of roads and railways. 18. Airports, airfields, testing grounds, inland navigation ports, autodromes. 19. Construction of recreational and tourist facilities. 20. Organization of industrial units. 21. Sewer networks. 22. Mountain lifts and cable cars. 23. Utilization, processing and disposal of production and consumption waste. 24. Gas stations. 25. Service stations and pre-sale preparation of vehicles. 173 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 2.1. Subprojects/ Activities Exclusion List The World Bank does not fund the following subprojects/ activities: 1) Production or trade in any product or activity deemed illegal under host country laws or regulations or international conventions and agreements, or subject to international bans, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides/herbicides, ozone depleting substances, PCB's, wildlife or products regulated under CITES. 2) Production or trade in arms and ammunition. 3) Production or trade in alcoholic beverages (except beer and wine). 4) Production or trade in tobacco. 5) Gambling, casinos and equivalent enterprises. 6) Production or trade in radioactive materials. This does not apply to the purchase of medical equipment, quality control (measurement) equipment and any equipment where IFC considers the radioactive source to be trivial and/or adequately shielded. 7) Production or trade in unbonded asbestos fibers. This does not apply to purchase and use of bonded asbestos cement sheeting where the asbestos content is less than 20%. 8) Drift net fishing in the marine environment using nets in excess of 2.5 km. in length. A reasonableness test will be applied when the activities of the project company would have a significant development impact but circumstances of the country require adjustment to the Exclusion List. In addition to these activities, the Bank will also not finance several types of sub-projects: 1) In or near vulnerable and valuable ecosystems and "critical" habitats - juniper forests, wetlands, wildlife, vulnerable soils and special habitats of endangered rare and endemic species; 2) In areas or near archaeological and/or historical monuments or existing cultural and social institutions; 3) In densely populated areas where relocation may be required or the potential impact on pollution and other disturbances may significantly impact communities; 4) in regions where intensive development activities are carried out or where there are conflicts over the distribution of natural resources; along watercourses, in places where aquifers are replenished or in reservoirs used for drinking water supply; and on lands or waters containing valuable resources (such as fish stocks, minerals, medicinal plants, and primary agricultural soils). Sub-projects located in close proximity to such areas will be classified as high-risk projects and will not be considered by the project. 174 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 3. Screening for potential environmental issues (to be filled out based on the results of the environmental review process) Form 1: Environmental checklist Part 1 a) SubProject Name: b) Brief description of the subproject, to include: nature of the subproject, subproject cost, physical size, site area, location, property ownership, existence of on-going operations, plans for expansion or new construction. c) Will the subproject have impacts on the environmental parameters listed below during the construction or operational phases? Indicate, with a check, during which phase impacts will occur and whether mitigation measures are required. Environmental component Construction Operational Mitigation phase* phase* measures** Terrestrial Environment Land and soil degradation: will the project include earthworks? Generation of solid waste, including toxic? Contamination of soil and groundwater Air Quality Does the project include emissions of pollutants? Aquatic Environment Water Quality: will the project involve water use? Water Quality / Pollution: Will the project contribute to surface water pollution Socio-economic Environment Will the project assure non-deterioration of human health, occupational safety and non-disturbance of residents living near project area? Does the project require public consultation to address environmental concerns and suggestions from local residents? Social consequences *If no, please provide explanation; If yes, please provide some details. **Briefly describe the mitigation measures 175 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental checklist Part 2 1. Environmental risks of the subproject (high risk, significant risk, moderate risk, or low risk) - ____ (if the project is high risk, the following items do not need to be filled in - the subproject cannot be included in the project) 2. Whether the activities of the project will be implemented: (a) In or near sensitive and valuable ecosystems - wetlands, wild lands, and habitats of endangered species - ____ (yes or no) (b) In or near areas with archaeological and/or historical sites or existing cultural and social institutions - ____(yes or no) (c) In densely populated areas where relocation may be required or potential pollution and other disturbances may have a significant impact on communities - ___ (yes or no) (d) In regions subject to intensive development activities or where there are conflicts in the allocation of natural resources; along watercourses, in aquifer recharge areas, or in reservoirs used for drinking water supply; and on lands or waters containing valuable resources (such as fisheries, minerals, medicinal plants, basic agricultural soils) -___ (yes or no) If "yes" - the subproject will be excluded from the Program 3 An environmental assessment is required (yes or no) _____ (the following items should be completed only for subprojects with significant or moderate risks) 3. Types of necessary EE documents (circle the necessary ones): (a) A partial ESIA, including a site assessment and an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP); (b) ESMP checklists for small subprojects; (c) Environmental Impact Statement (categories 2-3) 4. What environmental and social issues are raised by the subproject? __________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 10. If an environmental and social impact assessment is required, what specific issues need to be addressed? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 11.What is the time frame and approximate cost of the ESIA? _______________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Conclusion (whether the subproject can be included in the program and, if so, under what conditions): ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Position, Name, Date: Approved by: 176 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental Сhecklist Part 3 Final Environmental Assessment Checklist (to be completed by MNRETS PIU based on review of proposed mitigation and environmental impact assessment (if required)) Was the environmental and social impact assessment necessary? (Yes or No) ___ If yes, was it done? Has an Environmental and Social Management Plan been prepared? (Yes or No) _______ Are the mitigation measures to be included in the project adequate and appropriate? (Yes or No) ________ Will the project meet existing pollution control standards for emissions and waste? (Yes or No) _____ If not, is an exemption needed? _____ ______ Is an environmental monitoring plan necessary? (Yes or No) ___ If so, has it been prepared? (Yes or No) ___ Approved by MNRETS PIU? ___________ Have there been public consultations regarding the potential environmental impact of the proposed subproject? (Yes or No) _____ Were minutes taken? (Yes or No) _____ Date_________ Number of participants___ Other____________________________________________ Position, Name, Date Approved by: 177 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Environmental checklist Part 4. Final Environmental Checklist (2) (to be completed by MNRETS PIU based on review of proposed mitigation and environmental and social impact assessment (if applicable)) Is the project documentation complete? If not, what is missing? Are land and resource use permits required? If so, were they obtained? Are solid waste discharge permits required? If so, have they been obtained? Are discharge permits required for wastewater? If so, have they been obtained? Is a health inspection required? Has a permit been issued? Has an environmental assessment been obtained and approved? Is there any possibility of soil degradation or contamination? If so, have appropriate prevention or mitigation measures been planned and provided for? Is there any possibility of water quality degradation or contamination? If so, have appropriate prevention or mitigation measures been planned and provided for? Is there any possibility of deterioration of air quality or air pollution? If yes, have appropriate prevention or mitigation measures been planned and provided for? Is there a threat to the biological environment? If yes, have appropriate prevention or mitigation measures been planned and provided for? Is there likely to be an adverse impact on the social environment? If yes, are the necessary measures to prevent, mitigate or compensate planned and envisaged? Was the level of public participation in the design, planning, and public consultation adequate? Were public concerns raised during the consultation process? What is the desired level, frequency and scope of environmental monitoring during the construction phase? What is the desired level, frequency and volume of environmental monitoring during the operational phase? 178 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Form 2: Checklist of site visits Subproject Name: Date / time of visit: District: Visitors: Current activities and history of the facility • Contact person of the facility (name, title, contact information)? • What area of the facility will be used for project activities? • Who are the current users of the facility? • What was the previous use of the facility (provide dates if possible)? • Are there any intruders or illegal users of the facility whose livelihoods or assets will be affected by the project? Environmental situation • Are there any sensitive sites nearby (nature reserves, cultural sites, historical sites)? • Are there any watercourses on the site? • Is the site sloped? • Is the site prone to flooding, waterlogging, or landslides? Are there signs of erosion? • What buildings are nearby (e.g., schools, housing, industrial facilities) and land uses? Estimate the distances. • Will the proposed facility affect transportation or utilities? Licenses, permits • Does the facility require licenses or permits for the proposed activity? Are they available for inspection? • What environmental or other (e.g., health, forestry) agencies have jurisdiction over the site? Water quality issues • Does the planned activity use water for any purpose (give details and estimate quantity). What is the source? • Will the planned activity produce any discharges? (estimate quantity and identify point of discharge) • Is there a drainage system in place for surface water or wastewater? Is there a plan for existing drainage or septic systems available? • How is wastewater managed (surface water courses, dry wells, septic tanks)? Soils • What is the surface of the land (farmland, pasture, etc.)? • Will the project damage soils during construction or operation? • Will the project have a significant impact on the landscape (drainage of wetlands, changes in water flow) Biological environment • Describe the vegetation cover on the site. • Is there information about rare or threatened flora and fauna on or near the site? If so, will the project have an impact or increase the risk to the species? • Obtain a list of vertebrate fauna and common plants of the site (if available). 179 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) • Note the potential negative impacts on the bio if the project goes forward. Visual inspection procedures • Try to get a map of the site or make a sketch to mark the details. • Take pictures, if allowed. • Walk as much of the plot as possible, including the boundaries, to mark adjacent activities. • Pay attention to any smells, smoke or visual dust emissions, standing water, etc. 180 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 4. Results of the environmental and social screening Any sub-project proposal that includes actions that are the same as those included in the lists of sub-projects excluded from financing and that may have significant environmental risks will be disqualified. If the answer to any of the following questions is [YES], the subproject proposal must be excluded. 181 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 5. Indicative outline of ESMP An ESMP consists of the set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken during implementation and operation of a project to eliminate adverse environmental and social risks and impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels. The ESMP also includes the measures and actions needed to implement these measures. The Borrower will (a) identify the set of responses to potentially adverse impacts; (b) determine requirements for ensuring that those responses are made effectively and in a timely manner; and (c) describe the means for meeting those requirements. The content of the ESMP will include the following: (a) Risk and impacts • Air pollution and dust generation: Emissions from combustion of fuels and lubricants in engines of drilling and compressor equipment. • Noise: Noise pollution • Waste generation: Waste insulation materials, Packaging and insulation materials for drilling fluids and components. • Generation of drilling cuttings and drilling water: Contaminated wastewater is generated in processes directly related to drilling and well development. • Any construction work and activities associated with the use of drilling mechanisms can lead to contamination of wells. Therefore, it is allowed to use only appropriate approved materials for this and perform actions according to strict regulations. This also applies to the corresponding sanitary well site, from which, after about 50 days, groundwater reaches the water intake, which is about the lifespan of most pathogens. Buildings are prohibited within this area to prevent biological contaminants from penetrating through the overburden. To clearly indicate this zone, special notification signs should be installed and a sanitary regime should be in place. • Currently, 12 substances are classified as POPs: polychlorinated dioxins and furans, polychlorobiphenyls, DDT, chlordane, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, toxaphene, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and mirex. If, within the framework of components 1 and 2, during the conversion of heating systems, or the dismantling of old boilers, sources of the above- mentioned POPs are identified, a special regulation on the neutralization and utilization of POPs should come into effect. (b) Mitigation • The ESMP identifies measures and actions in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy that reduce potentially adverse environmental and social impacts to acceptable levels. The plan will include compensatory measures, if applicable. Specifically, the ESMP: (i) identifies and summarizes all anticipated adverse environmental and social impacts; (ii) describes - with technical details - each mitigation measure, including the type of impact to which it applies and the conditions under which it is required (e.g., on a continuous or contingency basis) along with designs, equipment descriptions, and operating procedures, as appropriate; 182 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) (iii) This may be particularly relevant where the Borrower engages contractors and the ESMP sets out the requirements that contractors must follow. In this case, the ESMP should be included as part of the contract between the Borrower and the contractor, along with the relevant monitoring and enforcement provisions. (iv) estimates any potential environmental and social impacts of these measures; and (iv) takes into account and is consistent with other mitigation plans required for the project (e.g. cultural heritage). (c) Monitoring • The ESMP identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type of monitoring, with linkages to the impacts assessed in the environmental and social assessment and the mitigation measures described in the ESMP. Specifically, the monitoring section of the ESMP provides (a) a specific description, and technical details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, detection limits (where appropriate), and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective actions; and (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation. (c) Capacity Development and Training - To support timely and effective implementation of environmental and social project components and mitigation measures, the ESMP draws on the environmental and social assessment of the existence, role, and capability of responsible parties on site or at the agency and ministry level. - Specifically, the ESMP provides a specific description of institutional arrangements, identifying which party is responsible for carrying out the mitigation and monitoring measures (e.g., for operation, supervision, enforcement, monitoring of implementation, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff training). - To strengthen environmental and social management capability in the agencies responsible for implementation, the ESMP recommends the establishment or expansion of the parties responsible, the training of staff and any additional measures that may be necessary to support implementation of mitigation measures and any other recommendations of the environmental and social assessment (d) Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates - For all three aspects (mitigation, monitoring, and capacity development), the ESMP provides (a) an implementation schedule for measures that must be carried out as part of the project, showing phasing and coordination with overall project implementation plans; and (b) the capital and recurrent cost estimates and sources of funds for implementing the ESMP. These figures are also integrated into the total project cost tables (e) Integration of ESMP with the Project - The Borrower’s decision to proceed with a project, and the Bank’s decision to support it, are predicated in part on the expectation that the ESMP (either stand alone or as incorporated into the ESCP) will be executed effectively. Consequently, each of the measures and actions to be implemented will be clearly specified, including the individual mitigation and monitoring 183 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) measures and actions and the institutional responsibilities relating to each, and the costs of so doing will be integrated into the project’s overall planning, design, budget, and implementation. 184 Annex 6. Social Screening Checklist Part 1 Instruction (i) MNRETS PIU assigned specialist with help of experts if needed completes the form. (ii) The classification of a project is a continuing process. If there is a change in the project components, project design or/and site shall be completed by the MNRETS PIU assigned specialist and submits a new form. The old form is attached for reference. (iii) Screening is filled in for all type of subprojects financed under the project. Project name: Subproject name: Location (Province, city, village) Kind of activity associated with civil works (all types including assess roads, infrastructure etc.): Screening is done First Time Time (mention the reason) Project/subproject start date Project/subproject completion date Screening date Field visit conducted: No, Yes (add dates and locations in the field) Description of the Subproject Give a brief introduction to the sub-project and its components, their objectives and benefits.Details about existing conditions of the facilities and proposed civil works with scope Available design maps earmarking site and proposed activities in order to explain work. Superimpose the map on the Google earth if available. Whether this is purely rehabilitation of existing facilities or will involve any new works. Is this sub-project closely linked to any other activity not funded under the Project? Will this sub-project involve any ancillary impact/ activity away from the work site? Not Questions Yes No Observations, remarks Known Impacts Due to Land Acquisition/ Donation of land Is the ownership status and current usage of land to be used forthe construction known? (provide details in the remarks). Please, add is the site chosen for this work free from encumbrances andis in possession of the subproject implementer? Is land for material mobilization or transport for the civil work available within the existing plot (Right of Way)? If not, provide the details on that land location, availability etc. Would the Project potentially involve temporary or permanent If yes, subproject will and full or partial physical displacement? (Specify in the not be funded. remarks what type of displacement is anticipated) Would the Project potentially involve temporary or permanent and full or partial economical displacement (e.g. loss of assets or If yes, subproject will access to resources due to land acquisition/ donation or access not be funded. restrictions – even in the absence of physical relocation)? (Specify in the remarks what type of displacement is anticipated) Is there any impact on illegal land use practices? Are there any non-titled people who are living/doing business on the proposed site/project locations that will be used for civil work? If yes, provide in the Note Section details on any temporary or permanent impact on them? 185 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) If the site is privately owned, can this land be purchased throughnegotiated settlement? If yes, subproject will Will the land owners donate the land plot for the project? not be funded. Will there be loss of shelter and/or residential land due to landacquisition/ donation? Will there be loss of any productive assets due to land acquisition/donation? Will there be losses of crops, trees, and fixed assets due to landacquisition/donation? Will there be loss of businesses or enterprises due to land acquisition/donation? Will there be loss of income sources and means of livelihoodsdue to the subproject land acquisition/donation? Will any social or economic activities be affected by land use related changes? Will people lose access to natural resources, communal facilities, services or other assets as a result of land acquisition/donation or project implementation? Provide detailsin the remarks. Will project result in land use restrictions and/or easement rights? Provide details in the remarks. Will access to land and resources owned communally or by thestate be restricted? Are there any previous land acquisitions happened and the identified land has been already acquired? Provide details in the Note section. Are there any land acquisition happening in frame of this project but without financing of the World Bank? Provide details in the Note section. Data on Impact and Vulnerable Groups Is land area needed for the project known? (Provide estimates inthe Remarks, including status of ownership, area, type of land use etc.) Is there any estimate of the likely number of persons that will If yes, subproject will bedisplaced by the Project? not be funded. Are any of them poor, female-heads of households, or vulnerable to poverty risks? Provide some estimate Gender Is there a likelihood of impacts on gender equality and/or thesituation of women and girls? Would the Project potentially reproduce discriminations againstwomen based on gender, especially regarding access to assets, opportunities and benefits? Would the Project potentially limit women’s ability to use, develop and protect natural resources, taking into account different roles and positions of women and men in accessing environmental goods and services? Decision: After reviewing the answers above, it is determined that the sub project:[ ] LAR impacts, the project is not eligible for financing [ ] No LAR impact, the project is eligible for financing Prepared by Date Approved by Date Note: Attach additional information on the project, as necessary. For example, maps, photos, minutes of meeting etc. 186 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Part 2 Screening report form of expected LAR impacts (The report should be brief) Sub-project Sub-project implementation location (Indicate location of implementation with the designation on the map-scheme with photos) Kind of activity: (new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, maintenance) Estimated cost Estimated start date: Technical drawings / specifications discussed: Availability â„– Possible impact factor (Yes/ No) 1. Does the sub-project fall into private land? Is it necessary to physically or economically displace local people or businesses? 2. Will there be involuntary acquisition of land? Will there be impact on assets? Is it required to determine the level of assessment of institutional resources necessary 4. for protection measures? 5. Are there any third-party assets at the project site? 6. Are there any disputed territories? Will there be access roads and pedestrian paths to residential buildings and commercial 7. structures during construction? Will the construction lead to changes in social environment, will the incomes of 8. commercial structures and the population decrease? Will the planned construction affect the health of the population and harm 9. somebody? 10. Will the sub-project cause protests and concerns among residents? Will activities cause unfavorable impact on the living conditions of the population, its 11. values, and way of life? 12. Will the sub-project cause inequality between population groups? 13. Is the degree of public interest in the sub-project high? Are there any facts of the past impact of involuntary resettlement in a given territory, 14. which require corrective actions for not mitigated past relocations? 15 Is this subproject linked with any other infrastructure development project Based on the above checklist it will be determined if an activity will be financed by the Project. Recommendations: Taking into account responses to monitoring questions, it will be determined whether further actions are required to prepare Due diligence report Completed by (full name and contacts): Signature: Date: 187 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 7. Rules for Work Safety at Height The employer must ensure that technical, technological and organizational measures have been undertaken in accordance with the approved regulations prior to commencement of any work at height: a) technical and technological measures, including the development and implementation of work-at-height plan (WaHP) or the development and approval of technological flow charts for the job (job cards); fencing of the work site, displaying warning and prescriptive posters (signs), use of collective and personal protective equipment; b) organizational measures, including proper allocation of responsibilities in the field of occupational health and safety among the employer's officers and the appointment of persons responsible for the organization and safe performance of work at height; person responsible for the safe operation of the suspended lifting cradle (hereinafter – the cradle); persons responsible for approving work-at-height plans (WaHP), persons authorized to issue a job order/permit, persons responsible for preparing a response and evacuation plan for cases of emergency, as well as persons responsible for maintenance and regular inspections of PPE. The work-at height plan or the technological job card for work at height (hereinafter - JC) shall define and specify the following: (a) Priority setting up of permanent fencing structures; b) temporary fencing devices; c) means of support used, including ladders, stepladders, planking, platforms, roundabouts, and scaffolding; d) use of lifting devices, cradles of elevators (towers); e) systems of work safety at height and the list of devices, equipment and individual and collective protection equipment for protecting from falling from height; description of the uses for each of the items listed; f) nomenclature of equipment to protect workers from hazardous and harmful working conditions identified in the assessment of working conditions - noise, vibration, the effects of other hazards, as well as harmful substances in the air of the working area; g) places and methods of attaching safety systems for work at height; h) ways and means of ascent or descent of workers to workplaces at height; i) means of lighting workplaces, ascension/descension paths, as well as signaling and communication devices; j) requirements for the equipment of workplaces with labor safety equipment and essential fire extinguishing equipment; k) requirements regarding sanitary and support services to be made available for employees. The WaHP or JC shall contain the requirements for: (a) installation and operation procedures for equipment; b) reducing the volume and intensity of jobs performed in conditions of elevated safety hazard; c) safe placement of machines and mechanisms; d) equipment of workplaces with industrial safety systems. 188 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) For the purposes of eliminating the risk of collapse of structures, or falling products or materials during their transportation by crane or during their use or storage at height, relevant WaHP or JC shall describe the following: a) means of containerization and containers for the transportation of single-piece and loose cargo, concrete and mortar, taking into account the nature of the cargo moved and the ease of its delivery to the place of work; b) methods of slinging, ensuring that the elements being transported are in a position that is equivalent or close to its design position; c) devices (pyramids, cassettes) for stable storage of structural elements; d) manner of storage for products, materials, equipment; e) manner of final fixation/retention of structures; (f) manner of temporary securing of disassembled parts during the dismantling of buildings and structures; (g) methods of disposal of waste and debris; h) protective slabs (decks) or canopies when performing work within one vertical dimension. The WaHP or JC involving the use of machines (mechanisms) shall contain the following: (a) choosing most suitable types, determining places of installation and safe operation of machines (mechanisms); b) types and means of protecting the operator and people working nearby from hazards associated with the operation of the machine; c) range of travel and rotation angles for the machine; d) means of communication between the machine operator and the people working nearby (sound alarms, radio and telephone communication); e) special conditions for installing the machine in a hazardous area. The WaHP or JC should contain the following: a) description of safety measures to be used when working at height, with indication of specific types and means of scaffolds to be used, with clear indication that no unauthorized/improper alterations to the use or installation of scaffolds are allowed. b) the requirement to ensure additional stability of scaffolding and towers, including by means of tethering to the load-bearing elements of buildings and structures, by magnetic fasteners and other anchoring fasteners, as prescribed by the manufacturer's recommendations. To ensure protection against electric shock when working at height, the WaHP or JC shall include the following: a) instructions on the selection of routes and determining the voltage of temporary power-supply and lighting lines, fencing of live parts and the location of electrical distribution panels; b) instructions on how to earthen metal parts of electrical equipment and how to construct earthing loops; c) additional safety measures related to carrying out works with high and very high level of hazard. The WaHP or JC shall provide for additional safety measures if works are to be performed in an operating facility, without interruption of its principal workflows. 189 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) The plan for the evacuation and rescue of workers shall be developed in accordance with the requirements of the Section Response to Accidents, Accidents and Occupational Diseases, while taking into account the specific nature of the employer’s operations. When developing an emergency plan, psychophysiological risk factors affecting the worker during evacuation and rescue operations must be taken into account. The evacuation and rescue plan for employees shall contain the following: 1. The flow-chart of decision-making regarding work stoppage and non-resumption. 2. Methods and means of emergency communication with the responsible manager and emergency services. 3. Emergency assembly point and evacuation routes leading to it for employees, should they decide to leave their workplaces immediately. 4. Systems to ensure the rescue or evacuation of victims of work-at-height accidents, including the nomenclature of devices, tools and means to be used for rescue and evacuation, as well as personal and collective protective equipment to protect workers from falling from height during rescue and evacuation operations, as well as the number of necessary units of each such device or tool. 5. Places and ways of tethering/fixing systems used for rescue and evacuation. 6. Ways and means of lifting and (or) lowering workers to the victim. 7. Methods for safely lowering or lifting the victim into a safe area. 8. Providing first aid to victims of accidents and, if necessary, calling an ambulance (or providing first on-site if the employer has a first aid station). It shall not be allowed to perform work at heights without obtaining a proper work order/permit; such a work order/permit should list in its para 3 the necessary safety measures for the job specified. Furthermore, in its para 4 the work order/permit shall list special safety measures, such as those that apply to the following circumstances: a) in open places, where the air speed (wind) is 15 meters per second or more; b) in thunderstorm or fog that prevents full visibility within area of work, as well as in the case of ice formation on structures, wires, equipment, engineering structures (including poles of power lines), trees; c) when assembling (disassembling) structures with a large windage surface (surface exposed to wind) at wind speeds of 10 meters per second or more. The officer responsible for the organization and safe conduct of work at height shall: a) organize the development of safety documentation for work at heights; plan for evacuation and rescue of workers in case of emergency and rescue; organize the development, approval and implementation of technological flow charts for work at height (WaHP); issue and register work order/permits; b) organize the storage and issuance of collective and personal protective equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements, as well as ensure their timely maintenance, regular testing, and go/no-go inspection; c) organize training of employees in safe methods and techniques of work at heights, organize periodic testing of knowledge of safe methods and techniques of work at heights, organize internships and trainings on occupational safety; 190 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) d) maintain workers’ personal logs of work at height with the use of rope access systems. To ensure the safety of work carried out at height, the employer must organize: a) proper selection and use of protective equipment; b) compliance with the requirements regarding marking of protective equipment; c) maintenance and periodic checks of the protective equipment specified in the manufacturer's operational documentation (instructions). 191 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 8. Chance Finds Procedure The requirements of ESS8 apply to all projects that may be exposed to risks and contain the general provisions on risks and impacts in ESS6, which recognizes the social and cultural values of biodiversity. Stakeholder engagement and disclosure provisions are set out in ESS10. Where there is evidence of past human activity at the project site, whether from a site survey during the design phase or already during the construction phase, the Borrower shall conduct desk and field surveys to document, map and study archaeological finds. The Borrower shall document the location and characteristics of archaeological sites and artefacts discovered during the project life cycle and provide such documentation to national or subnational cultural heritage organizations. The executing agency shall determine, in consultation with cultural heritage experts, whether the archaeological material discovered during the life of the project requires: (a) documentation only, (b) excavation and registration in documents: or (c) preservation in situ; and take appropriate action. The executing agency determines the rightful owner of the discovered artifacts and the organizations responsible for their storage, in accordance with national and subnational laws, and takes measures for identification, conservation, labeling, safe storage and access prior to transfer of patronage. for their further study and analysis. 192 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 9. Procedure for hazardous waste and material storage and disposal (including POPs) According to the Stockholm Convention, it is necessary to deal with the remains of substances that were produced a long time ago, and it is necessary to solve the problem of disposal / proper storage of these substances, when reconstructing heating facilities. When reconstructing heat supply facilities, sources of POPs can be decommissioned PCB-containing equipment (power capacitors and transformers), withdrawn soils contaminated with PCB-containing liquids, as well as unsuitable PCB-containing paints, both identified and in the form of unidentified mixtures, and containers contaminated by them. The procedure for handling hazardous waste on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic is carried out in accordance with Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated December 28, 2015 No. 885. Hazardous waste management processes (waste life cycle) include the following stages: generation, accumulation (collection, temporary storage, storage), transportation, neutralization, disposal, use as secondary raw materials, burial. The handling of each type of hazardous waste depends on its origin, state of aggregation, physical and chemical properties of the substrate, the quantitative ratio of components and the degree of danger to public health and the human environment. In accordance with the law of the Kyrgyz Republic dated May 8, 2009 No. 151 General technical regulation on ensuring environmental safety in the Kyrgyz Republic (As amended by the Laws of the Kyrgyz Republic dated March 1, 2012 No. 11, July 8, 2019 No. 83): Article 14. Environmental safety requirements in the field of production and consumption waste management Waste disposal facilities are included in the State Register of waste disposal facilities, which is part of the state accounting of facilities that have a negative impact on the environment. 1) For hazardous waste, a passport must be drawn up in the form established by the specially authorized state body for environmental protection. A hazardous waste passport is compiled on the basis of data on the composition and properties of hazardous waste, and an assessment of their hazard. The certification procedure is determined by a specially authorized state body for environmental protection. 2) Transportation of hazardous waste to places of accumulation, storage, disposal, burial and / or destruction is carried out under the following conditions: a. availability of a hazardous waste passport; b. the presence of specially equipped and equipped with special signs of vehicles; c. the availability of documentation for the transportation and transfer of hazardous waste, indicating the amount of transported hazardous waste, the purpose and destination of their transportation. 3) When storing (burial) waste at waste disposal sites, the requirements for their isolated and resource-saving maintenance should be ensured in order to enable subsequent processing, loading, transportation, unloading, recycling and destruction operations. 4) A hazardous waste management plan (if POPs are found) will be prepared as needed. Waste 193 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 10. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan (Example) Phase What Where How When Why Who (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to be (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) During activity site access control at the site check if design and project before launch of safety of general public, Contractor, Engineer preparation the presence of garbage planning foresee diligent construction procedures timely detection of chutes at the site visual / analytical if in doubt waste disposal inventory of hazardous visual / research in toxic bottlenecks in site vicinity on site waste (asbestos, PCBs) materials databases construction site quality control of building before start of rehabilitation works public and workplace materials (e.g. health and safety before approval to use paints/solvents) materials During activity supervision noise, vibration on site and in Visual daily avoidance of public Contractor, Engineer dust emissions immediate consultation of locals nuisance neighborhood, visual, perf analytical if types of waste and close to potential suspicious count of waste avoidance of negative wastewater, quality and impacted transports off site, check impacts on ground/ volumes residents flow rates and runoff routes daily / continuous daily surface waters reliability of surface for wastewater ensuring proper waste at discharge points or in management and drainage storage facilities disposal / continuous 194 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 11. Preliminary environmental monitoring budget (example)* Determined Ingredients Organizer Tentative cost, USD I. Chemical analysis of water Sulfates Chlorides Iron pH Ammonia nitrogen Nitrate nitrogen Nitrite nitrogen Surfactant Consultant 2 240,0 BOD5 Cyanides Copper Zinc Lead Cadmium Oil products II. Soil chemical analysis Sulfates Chlorides Oil products Ammonia nitrogen Nitrate nitrogen Consultant 1 236,0 Copper Zinc Lead Cadmium Cyanides III. Chemical analysis of atmospheric air solid ejection carbon monoxide Sulfur dioxide Consultant 381,0 nitrogen dioxide Amount of hydrocarbons IV. Research on physical factors Noise level Consultant 91,0 Vibration level Total 3 950,0 * Sampling and analysis is carried out 1 time in 1 quarter (only 3 times a year). 195 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 12. Preliminary list of possible construction waste When implementing subcomponents, the following types of waste are generated: • drilling wastewater; • waste drilling mud; • drill cuttings; • oiled rags; • scrap metal; • electrode cinders; • used containers; • used oils; • municipal waste. In accordance with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, 3 levels of waste hazard are established for the purposes of transportation, recycling, storage and disposal: 1) Green - index G; 2) Amber - index A; 3) Red - index R. In accordance with the “On Approval of the Hazardous Waste Classifier and Guidelines for Determining the Hazard Class of Wasteâ€? (Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 15, 2010 No. 9 As amended by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated December 31, 2012 No. 877, January 22, 2018 No. 38) and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal for the Purposes of Transportation, Recycling, Storage and Disposal, the preliminary list of wastes is as follows: (i) Drilling wastewater - in its composition are multicomponent suspensions containing up to 80% of fine impurities, provides high aggregate stability. Pollutants contained in drilling wastewater are divided into suspended, soluble organic impurities and oil products. This type of waste belongs to the amber list Ð?Е000. (ii) Waste drilling fluid (WDM) is one of the waste types during well construction. The polluting ability of the used drilling fluid is judged by the content of oil and organic impurities in it, estimated by the COD index, by the value of the pH value and the salinity of the liquid phase. It is these indicators that indicate that OBR is a dangerous environmental pollutant among other drilling wastes and belongs to the amber list AE020. (iii) Drill cuttings are cuttings separated from the drilling fluid by cleaning equipment. Drilling cuttings are non-toxic in terms of mineral composition. The specific density of drill cuttings is on average equal to - 1.75 t/m3, when it comes into contact with the drilling fluid, the cuttings swell and the specific density decreases by the value of the rock swelling coefficient - 1.2. Drilling cuttings are collected in containers and transported to the technological complex for the collection and processing of waste. (iv) Scrap metal (used bits, pipe cuttings) is collected at the site for temporary storage of scrap metal, as it accumulates, they are removed by a specialized organization. Danger level - green list GA090. (v) Oiled rags are formed in the process of using rags for wiping running vehicles and special equipment. Ingredients: rags - 73%, oil - 12%, moisture - 15%. This waste is 196 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) flammable, insoluble in water, chemically inactive. The hazard level of oily rags is amber list AC030. (vi) Waste oils are collected in a container and removed by a specialized organization. Hazard level - amber list AC030. (vii) Municipal waste - food packaging, paper, food waste is collected in containers and removed by a specialized organization. Danger level - green list GO060. According to the approved Hazardous Waste Classifier, the preliminary classification of hazardous waste is as follows: Waste Waste name Waste Waste code group statistic number code 05 Waste water from treated sludge 05022 N 050101/Р 00/Q 09/WL6/T2/C81/H11/D(R) 00/AE000 05 Other oily sludges and solid wastes 05062 N 050107/Р 00/Q not otherwise specified 08/WP1/T2/C81/H11/D(R) 00/AE020 The determination of the hazard level and coding of waste from the amber list will need to be clarified at the exploration and construction stage, depending on the chosen technology or when switching to other raw materials, as well as in other cases when the hazardous properties of the waste may change. From the choice of drilling technology and the choice of drilling fluids, further work will be connected with drilling waste for persons involved in practical operations for the collection, transportation, placement (storage, disposal), disposal and use of waste. The correct coding of drilling waste further takes into account the area of generation, the method of storage (burial), the method of disposal or regeneration, potentially hazardous constituent elements, and the level of waste hazard. In addition to these wastes, the following are generated: -waste from the disposal of old boilers (Scrap metal (bulk, separately accumulated pieces, parts), code: N200308/40101/Q16/WS6/Т3/C10+С15/Ð?00/R4/GA090), at the construction stage, when installing new heat pumps; - expired chemicals and agrochemicals (Pesticides, individual components code: N200609/P00/Q01+13/WL01+S2+ 15/T2/C79/H6.1+11+12/D(R) 00/GM000), at the stage of operation, when processing soil and green spaces with them; -empty containers for chemicals (insecticides), drums or briquettes (Contaminated packaging materials with other hazardous chemicals, code: N 150206/Р 00/Q 05/WS18/T2/C84/H11/D(R) 00/Ð?000) pose a risk to human health and the environment, since a small number of insecticides will always remain in the package. Therefore, under no circumstances should empty insecticide containers be used to store drinking water or food, even after cleaning; - municipal solid waste (code: N200100/40101/Q1+16/WS13/Т5/С00/Ð?00/D16/G AD160) ; The hazard level and waste coding are substantiated by the Consultant and the MNRETS PIU, in each specific case, and are agreed with the authorized body in the field of environmental protection. 197 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Annex 13. Pesticide and fertilizer management plan (including monitoring plan for pesticide and fertilizer use) Type of pesticide or fertilizer: Function: Expected Suggested Cost of measures Responsibility for The period of environmental measures aimed at the implementation implementation of and human reducing the of measures aimed measures aimed at impacts negative impact at reducing the reducing the associated with negative impact negative impact its use and storage 1. 2. 3. Type of pesticide or fertilizer: Function: 1. 2. 3. Monitoring Plan Name of the pesticide or fertilizer: What? Where? How? When? Who? What settings Where will the How will the When will Who will monitor the need to be parameters be parameters be monitoring take parameters? (duty) controlled? controlled? monitored? place (time and (methodology frequency) and tools) 1. 2. 3. Name of the pesticide or fertilizer: 1. 2. 3. 198 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) List of chemicals and pesticides, the use of which is prohibited or strictly limited in Kyrgyz Republic No. Reason for the decision trade name of foreign Chemical substance CAS number(s) (reason) economic activity code Teratogen, carcinogen, 1 2,4,5-T 93-76-5 mutagen, contains 2918 91 000 0 dibenzodioxin impurities 2903 82 000 0 2 Aldrin 309-00-2 Highly toxic 3808 59 000 9 3 Binapacryl 485-31-4 Highly toxic 2916 16 000 0 4 Captafol 2425-06-1 Highly toxic 2930 80 000 0 Persistence and 2903 82 000 0 5 Chlordane 57-74-9 bioaccumulation in the 3808 59 000 9 environment 6 Chlordimeform 6164-98-3 Carcinogen 2925 21 000 0 7 Chlorobenzilate 510-15-6 Highly toxic 2918 18 000 0 2903 92 000 0 Stable, highly cumulative, 8 DDT 50-29-3 3808 59 000 9 carcinogen 2910 40 000 0 9 Dieldrin 60-57-1 Carcinogen 3808 59 000 9 Highly toxic, pronounced 10 Dinoseb and dinoseb salts 88-85-7 2908 91 000 0 skin-resorptive effect 11 1,2-dibromethane 106-93-4 Highly toxic 2903 31 000 0 12 Fluoroacetamide 640-19-7 Highly toxic 2924 12 000 0 High toxicity, 13 HCH (mixed isomers) 608-73-1 2903 81 000 0 bioaccumulation Highly toxic, persistent, 2903 82 000 0 14 Heptachlor 76-44-8 carcinogen 3808 59 000 9 2903 92 000 0 15 Hexachlorobenzene 118-74-1 Highly toxic 3808 59 000 9 16 Lindane 58-89-9 Highly toxic 2903 81 000 0 Mercury compounds, including inorganic mercury compounds, 17 alkylmercury compounds, and Highly toxic substances 2852 alkyloxyalkyl and arylated mercury compounds Skin resorptive and 2908 11 000 0 18 Pentachlorophenol 87-86-5 irritating effects, poisoning of workers is described Monocrotophos (soluble liquid Highly toxic, highly formulations of the substance with 19 6923-22-4 hazardous pesticide 2924 12 000 0 an active ingredient content formulation exceeding 600 g/l) Methamidophos (soluble liquid Highly toxic, highly formulations of the substance with 20 10265-92-6 hazardous pesticide 2930 80 000 0 an active ingredient content formulation exceeding 600 g/l) 13171-21-6 Phosfamidone (soluble liquid (mixture, E- Highly toxic, highly formulations of the substance with and Z-isomers) 21 hazardous pesticide 2924 12 000 0 an active ingredient content 23783-98-4 (Z- formulations exceeding 1000 g/l) isomer) 297- 99-4 (E-isomer) Methyl parathion (19.5%, Pronounced skin resorptive 22 40%, 50%, 60% active ingredient 298-00-0 2920 11 000 0 and embryotoxic property, emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and 199 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) No. Reason for the decision trade name of foreign Chemical substance CAS number(s) (reason) economic activity code 1.5%, 2% and 3% active ingredient teratogen, affects powder formulations) reproductive function Parathion (all formulations of this substance are included - aerosols, sprayable powders (RP), Highly toxic, highly 23 emulsifiable concentrates (EC), 56-38-2 hazardous pesticide 2920 11 000 0 granules (G) and wettable formulation powders (SP), except for suspensions in capsules (SC)) 24 ethylene dichloride 107-06-2 Carcinogen 2903 15 000 0 25 Ethylene oxide 75-21-8 Highly toxic, carcinogen 2910 10 000 0 26 Toxaphene 8001-35-2 Persistent organic pollutant (POP), active 3808 59 000 9 carcinogen 27 Tributyltin compounds, including: Stable, bioaccumulative in tributyltin oxide; aquatic organisms tributyltin benzoate; 56-35-9 tributyltin chloride; 4342-36-3 tributyltin fluoride; 1461-22-9 2931 20 000 0 tributyltin linoleate; tributyltin 1983-10-4 methacrylate; 24124-25-2 tributyltin naphthenate 2155-70-6 85409-17-2 28 Dinitro-ortho-cresol and its salts 534-52-1 Highly toxic (ammonium, potassium and 2980-64-5 2907 12 000 0 sodium salts) 5787-96-2 2312-76-7 29 Sprayable powder formulations 17804-35-2 Highly toxic, highly containing a combination of: 1763-66-2 hazardous pesticide benomyl 7% or more, carbofuran 137-26-8 formulation - 10% or more, thiram 15% or more (combined) 30 Polychlorinated Biphenyls* 1336-36-3 Mutagen, active 2903 99 carcinogen 3824 82 000 0 31 Polybrominated Biphenyls* 1336-36-3 Mutagen, active 27858-07-7 carcinogen 4707 13654-09-6 32 Polychlorinated Terphenyls* 61788-33-8 Mutagen, active 3824 82 000 0 carcinogen 33 Tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) 126-72-7 Highly active carcinogen 2919 10 000 0 phosphate 34 Tetraethyl lead 78-00-2 Highly active carcinogen, 2931 10 000 0 toxic 35 tetramethyl lead 75-74-1 Highly active carcinogen, 2931 10 000 0 toxic 36 Forms of asbestos: Highly active carcinogen - crocidolite; 12001-28-4 - actinolite; 77536-66-4 2524 10 000 0 - anthophyllite; 77536-67-5 - amosite; 12172-73-5 - tremolite 77536-68-6 37 Endrin 72-20-8 POPs, highly toxic 2910 50 000 0 38 Mirex 2385-85-5 POPs, an active carcinogen 2903 83 000 0 3808 91 200 0 39 Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane 319-84-6 POPs, highly active 3808 6 carcinogen 2903 81 000 0 40 Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane 319-85-7 POPs, highly active 2903 81 000 0 carcinogen 200 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) No. Reason for the decision trade name of foreign Chemical substance CAS number(s) (reason) economic activity code 41 Chlordecone 143-50-0 POPs, highly active 2914 71 000 0 carcinogen, toxic 42 Hexabrombiphenyl 36355-01-8 POPs, highly active 2903 94 000 0 carcinogen 43 Hexa- and heptachlorobiphenyl 68631-49-2 POPs, bioaccumulation and ether 207122-15- biomagnification 3815 90 900 0 446255-22-7 207122-16-5 44 Pentachlorobenzene 608-93-5 POPs, persistent, 3824 86 000 0 bioaccumulative 45 Perfluorooctane sulfonate and its 1763-23-1 POPs, toxic, 3808 59 000 2 salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl 307-35-7 bioaccumulative 3824 87 000 0 fluoride* Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and 5436-43-1 POPs, toxic, 46 2909 30 310 0 pentabromodiphenyl ether 60348-60-9 bioaccumulative 47 Carbofuran 1563-66-2 Highly toxic 3808 99 900 0 48 trichlorfon 52-68-6 Highly toxic, active - carcinogen and teratogen 49 methamidophos 10265-92-6 Highly toxic 2930 80 000 0 50 Acetachlor 34256-82-1 Toxic, persistent, 3808 59 bioaccumulative 51 Phorat 298-02-2 Highly toxic, persistent, 3808 59 bioaccumulative 52 Hexachlorobutadiene 87-68-3 POPs, an active carcinogen 2903 89 800 0 53 Endosulfan and its isomers 115-29-7, POPs, an active carcinogen 2920 30 000 0 959-98-8, 3808 59 000 3 33213-65-9 54 Short chain chlorinated paraffins 36483-60-0, POPs, an active carcinogen 2903 19 0000 68928-80-3 55 Octabromodiphenyl ether 36483-60-0, POPs, bioaccumulation and (including hexa- and 68928-80-3, biomagnification 3824 88 000 0 heptabromodiphenyl ether), 1163-19-50 decabromodiphenyl ether 56 Polychlorinated naphthalene 70776-03-3 POPs, mutagen, active 3824 82 000 0 carcinogen 57 Hexabromocyclododecane 25637-99-4, POPs, toxic, 3194-55-6 bioaccumulative 134237-50-6 2903 89 800 0 134237-51-7 134237-52-8 Note: * - substances, the use of which is strictly limited» **Pesticides are not produced in the Kyrgyz Republic. For the needs of agriculture, commercial structures import approved pesticides (the list does not include drugs related to POPs). Unauthorized appearance in the republic of pesticides containing POPs is possible only when they are smuggled. 201 Annex 14. Minutes of the Public Consultations Minutes of public consultations on raising awareness among the stakeholders and the public on the World Bank “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP \P177467) and Social and Environmental standards applicable to the project Date: May 26, 2023 Bishkek, Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources, ecology and technical supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic (MNRETS), Erkindik Avenue 2. Moderator: Jumanalieva A. Center for Climate Finance (CFC) under the Ministry of Energy and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Public hearings are organized by the Ministry of Energy and Science, as the executive body preparing the Air Quality Improvement project, which is planned to be implemented with the support of the International Development Association. Information about the public hearing has been brought to the attention of the public and by posting an announcement on the website of the Ministry of Energy and Science on May 19, 2023. Participated: Representatives of the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic. Ministry of Energy and Science, Kyrgyzhydromet, Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic. Structural subdivisions, municipal enterprises, heads of district administrations and municipal territorial departments of the mayor's office of Bishkek, NGOs. active citizens. There are 40 participants in total. The list is attached Hearing agenda: Time Presentation/ Speaker 10.45-11.00 Registration of participants 11.00-11.10 Introductory speech Deputy Minister of MNRETS KR 11.10-12.15 Presentation on the Draft Framework Document for Environmental and Social Management (ESMF) prepared for the Air Quality Improvement Project in the Kyrgyz Republic (AQIP) Kydyralyeva N./Social Safeguard Consultant. Orozaly uulu Zh., Specialist Environmental Protection, Consultant 12.15- 12.45 Questions and answers 12.45-13.00 Summing up the discussion / Joint photo Speakers: Mametov M.R., Deputy Minister: He welcomed all the participants of the public hearings, thanked them for accepting the invitation, outlined the problem of smog as one of the most acute and urgent problems of the cities of the Kyrgyz Republic, briefly spoke about the components of the project and wished all participants a productive discussion. 202 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) A resident of the city of Sydykova T. She expressed deep concern about the state of the atmospheric air in the city, expressed the opinion that the formation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology! It is an important and correct decision, now the ministry must ensure the solution of many environmental problems and become the initiator of various programs in front of other ministries and departments. expressed support for the project. Kubatbek Lapinov (quarterly) raised the problem of brick factories, which are located in the southern part of the city and make a significant contribution to air pollution. He made a proposal to start gasification from the south / districts of the city. expressed support for the project. Shakinova D.I. (a resident of the city) asked how the City Hall is going to solve the problem of air pollution from transport, the problem is not reflected in the presented project of the ego? Is it possible to impose a ban on the movement of old cars inside the city? Abdyldaeva G.O. Head of the housing and communal services department of the Mayor's Office of Bishkek: The Mayor's Office, within its powers, solves the issues of reducing air pollution through the purchase of public transport (gas-powered buses and electric buses) and the gradual replacement of minibuses with electric transport. The construction of bike paths is underway. Thus, we motivate city residents to switch to alternative modes of transport. As for obsolete cars, the mayor's office does not have the authority to prohibit the movement of personal vehicles. Questions, suggestions and comments from members of the public: All participants suggested that the Ministry organize regular awareness-raising campaigns in order to preserve a healthy environment for future generations. Mametov M.R., Deputy Minister: Dear participants, we express our gratitude to then. that allocate time and take an active part in the discussion of the concept of the project, all your comments and suggestions will be taken into account by the ministry. Thank you for your support project. (Statement of questions and answers, suggestions and comments, indicating the searchers and the organization or target group they represent, when providing voluminous written suggestions and comments, including them as an annex to the protocol ) Decided: To take into account the presented documents and the concept of the project and support its implementation unanimously. Chairman Jumanalieva A. Secretary Kydyralyeva N. 203 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) 204 ESMF for “Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project" (AQIP) (P177467) Photos taken during public hearings in Bishkek (office of the Ministry of Natural Resources) 205