E754 Volume 2 April 29, 2003 Hungary: Rehabilitation and Expansion of Small Hydro-Power Plants on the River Raba OVERVIEW OF SAFEGUARD ISSUES Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................2 2. SAFEGUARD POLICY ISSUES ............................................3 3. KORMEND SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANT ................4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................5 ANNEx 3.1: CONSTRUCTION LICENSE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE KORMEND WEIR ....................................................... 11 ANNEx 3.2: SUPPORT LETTER OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KORMEND .......... .............. 12 4. CSOROTNEK SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANT ...... 13 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................ 14 ANNEX 4. 1: WEIR STRUCTURE AND SAFETY ............................... ........................ 33 ANNEx 4.2: FISHWAY STRUCTURE ....................................................... 37 ANNEx 4.3: ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE CSOROTNEK SMALL-HYDRO PLANT ....................................................... 39 ANNEX 4.4: CONSTRUCTION LICENSE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE CSOROTNEK SMALL-HYDRO PLANT ....................................................... 41 5. ANNEX 1: CONSULTATION WITH NGOS AND PROJECT-AFFECTED GROUPS ........................................... 43 6. ANNEX 2: LOCATION OF PROJECT SITES .................... 45 Several plants on the river Raba in Hungary, near the Austrian border were purchased in a package in 1998 by a private investor, the family Braml-Gmach from the regional electricity distribution company. Due to inadequate maintenance/renovation most plants acquired by the investor are in need of significant rehabilitation to operate efficiently. While some plants of the package were subsequently sold, rehabilitation and upgrade works were planned/initiated on others. The objective of the Project is to contribute to increases in the utilization of renewable energy in Hungary and demonstrate the possibility of operating small hydro-plants under economic conditions, provided environmental benefits are monetized through grant support. The Project encompasses the rehabilitation and expansion of two small-hydro plants, Kormend and Cs6r6tnek. The project sites are illustrated on a map that is in Annex 2. The Krnnend site had been operating until the re-construction started on a rather damaged, but still functioning weir. That project is now largely completed except for a fish ladder, a completion of weir re-construction, the completion of the powerhouse renovation and the construction of a fence. The Cs6rotnek site involves the completely new construction of a weir, previously destroyed during a major flood about 10 years ago. It also comprises a new powerhouse with Kaplan turbine at the weir and a fish ladder. Finally the existing power-house on the by-pass channel will be rehabilitated, new transmission systems and controls be installed together with the refurbished three Francis turbines, and a new rake and rake cleaner be installed. Existing power lines and the new line to the new Kaplan turbine will be placed underground on terrain owned by the Project owner (no issue of right of way). The Environmental Impact Assessments (ElAs) for both Project components and sites (Chapters 3 and 4) were prepared by a group of Hungarian and international specialists, including the design engineers of the weirs (Dr. Szeredi and Messrs. Hartmann) and a dam safety specialist (Dr. Zenz). Inputs were provided by the Project Owners, Mr. and Mrs. Braml-Gmach (owners and operators of six small hydro plants in Germany and Hungary) and by NGO representatives Teodora Donsz (Environmental Specialist of Bankwatch Network) and Mairta Bera (Environmental Economist, WWF). 2 2. Safeguard Policy Issues Environmental Impact Assessment Because of the manageable nature of environmental impacts and moderate risks associated with the Project it has been classified as EA category B. English summaries of Environmental Impact Assessments for the two project sites are under chapters three (Koirmend) and four (Cs6r6tnek). Environmental Management Plan The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is in a separate file. Reputational Risk In view of the Bank's record in criticism received from NGOs in the water resources/dams sector, great care has been taken to secure adequate public participation. Also, because of the local nature of any impacts of this small project, the concerned municipalities were consulted regularly, in the first place, a public participation meeting with site visit was also held with the participation of representatives from Bankwatch and WWF. The record of this event can be found in Annex I to this document. An indication of future consultations is provided in Section F (Consultations) of the EMP. International Waters The Project involves the rehabilitation of existing power generation facilities. With the exception of installing one small new turbine in Csoeroetnek, it does not involve works and activities that would exceed the original scheme, change its nature, or alter or expand its scope and extent to make it appear a new or different scheme. The project does not have any impact on the quantity or quality of water flow upstream on the Austrian part of the Raba River; and no impact on the more than 150 km distant Danube, into which the Raba River sheds near Gyor. Consequently, the project falls within the exceptions to the notification requirement of the Bank's policy on Intemational Waterways set forth in paragraph 7(a) of OP 7.50. Dam Safety Due to the small hydraulic height of the schemes and the relation between water level heights and the height of the terrain, no direct increased threat for the people living in the vicinity can be derived. On the contrary, the reconstruction of the weir in Cs6r6tnek brings back an increase in flood protection of the village. The construction works - in quality as well as in quantity - to be carried out are very dependent on geological site conditions. Drillings have been carried out to ascertain the soil composition at the dam sites. Due to the small loadings transmitted into soil, which has been shown to exhibit strong qualities, including impermeable layers, and taking care of the hydraulic situation, the construction work is manageable and assures a safe structure. The sheet-piling upstream and downstream will be penetrating practically impermeable layers of clay which will help to prevent under-washing of the sheet-piles. Moreover, sheet piles will be penetrating deep enough into the soil to prevent buckling under extreme water loads. Last, but not least, the sheet-piling upstream and downstream will be filled with heavy rock and will be connected by a reinforced concrete beam at the top. Potential scouring immediately downstream of the weir will be addressed through placing stone-filled wire baskets or tying a concrete slab into the dam. Moreover, there will be, monitoring of possible scouring downstream from the weirs (at the downstream edge of the stilling basin; 50 m; 100m; and 250 m downstream of weir, with a frequency as follows: pnor to project operation (baseline); 3 months; 6 months; and 12 months after commencement of project operation;i thence, semi-annually). Therefore, 3 the dam does not represent any significant risk. From the mechanical engineering point of view a conscientious repair work is carried out with the Owner demonstrating a considerable level of technical skills. This was demonstrated by the completed dam works in K6rmend and Ikervar, as well as for the work started in Cs6rotnek. 30 1K'Ormend SMZRR HydI Powei PREmt The K6rmend plant, located about 45 km from the Austrian border, has been in operation since 1905. The weir, which diverts the water into the 840 m long power house channel, consisted of wood piles, willow mats and unstable rocks and was severely damaged three times by high water events in 1999. The two installed Francis turbines (140 kW each) with a head of 4.1 m, a discharge of 8.2 m3/s and a capacity of 280 kW were generating 1.104 GWh (year 2000). During 1979-88 average production was 0.931 GWh, which corresponds to 106 kW average output. The turbines had been worn out badly (the last overhaul was in 1938) and the rake cleaning was operated manually. Incomes from generated electricity did not meet the high operation/maintenance costs. The operation was only continued in order to keep the unrestricted water rights. K6rmend Components a Rehabilitation of the weir. Two rows of sheet piles were placed on two sides of a rock pile section, with a concrete bed topping to eliminate/reduce leakage. Refurbishment of the two Francis turbines. This component included the renovation of the building and the installation of state-of-the-art electric equipment and remote control system. The power house was also equipped with a new trash rack with automatic cleaning system. A bypass channel diverts the surplus water in case of quick stops of the turbines around the power house. Construction of a fish ladder. In anticipation of the likely future request of the water authonty, a fish ladder will be constructed in 2004. o Channel cleaning/rehabilitation. The installed capacity was raised to 290 kW, rehabilitating the existing two turbines. The Project has been implemented within the existing, unrestricted water rights. Ecological water release to the riverbed is not required at this site as sufficient discharge is provided by the river Pinka that inflows to the Raba shortly after the weir. The Kormend component of the Project has been implemented already by the owner during 2002 and is operational except for the fish ladder and certain site improvements which are ongoing at present. 4 Kormend Small Hydro Power Plant ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Summary 1. General Conditions of Dam Reconstruction The Kormend Small Hydro Power Plant, the weir and the power channels of the plant exist and the plant operates at the same site for several hundred years. The license for the last reconstruction of the water mill was issued by the County Government in 1905. The weir diverts the water from the main river into the 758 m long power channel. This weir has been built using traditional construction methods, from local materials. The rock/brush-woods structure of the dam has been regularly damaged and destroyed by floods of the Raba River. The Szombathelyi Hydro Power Company has chosen the simplest solution from the technical and environmental points of view when it was decided that the existing dam structure shall be rehabilitated at its original site maintaining the same crest level. This altemative represents the least volume of construction works and it minimizes the influence on the environment. Because of dam safety considerations rehabilitation works were necessary to begin urgently. 2. Stage of Environmental Impact Assessment Preparation The institution of the environmental license was introduced in 1996 in Hungary. Industrial and agriculture plants and facilities established before 1996 have no environmental license. The Kormend Small Hydro Power Plant was built before 1996 and as such it is not obliged to hold an environmental license. The following shall be noted in this respect: * The Environmental Ministry and the Environmental Authorities now intend to begin environmental licensing procedures for existing facilities, beginning at the largest industrial plants. New environmental licenses for large industrial plants shall be based on detailed environmental impact assessments. * Neither intention nor legal background yet exist that would oblige every plant to obtain an environmental license * The construction license for the rehabilitation of the Krmend weir was issued by the authorities without requesting the preparation of any impact assessment. It cannot be excluded, however, that a request for an environmental impact assessment arises in the future. Background and institutional capacity for the time being is nonexistent in this respect. 5 3. lhe mportance of Mant Rehabilitatfon Increasing the share of renewable energy utilization is one of major intentions of international power development. Hungary is among the countries that are signatories to relevant international environmental agreements that mandate members to step up efforts to minimize GHG emissions that contribute to climate change. In Hungary, the generation of electric energy from renewable sources is supported by the Energy Act through guaranteed buy-back price. Because of Hungary's intention to join the European Union, the development policy is governed by the relevant EU directives of increasing the share of renewable energy to a level above 7 % until year 2010. From both economic and environmental points of view, the most favorable alternative is the rehabilitation and refurbishment of the existing plant, which is in line with the international and national development strategies. The economic and environmental value of the development can be evaluated by the comparison of the "with"- and "without"- project alternatives. Hydropower is a natural energy source, which itself does not pollute the environment. Pollution can originate only from the method and circumstances of the hydropower utilization. On the other hand, the energy generated by the Kormend Plant will displace generation from other, more polluting sources. When displacing fossil fuel fired generation, the utilization of renewable energy will contribute to reduced dust, S02, NOx, CO, and C02 emissions. 4. Addftlonal Enviironmental Concerns The most important positive impact of the rehabilitation of the weir will be the improved flood protection of the city of Kormend. From the point of view of flood protection, the most critical part of the Upper Raba nver section is a bridge in Kormend. According to data of the water authority, the maximum flood passing capacity of this bridge is about 450-500 m3/s while the maximum flood discharge is 840 m3/s. S. Characterstnics of the Surrounndings The Raba Valley is on average 2 - 3 km wide and is filled by the sediments of the river. The thickness of the gravel layer at some places exceeds 10 m. The river itself flows on its own sediments. The climate of the region is significantly influenced by the Alps. The annual average rainfall is 817 mm, with maximum values during the summer period. The annual average temperature is 8,9 C, with average values of -1,9 C in January and 19,4 C July. The direction of wind is determined by the direction of the valley. The average wind velocity varies between 1,3 - 3,8 m/s. Floods up to a discharge of 260 m3/s pass in the main riverbed. Above this discharge the flood exits to the flood plain. The probability of floods with a discharge of 840 m3/s is one percent. Sharp, short flood peaks with a duration of 10 - 40 hours are typical. The annual average discharge of water flow is 26,1 m3/s above the weir and 33,1 m3/s below the weir. The minimum discharge of the river is 5,2 m3/s. Floating sediment transport of the river amounts to 282,000 tons per year while the rolled sediments are about 4,100 tons per year. Typical soil of the region is the brown forest soil. The flora of the region represents a transition between East-Alpine and West-Hungarian flora. 6 6. Layout and Structural Conditions The small hydro power plant consists of the following main parts: * The weir located in the 157,950 km section of the Raba River (measured from the Danube). Built using traditional construction method, from local materials, from rock/brush-woods structure with a crest level of 188,03 m above Baltic sea (B). The length of the crest is 34 m. According to the license the dam shall be enforced by steel sheet piling and rock filling. The stilling basin shall be repaired by rock filling. X The dam diverts the water from the main river into the 758,m long power channel. The intake of the channel has three openings, 2,5 m wide each, closed by steel gates. Bottom width of the upstream channel is 5,0 m and the internal slopes are 1:1.5. Bottom level at the intake is 186.33 m (B) and at the power plant 185.50 m (B). The 290 m long section of the channel connecting to the power plant has concrete lining. * The power plant is equipped with two normal open flumes and vertical axe Francis turbines. Year of commissioning is 1930. Nominal data of turbines: Turbine No. 1: turbine speed 95 rpm discharge 3.1 m3/s generator speed 750 rpm installed capacity 180 kW Turbine No. 2: turbine speed 85 rpm discharge 5.7 m3/s generator speed 750 rpm installed capacity 140 kW * The tailrace channel is 145 m long. 7. Environmental Impacts In the following the expected environmental impacts are summarized: * No impacts on existing land use; no new land use is expected * No changes in the conditions of water use and influence on the existing water uses is expected * Impacts on the floods. Rehabilitation of the weir improves the flood protection of the city of Kormend. * No changes in sediment transport are expected * No impacts on ground water conditions are expected. * Air pollution during the construction period. Dust pollution occurs at roads and preparatory areas due to rock transportation and construction activities. It can be decreased through the sprinkling of water - as required by the environmental authority. Transportation trucks and construction machinery also emit pollutants such as S02, CO and NOx. * Noise emission during the construction period, in association with transportation of material and on-site construction activities such as unloading. The noise arises at an appropriate protective distance from inhabited areas without causing significant effect on the inhabited areas. * No changes in the living and migration conditions of the, fish, other than temporary during dam construction. 7 No effects on soil. On areas used for construction works, soil pollution may occur during construction. With suitable management this danger can be reduced to an insignificant degree. Only limited waste is produced and only during the construction period. This waste will be properly disposed of. a No impact on vegetation. There are no protected or highly protected species in the concemed zone. a No effect on forestry and wild animals. On the basis of the data available, presence of protected wild animals is not known. n No effect on the landscape. o No effect on the social enviromnent. a No pollution from old transformers as these will continue to be used. o No resettlement issues as land of the sites, including access roads, small borrow pits and surrounding meadows are owned by the power plant. Gravel and rocks will be supplied from existing quarries of established outside contractors. Concrete will mostly be delivered by concrete mixer trucks. o No issue from placing power lines underground as land is owned (including right of way). a No issue of pedestrian safety on project sites, as pedestrians are prevented from entering by means of a fence. In case of temporary heavy truck traffic through nearby villages (e.g. during weir construction), pedestrian safety will be assured by speed limits for trucks and by warning signs at critical locations. Land use during construction and operation shall be minimized. The area of the weir is completely closed from wild animals today, the impact is therefore minimal. Shortening the construction time will reduce the impacts. There will be no effects on the landscape as the construction site as well as the weir are adjacent to the flood plain forest. There will be no impacts on the air quality during operation as there will be no emissions. Air pollution is expected only during the construction period due mainly to material transport. Dust pollution and emissions of pollutants associated with the operation of diesel engines will be caused by transport trucks and construction machinery. Dust pollution can be decreased through the sprinkling of water - as required by the environmental authority. The air pollution of construction works is negligible from the point of view of the requirements of respective standards. Noise emissions during construction will be below permitted limits. The transport of rock shall be organized for the light hours of the day and as much as possible away from communities. The rehabilitation of the weir improves the flood protection of the city of K6rmend. During normal operation, the upstream water level will be in the riverbed, and the passing time through the power channel will only be a few hours. This short period of time for the water to reside in the power channel will not result in changes in the ecological system. 80 Midgadohn An overview of the most important mitigating measures during the construction, operation and decommissioning periods are shown in the tables below (more detail in the EMP): ,Mitigating measures in the construction period |Issue |Mitigating measure 8 Air Quality could be affected by dust from Organization of traffic and construction site. transport of construction materials. Water sprinkle as.needed. Temporary noise dunng construction period Organization of tiraffic and construction during the day Water quality affected by construction Minimize the time during the construction period when access to the riverbed is necessary through good planning and execution. Continuously monitor water quality Limited waste from construction machines Waste shall be collected, stored and properly and construction activities disposed of. Hazardous waste shall be separated and disposed of in accordance with Hunagarian regulations. Disturbance of Fish and aquatic life during Minimize the time during the construction construction period when access to the riverbed is necessary through good planning and execution. Aitigating measures in the operation period Issue Mitigating measure Blockage of sediment and floating debris at Flushing of collected floating debris at weir intervals at weir gate Erosion of riverbed downstream from the Strengthen stilling basin to support flow and weir facilitate transition to smooth flow Fish migration is interrupted by weir Construct fish ladder in accordance with the requirements set out in the environmental license Impeded water flow, reduced water level and Construct 6 m3/s ecological water release in reduced water velocity in the old river bed ccordance with the requirements set out in affecting aquatic life the environmental license Mitigating measures in the decommissonink period Issue Mitigating measure Air quality could be affected by dust from Organization of decommissioning site, demolition and transport of construction ransport of materials, use of water sprinklers materials. Temporary noise during decommissioning Organization of traffic and works during the period day Water quality affected by decommissioning Minimize the time during the ecommissioning period when access to the riverbed is necessary through good planning nd execution. Continuously monitor water quality. Flooding may occur after decommissioning Supplementary flood protection works may e required Land use and vegetation may be disturbed All areas of former site incl. no longer eeded access roads as well as areas used uring demolition works shall be recultivated Disturbance of Fish and aquatic life dunng Minimize the time during the decommissioning decommissioning period when access to the iverbed is necessary through good planning pnd execution. 9 Waste of decommissioning machines and Waste shall be collected, stored and properly works disposed of. Hazardous waste shall be separated and disposed of in accordance with relevant regulation. 9. Ctncn usions Investigations conducted up to date on the environmental impacts in association with the rehabilitation of the Kormend weir and the restoration of the operation of the power plant revealed no impacts or unmanageable effects that would exclude the possibility of implementing the project. The project can be established on the basis of the available information. In the meantime the project component has been completed to a large extent and has been approved for renewed operation by the regional water authority and the regional environmental authority. 10 Annex 3.1: Construction License for the Rehabilitation of the Kormend Weir (Synopsis translatedfrom Hungarian) Issued by the West-Hungarian Water Authority License number: 10.868/3/2001. I. Valid until May 30, 2003. 1. Basic Data * Weir location * Crest level (188,03 m above Baltic sea) * Length (34 m) * Structure of weir (CS-2 thin steel sheet piles 6,0 m long in two rows, 1 OOx50x50 cm, at the crest 30 cm thick rock lining, slope 1: 1 and 1:2) * Stilling basin (30 - 40 cm thick rock lining, 22 m long) * River bed lining (20 m long rock) 2. Requirements of the West-Hungarian Environment Protection Authority * The license is valid only for weir rehabilitation. * The occurrence of any unexpected event or pollution shall be reported within 24 hours. The pollution shall be closed as soon as possible and the damage shall be eliminated. * The possibility of any unexpected damage shall be reduced to minimum. * Emissions of air pollutants shall not exceed the limits set by the respective law. * Noise emissions shall not exceed the limits set in Decree 4/1984 (123) of the Minister of Heath. * During construction the conditions of water use and quality shall not worsen. * During construction the biological water shall be released continuously. * Every leakage of hydrocarbons shall be closed immediately and the polluted soil shall be treated. * Waste management practices shall follow the governing Decree of the Government: 102/1996 (VH. 12). * The waste and rubbish of construction works shall be transported out and disposed of. 11 Annex 3.2: Support letter of the Municipality of Kormend (Synopsis translatedfrom Hungarian] During previous years the river Raba has every year damaged the weir, causing generation outage and adverse impacts to the downstream river bed. The rehabilitation of the plant and the renewed weir will ensure continuous generation and will greatly reduce flood danger. The only beach along the Hungarian section of Raba exist at Kormend, popular with local inhabitants and tourists. The renewed weir will improve beach conditions and will positively influence the development of water tourism. In view of the above, the City of Kormend expresses its definitive interest in and full support to the rehabilitation of the concerned small-hydro power plant and the weir. 12 4. Csorotnek Small Hydro Power Plant The Csor6tnek site is located only about ten km from the Austrian border. This plant was taken in operation for electricity production in 1919, but has not been operated in the last IO years since the weir, diverting water to the hydro-plant, was totally swept away during a flood. The cleaning of the channels should give the possibility to increase the head at the power station to approximately four meters. The currently licensed discharge is 13 m3/s. The plant had an installed capacity of 245 kW, a head of 3.5 m and a discharge of 9.5 m3/s with three Francis turbines with capacities of 60, 85 and 100 kW. Average generation during the years 1979- 1988 was 0.71 GWh, which corresponds an average output of 81 kW over this period. The power house channel with a total length of 2,400 m now contains a combination of stagnant water (currently dried out) and increasing amounts of unauthorized solid wastes. The once scenic channel has become increasingly offensive from both visual and olfactory perspectives. In the power house, all machinery remains, but is not in adequate technical condition for effective reuse. Csorotnek Components: * Total refurbishment of three Francis turbines. This component includes also the installation of a new remote control system. The power house will also, be equipped with a new trash rack with automatic cleaning system and a bypass channel to divert the surplus water in case of quick stops of the turbines around the power house. * Erection of a new weir at its former location. A fish ladder, constructed from natural materials as a condition of the license for redevelopment of the site, will also be part of this component, as well as the diversion of water flow that will improve flood protection. * Ecological water release to the old riverbed with additional turbine. This channel serves as an ecological water release that releases a flow of 6 m3/s into the river bed. There will be an additional turbine with a capacity of 180 kW installed on the above mentioned 6 m3/s discharge at a head of 3.0-3.4 m. * Channel cleaning/rehabilitation. * New power line to the new power house and placing of existing overhead power lines underground. With the new turbine, and rehabilitation of the existing turbines, the total installed capacity of Csorotnek will become 560 kW. An application for permission for the construction of the weir was submitted in May 2001. The necessary license and some permits have already been obtained, and no problems are anticipated in obtaining the remaining needed construction permits for the Project. The town (population 5,000) strongly endorses the Project primarily because of the beneficial esthetic impacts on the now abandoned channel to the power house. 13 Cs8ritnek Small lHlydlro Poweir lPRant ENVIRONMENTAL EMPACT' ASSESSMENT Summary firom detailed lH[ungarian ERA of 2001 1. GENEIRAL CONDifTlOlNS Impacts of lHydro Power Utilization Hydropower has traditionally been considered environmentally friendly because of its clean and renewable nature. The term renewable refers to the hydrologic cycle that circulates water back to the rivers, streams, and lakes each year. At hydroelectric projects, the kinetic energy of this water is used as fuel to generate electricity. In contrast, fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, or oil must be extracted from the earth and burned to produce electricity. The term clean is also used because production of electricity with hydropower does not pollute the air, contribute to acid rain or ozone depletion because of carbon dioxide emissions, or (like nuclear power) leave highly toxic waste that is difficult to dispose of While there are many benefits to using hydropower as a renewable source of electricity, there are also environmental impacts. These impacts generally relate to how a hydroelectric project affects a river's ecosystem and habitats. Examining these issues it shall be noted that no two hydroelectric projects are exactly alike, and many are very different. Thus, while certain issues can be examined in general terms, one should not draw conclusions that all or even most projects have similar environmental impacts. Determining the relative impact of these activities versus hydroelectric projects is complex. General Conditions of the Csir6tnek Site The infrastructure of the Cs6rotnek Small Hydro Power Plant including food protection dams and power channels have existed and have been in operation at the same site for several hundred years. The weir to divert the water from the main river into the power channel was built using traditional construction method, from local materials. The rock/brush-woods structure dam was regularly damaged and destroyed by floods of the Raba River. After it was destroyed the last time in 1992, the previous owner had decided not to rebuild the dam and power generation was consequently closed. The operating license was subsequently cancelled by the authorities. Rehabilitation of the site required complete re-licensing. From the technical and environmental point of view, the most advantageous alternative to restart power generation was the reconstruction of the dam at its original site with the same crest level and the utilization of the existing power channels and power plant. This alternative represents the least volume of construction works and minimum influence on the environment. Reconstruction of the dam allows to continue the operation of the Cs6r6tnek Plant that has been in operation for centuries as an energy producing installation. Its current arrangement has been unchanged since the last 80 years, which greatly reduces the impact assessment work as it allows to build on previous operational experience including impact zones. 14 Legal Basis In Hungary, activities and procedures related to environmental impact assessment are regulated by the Government Decree 152/1995 (XII. 12.). In terms of classification by size according to the Decree, electnc capacity of the plant remains below 20 MW. Reservoir capacity remains below the size of 700 thousand m3 and the crest level of the weir will be 2 meters, i.e. very low. Stage of Environmental Impact Assessment Preparation Currently existing planning and design documentation is determined by the licensing requirements. The initial planning was conducted consistent with the requirements for the preliminary license. During the licensing period the documentation has been upgraded to meet requirements of the construction license. Prior to applying for the preliminary license for construction, an environmental license from the regional environment protection authority was due to be obtained. Since the Csorotnek plant is located at the boundary of a landscape conservation area, the environmental license was issued jointly by the nature conservation authority and the regional environment protection authority. The authority may issue the environmental license on the basis of the initial environmental impact assessment, but it may request a detailed environmental impact assessment. In case of the Csorotnek project, the authority has requested several addenda to the initial environmental impact assessment only before issuing the environmental license. This has been issued without requesting the detailed environmental impact assessment. The Importance of Plant Rehabilitation Increasing the share of renewable energy utilization is one of major intentions of international power development. Hungary is among the countries that are signatories to relevant international environmental agreements that mandate members to step up efforts to minimize GHG emissions that contribute to climate change. In Hungary, the generation of electric energy from renewable sources is supported by the Energy Act through a guaranteed buy-back price. Because of Hungary's intention to join the European Union, the development policy is governed by the relevant EU directives of increasing the share of renewable energy to a level above 7 % until year 2010. From both an economic and environmental point of view, the most favorable alternative is the rehabilitation and refurbishment of the existing plant, which is in line with the international and national development strategies. The economic and environmental value of the development can be evaluated by the comparison of the "with"- and "without"- project alternatives. Hydropower is a natural energy source, which itself does not pollute the environment. Pollution can originate only from the method and circumstances of the hydropower utilization. On the other hand, the energy generated by the Cs6rotnek Plant will displace generation from other, more polluting sources. When displacing fossil fuel fired generation, the utilization of renewable energy will contribute to reduced dust, S02, NOx, CO and C02 emissions. During the last years of operation the Csorotnek Plant annually generated an average 0,72 GWh electric energy, which represents about 2,900 hours annual availability and utilization, while in similar plants the annual utilization normally exceeds 5,000 hours. This low utilization factor has been due to the limited availability of old equipment (over 80 years) and to the reduced water conduction capacity of the power channel. The annual utilization factor of the plant can be restored at a relatively low investment cost. Additional Environmental Concerns 15 The most important positive impact of the rehabilitation of the weir will be the improved flood protection of the village of Csorotnek. From the point of view of flood protection, the most critical part of Upper Raba section is the bridge in the center of Csorotnek. According to data of the water authority, the maximum flood passing capacity of this bridge is about 450 - 500 m3/s while the maximum flood discharge is 700 m3/s. The proposed weir rehabilitation ensures the diversion of the surplus flood discharge from the riverbed to a flood plain. This way the critical problem of protection against large floods in Cs6r6tnek can be solved. Clean-up of the abandoned power channel results in additional positive environmental impacts. Most of the unauthorized solid waste in the channel is communal waste of inhabitants. The presence of toxic or hazardous waste has not yet been confurmed, but if it is observed, it shall be reported to the authority and disposed of in accordance with Act XLIHI of 2000, as required by the license. 2. CARAIACTERISTCS OIF THE SURROUNMNGS Geological Conditions and Climate The Raba valley, the West-Danube region's largest valley, stretches 77 km in a straight line with an average width of 2,5 km, laying roughly East-West from Szentgotthard to Kormend, then it turns North-East. The river, with a length of 125 km over this area, drops from 231 m B to 152 m B, resulting in an overall drop of 0.65%. The climate of the Raba valley is influenced by the closeness of the Alps mountains and also by winds from the Atlantic ocean resulting in a tendency for a relatively cool and wet character. Influence of the Alps is most obvious near the Austrian border at Szentgotthard where average yearly precipitation reaches 817 mm. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, reaching 103 mm in June, 104 mm in July and 95 mm in August at Szentgotthard. Winter is moderate and wet in the subject area with a yearly average cloudiness of 65%. Mean temperatures are -1,9 C in January and 19,4 IC in July. The area is nch in precipitation. The following tables contain multi-year averages of climate parameters recorded at Szentgotthard. Month Temperature (C) Precipitation (mm) January -2,4 35 February 0,1 33 March 4,2 42 April 9,3 56 May 13,9 82 June 17,2 109 July 18,8 110 August 18,1 87 September 14,4 66 October 9,4 59 November 4,2 65 December -0,5 42 Yearly average 8,9 786 16 Additional parameters: Number of winter days (max < 0C) 28 Number of winter days (min < 0C) 100 Day of first frost X.23. Day of last frost IV.13. Length of frost-free period (min 2 0, IC) 192 Number of summer days (max 2 15C) 60 Number of hot days (max 2 250C) 0 Sunny hours 1,840 67% of the precipitation occurs in the summer period, from April to September. Precipitation over 100 mm can occur in any month, but it can reach 200 mm during May-September. The number of rainy days varies between 126 and 164. Peak precipitation measured in 24 hours reaches 80-90 mm. The number of days with snow cover is 51, with an average maximum snow thickness of 34 cm. Ice usually appears during the first week of December and remains until mid-February. Ice formations prevail during about 60 days, 90 days under extreme conditions. Prevailing wind direction in the area is West/North-West. The yearly average wind speed varies between 1,3 and 3,8 m/s. Hydrology The Raba river origins in the Fischbach Alps from two springs at the altitude of 1200 m. These streams join 11 km down-stream at an altitude of 411 m. The river enters Hungary at Szentgotthard at an altitude of 228 m, after another 90 km. The river has no continuous dike on the section from Szentgotthard to Sarvar, the valley is an open floodplain here. Water runoff on the river section upstream Sarvar can be divided into runoffs whose peak remain in the river bed and into those during whose peak the water exits to the floodplain. The river bed is capable of draining the average yearly maximum runoff of 260 m3/s. Return times of high water events relevant for the Csorotnek site are shown on the table below: Return time (year) Discharge (m3/s) 5 390 3,3 310 2 240 The draining time of high water events on the river section between Szentgotthard and Kormend is 10-40 hours. It is estimated that, as a result of the Project, increase in water events of p = 1% probability can be expected. Standard flood runoff (LNQ=700 m3/s) has been defined by the Trans- Danubian water authority as 700 m3/s. Medium level runoff of 50% probability at the Szentgotthard measurement place is (KoQ=26,1 m3/s). Due to the double effect of high precipitation and snow melting, the river carries the most water in March. September and October are the months of lowest runoff. The lowest runoff at the Szentgotthard measurement place is LKQ = 4,80 m3/s. The lowest runoff of 10 days duration is 7 m3/s. Sediments 17 The river carries sediments. It's tributary, Lapnics, introduces significant amount of sediments on the river's upper, relatively steep section. The quantity of floating sediments is an average 300g/m3 here. The quantity of rolling sediments, significant at Szentgotthdrd, decreases considerably by Kormend. Typical sediment parameters are shown on the table below. Average diameter of Average diameter of floating sediments rolling sediments Minimum 0,037 mm 0,156mm Prevailing 0,080 mm 0,400mm Maximum 0,201 mm 4,090 mm Groundwater Conditions The project will have only insignificant effect on groundwater conditions. Groundwater in the subject area is contained in pleisztocene gravel mix. Two external conditions affect groundwater - precipitation and the river Raba. The sediment cover of the groundwater holder gravel mix has weak water conducting capabilities, thus the actual precipitation conditions always affect groundwater conditions. Average groundwater level is around three meters, subject to often significant differences (I 1-2 m) due to local conditions. Relation of actual river water level and the level of the surrounding groundwater determines whether the river contributes to the lifting or lowering of the surrounding groundwater level. Reinstallation of the weir will increase the groundwater level upstream of the dam and lower it downstream. Vegetation The area has a transient character between the East-Alpine (Norcium) and Hungarian (Pannonicum) flora. Sub-alpine species outnumber those in the neighboring east sub-region, while species that favor warmer and drier climate tend to increase in number when going from west to east. Atlantic species, due to volume, play an important role (Calluna, Castanea, etc.). Most important sub-alpine species are: Dryopteris pseudomas, Cyclames purpurascens, Oreopteris limbosperma, Trollius europaeus (protected species). Most important sub-boreal species: Goodyera repens, Chimaphilas umbelatta, Drosera rotundifolia, Festuca capillata. South and east flora components: Ranunculus illyricus, Adonis verualis, Dictamnus albus, Silene otites pseudotites. 30 SFTENG AND TECHNOLOGY General Conditions of Weir Reconstruction The basic infrastructure of the Cs6r6tnek Small Hydro Power Plant, including the flood retention dams and the power channels of the plant have existed and have been in operation at the same site for several hundred years. The weir to divert the water from the main river into the power channel was built using traditional construction method, from local materials. The rock/brush-woods structure dam was regularly damaged and destroyed by floods of the Raba River. After it was destroyed the last time in 1992, the previous owner had decided not to rebuild the dam and power generation was consequently closed. The operating license was subsequently cancelled by the authorities. Rehabilitation of the site required complete re-licensing. From technical and environmental point of view, the most advantageous alternative to restart power generation was the reconstruction of the dam at its original site with the same crest level and the utilization of the existing power channels and power plant. This alternative represents the least volume of construction works and minimum influence on the environment. Alternative siting is 18 unfeasible due to high costs incurred by new construction, demolition of existing assets, including the old water mill, which is also protected as a cultural monument. The hazard potential of a dam describes the potential loss of human life or property damage in the area downstream or upstream of the dam in the event of failure or incorrect operation. The hazard potential assigned to a dam is based on the consideration of the effect of a dam failure during both normal and flood flow conditions. The reconstructed dam in case of the Csorotnek Plant conforms to the criteria for the low hazard potential category. The site is located in rural area, without agriculture and farm buildings. The banks at both sides belong to the watershed area, covered regularly by the flood. The crest level of the dam will be about 2,0 meters below the level of the banks. The storage capacity in the river bed, at the upstream side of the dam, will be very limited. In the event of a dam failure it would represent no danger to human life, property, agricultural areas or public utilities. Currently existing planning and design documentation is determined by the licensing requirements. The initial planning was conducted in consistence with the requirements for the preliminary license. During the licensing period, the documentation has been upgraded to meet requirements of the construction license. For the elaboration of the safety and design assessment reports and of final plans and structural design, the following requirements have to be met: * EM 1110-2-2503, Engineering and Design - Design of Sheet Pile Cellular Structure Cofferdams and Retaining Structures. * Hungarian National Standards for the design of hydraulic structures. Weir Parameters To be finalized during detailed design. Weir Structure and Siting The site has been determined to be located about 40 m behind the opening of the powerhouse bypass channel and has been authorized by the water authorities as well as local administration. The structure of the weir will be consisting of two rows of sheet piling with rock-fill in between and a covering concrete spillway. At the right side of the weir, a new powerhouse will be constructed to house one new Kaplan turbine. Right next to that will be one overflow run, the fish ladder and the spillway. The Fish Ladder The previous weir had not been equipped with a fish ladder, the new license (no. 10.331/7/1999) obtained for water usage, however, contains this requirement on the basis of the Act XLI of year 1997, in which it is clearly stated that the construction of a fish way is required at every barrage. The Csor6tnek weir is considered a new one and the construction of a fish ladder was a basic requirement for licensing, required by the Nature Conservation Authority. Topographical and geological survey for the completion of detailed plans and design of the fish way is not yet provided. Relevant requirements for the elaboration of the plans of the fish ladder include: * Design of Fish ways and Other Fish Facilities, published by American Fishery Society and Lewis Publishers * Hungarian National Standards for the design of hydraulic structures Requirements for the materials to be applied for building the fish ladder were set by the Regional Nature Conservation Authority - Ferto-Hansag National Park - in their letter No. 011-16/99. The surface of the fish way shall be built using rock lining. The fish way shall include the following: 19 The walls and bottom of the pools shall be lined by rock, embedded in concrete a Energy dissipation at the bottom of the pools shall be improved through the deposit of large scale rock Ecological Water Release In accordance with the request of the West-Danubian Water Authority (no. 13.353/1/2001), the amount of water flow in the old river bed necessary to support the surrounding habitats during the dry period will be provided through the construction of an ecological water release. According to the water statistical yearbook the lowest daily water discharge during the last decades was 3,80 m3/s (in 1978). Based on this value the West-Danubian Water Authority has requested that a minimum discharge of 4,0 m3/s shall be facilitated. The daily average discharge during the last 20 years was 4,1 m3/s. On this basis the Szombathelyi Vfzer6mu Kft. has resolved to secure a discharge of 6,0 m3/s, that is, 150 percent of the lowest average discharge of the river. 4. ENVIIRONMENTAL IMPACTS General Conditions Environmental impacts of the Cs6rotnek dam can be classified as impacts during construction and impacts during operation, the former expected to be more significant. Hydroelectric projects do affect the ecosystems of rivers and their surrounding areas. The degree, however, to which any project affects a river varies widely. One of the most important variables is whether a dam/weir is part of a storage or run-of-the-river hydroelectric project. Other variables include the size and flow rate of the river or tributary where the project is located; the existing habitat and climatic conditions; the type, size, and design of a project; and whether a project is located upstream or downstream of other projects. As changes in habitat occur, observation and time make it increasingly clear which plants, fish, and wildlife are affected. Some species end up doing quite well, others sharply or completely decline, and some are minimally affected. For instance, there are natural conditions that can affect the health of a river's ecosystem and habitat. As an example, drought years at the beginning of the decade impacted critically important stream flows. Beyond these natural conditions are a host of man-made conditions. Such conditions include but are not limited to: o Reduced stream flows from irrigation withdrawals and altered vegetation from land development, roads, etc. Loss of riparian zone, changes in water temperature and quality, loss of large woody debris, erosion, and sedimentation can come from various types of logging practices. While this section focuses on impacts from hydroelectric projects, understanding how to maintain the health of rivers and tributaries throughout the basin requires investigating these much broader impacts as well. Land Use Installation takes place in the riverbed. The river banks will be used only for access to the construction site and for temporary storage purposes. Only relatively low amounts of soil will be removed in association with the construction. The upper 20 cm topsoil layer will be deposited separately from the rest for potential future reuse. Location of the weir is shown on drawing no. ET- 20 2K 10-302. Sections of the river bank to be temporarily used dunng construction are characterized as follows: * Right bank: own property of Szombathelyi Vizer6mui Kft., size 35x90 m, to be used for access to the construction site and for temporary storage of construction matenal (rock) * Left bank: own property of Szombathelyi Vizer6mi Kft., size (10+50)xlOO m, to be used for access to the construction site and for temporary storage of construction material As continuous transport of rock is assumed, the river banks will be used for a short period only. Land area temporarily used during construction will have to be re-cultivated. Water Use The crest level of the weir will be restored to its original height, which does not provide reservoir functions. Total discharge of the river flows in a continuous operation. Biological equilibrium of the upstream zone has developed since several decades. Dammed section of the river is only some 3 - 5 km, depending on actual discharge and it takes some 5 - 7 hours for the water to pass through this distance. Water stays only some I - 2 hours in the channels themselves, which is very short for significant nutrient uptake and for influencing the ecologic system of the river. Water quality will be altered during construction, but only to limited extent and for a short period, that will be followed by rapid recovery. Construction works are estimated to take 4 - 5 months. No major modification of the river basin is necessary. Damming affects around 3 km length of the river upstream, as shown on drawing no. ET-2K. 10-303 and map no. ET-2K.10-301. According to drawing no. ET-2K.10-304 the amount of water released to the old river bed is at least 6 m/s, while the amount of water in the power channel varies from 0-13 m/s. Flood Effects Reconstruction of the Csorotnek weir has positive effects on flood protection, as the excess flood between the volume of 500 m3/s that the bridge in the center of Csorotnek can pass through and the expectable flood volume of 700 m3/s can be directed to deposit area by the left bank of the river in a controlled manner using the weir, as shown on drawing no. ET-2K.10-305. Effects'on River Drift Release of river drifts deposited above the weir will be facilitated by a built-in river drift gate. It shall be noted, however, that based on past experience, large amounts of river drifts are carried away by the floods. Air Pollution During construction near-ground air pollution impacts are expected. This is mainly dust pollution and transport and construction machinery exhaust gases localized to the construction site and the transport routes, with a geographical extent of around 50 - 100 m, depending on wind and precipitation conditions. Because of the short period of construction, no permanent impacts to the environment are expected. There are no establishments or residential areas nearby vulnerable to such pollutants. Based on previous operational experience, there are no air pollution effects during operation. Geographical distribution of expected air pollution is shown on ET-2K. 10-307. Air quality parameters to be observed: 21 Pollutant _______________________ Limit (pg/m3) Highly protected Protected I. Protected II. Solid particles (dust) 60 100 200 S02 100 150 500 NOx 70 150 200 CO 2000 5000 lo*103 Dust emissions are expected to be low due to the high water level of the area near the river. Sprinkling of water can reduce dust emissions, if they do occur. The table below shows specific pollutant emissions of transport and construction machinery (three machines working at the same time). Pollutant 24 hour average CG max pg/r3 Pollution at receptor (pg/m 3) Solid particles 2,3187 0,0031 S02 1,4305 0,0019 NOx 1,7390 0,0023 CO 12,1730 0,0161 Estimates for the increase of traffic (daily maximum): a 15 round rock transport (3. category heavy trucks) * a 5 round all others (2. category medium trucks) Estimated increase of pollutant emissions during the construction period based on the above: Pollutant No. 8. main road (pg/m3) Local road (pg/m3) S02 0,014 0,026 NOx 0,016 0,032 CO 0,11 0,22 As seen from the above, air pollution impacts due to increased traffic during construction are negligible. Noise Effects No noise effects are expected during operation. During construction (i) trucks carrying construction material and (ii) construction machinery are expected to create noise. Construction machinery to be used is not currently known, but the major source of noise will be from unloading of rock. The time period of construction depends on the contractor and on the availability of its machinery fleet. The respective regulation on allowed noise load by construction works in residential and protected natural areas are shown below. Allowed A-noise load (LAQ, dB) Function of area Construction period < I month I month < Construction period < I year Function of area Day time Night time Day time Night time 22-6 h 22-6 h 22-6 h 22-6 h Recreational zone, sanatorium, 60 45 55 40 protected natural area I I I Residential and institutions 65 50 60 45 area not densely populated I I I The forest on the river banks provides effective noise mitigation. The construction site is far enough from the village that with the mitigation of the forest the expected noise load at the river side of the 22 houses closest to the site will not exceed 5OdB. As construction works seem to be unnecessary to continue during the nights, the expected noise load will not exceed the permitted levels. Increased noise load associated with transport of construction material is estimated as follows: * No. 8. main road: Leq = 65 dB (A), corresponding to 0,3 - 0,4 dB (A) increase * Local road: Leq = 65 dB (A), corresponding to 1,5 - 2,0 dB (A) increase The above estimated increased noise load effects during construction are demonstrated on drawing no. ET-2K. 10-308. Changes to the Ecosystem Specific ecosystem impacts caused by hydroelectric projects largely depend on the following variables: 1) the size and flow rate of the river or tributary where the project is located, 2) the climatic and habitat conditions that exist, 3) the type, size, design, and operation of the project, and 4) whether cumulative impacts occur because the project is located upstream, or downstream of other projects. The first two variables depend on a complex set of geologic, geographic, and weather:conditions. The type, size, design, and operation of the project based is on these natural dynamics. The two most common hydroelectric facilities are storage projects and run-of-the-river projects. Rum-of-the-river projects allow water to pass at about the same rate that the river is flowing. Generally, the river level upstream of the project is fairly constant, with daily fluctuations limited. The flow velocity, at the upstream side of the dam is significantly slow. Surface temperatures tend to become warmer as the slower moving water absorbs heat from the sun. This can cause layering effect, stratification. The bottom layer is the coldest and the top layer the warmest. When stratification occurs, there is also another ecosystem effect. Specifically, the colder water that sinks toward the bottom contains reduced oxygen levels. Super saturation occurs when air becomes trapped in water spilled over a dam as it hits the pool below, creating turbulence. Because air is comprised of 78% nitrogen, the level of nitrogen dissolved in the water can increase dramatically. The affected water does not lose the excess nitrogen quickly. For fish and other species, supersaturated water can enter tissues. 'This effect causes injury and can even cause death to fish. Building hydro projects raises the water level behind a dam. Habitat conditions change and a new equilibrium emerges. Sediments, which are fine organic and inorganic materials that are typically suspended in the water, can collect behind a dam because the dam itself is a physical barrier. From the time a project is built, man-made and natural erosion of lands adjacent to a reservoir can lead to sediment build-up behind a dam. This build-up can vary based on the ability of a river to "flush" the sediments past the dam. It can also vary based on the natural conditions specific to the river and its upstream tributaries. When sediments collect, the ecosystem can be affected in two ways. First, downstream habitat conditions can decline because these sediments no longer provide important organic and inorganic nutrients. Second, where sediment builds up behind a dam, an effect called "nutrient loading" can cause the supply of oxygen to be depleted. This happens because more nutrients are now available, thus more organisms populate the area to consume the nutrients. As these organisms consume the nutrients, more oxygen is used, depleting the supply of oxygen in the reservoir. Similarly, gravel can be trapped behind a dam in the same way as sediment. In cases where the movement of gravel downstream is part of establishing spawning areas for fish, important habitat conditions can be affected. Effects on Fish 23 Just as the changes that occur to ecosystems vary greatly from project to project, so do changes in habitat. For a given project, learning what habitat conditions exist and the extent of ongoing impacts requires a good deal of investigation. When ecosystem changes occur at a project, a new pattern of biological activity and equilibrium is likely to emerge. As this happens, a new and dynamic equilibrium takes hold. With this new equilibnum come changes to the plants, fish, and wildlife that populate these areas. Resident fish, on the other hand, spend their entire lives in fresh water streams, tributaries, and rivers. Some migrate from streams to lakes, others migrate from streams to rivers, and some remain in the same reach of water. Depending on the species, these migration patterns can vary dramatically. Based on their life cycle and migration and spawning pattems, fish can face a number of different and changing ecosystems. Listed below are the most common and serious fishery impacts that relate to hydroelectric projects. 1. Slower moving waters in a reservoir can strongly affect fish for two reasons. First, they can become disoriented in slower moving waters; and second, the length of passing time increase. With disorientation and lengthened travel time comes an increased exposure to predators. 2. Fish passing through or around a dam can become stressed, injured, disoriented, or die because of contact with turbines, the walls of the dam, or deflection screens. They then exit into a relatively small area where their exposure to predators is increased. 3. Super saturation is a danger for fish going over a dam or through its spillway. At high nitrogen levels, fish and some other aquatic species die. Also, if super saturation conditions exist, fish passing through or around a dam will absorb greater nitrogen levels and suffer the effects as they continue downstream. 4. When fish migrate upstream, the dam can again present itself as a physical barrier. If a "fish way" does not exist, then passage to spawning grounds is lost. Where ladders are used as fish ways, fish can fend it difficult to find them if sufficient attraction flows are not provided at their base. Once up the ladder, they can again become disoriented and be sucked back over a dam or through its spillway. The loss of energy and time become critical survival issues. 5. Reservoirs can create changes in downstream habitat conditions. There can also be effects to fish from loss of riparian vegetation, sedimentation, erosion, and temperature changes. Unlike the impacts listed above, however, these effects are also caused by non- dam activities. Further, while fish migrating down and upstream may encounter altered ecosystems and barriers that impact their ability to survive, predation from other species also has an impact. Some fish, for instance, live below a dam, or at inside of fish ladder, where (as predators) they can easily feed on smolts as they come through. From the point of view of their effect on fish, floods will not be significantly changed by the reconstruction of the Csorotnek weir. During periods of low water level a minimum of 6 m3/s ecological water release to the old river bed is required by the authorities, as well as a fish ladder that meets the standards of the European Union. Impacts on fish and mitigation measures are contained by the plan no. ET-2k:10-309. Effects on Soil and Groundwater Both during construction and operation soil remains unaffected as no arable land is involved in the operation. Any indirect impacts the weir may cause in soil conditions, those have already taken place during the last two centuries. The only effect is the volatility of the soil's water content near the river bed caused by the changes of the water level in the river bed. 24 In the above-weir zone the soil's water content showed a stabilized state during the decades prior to the damage of the weir, followed by lower levels during the last ten years in the absence of the weir. (see ET-2K. 10-303) The impact of the rehabilitated weir is shown on ET-2K. 10-306. Waste This activity does not produce waste by its nature. Communal waste produced during construction is collected and disposed of in accordance with relevant regulations. Contamination by hazardous waste can be caused by improper storage of fuel used by construction machinery. Again, relevant regulations apply for storage of fuel as well as for elimination of contamination caused by accident. Presently there are no transformers at Csorotnek that would contain PCBs. A new PCB free transformer will be purchased under the project. The utilization of PCB free transformer oils is a general requirement in Hungary. Forestry and Wild Animals Riparian vegetation and its bordering waters provide critical habitat for birds, waterfowl, and small and large mammals. When a hydroelectric project results in inundation of a free-flowving river, the nesting, forage, and cover provided by these areas is temporarily or permanently lost. When habitat is lost, animals are forced to move to higher ground or other areas where habitat conditions may be less suitable, predators are more abundant, or the territory is already occupied. As an example, ground birds like pheasant require cover and cannot successfully move to higher, more open, ground. In-cases where water levels stabilize at a new height, vegetation in riparian zones can re-emerge and species can re-populate an area. With storage projects, the riparian zone that re-emerges has conditions that now reflect that of a reservoir or lake rather than a free-flowing river. When such conditions occur, certain species will begin to decline, others will become more abundant, and some will populate these areas for the first time. Ducks and geese are examples of waterfowl that are strongly attracted to the habitat conditions found in reservoirs. For some of these species, reservoirs are providing an important alternative to the wetland areas that they formerly occupied. Rehabilitation of the weir is a local activity that involves very small area without disturbance to migration of animals. Increased traffic and related noise during construction works will cause limited impact but this is temporary. Protected, highly protected or endangered plant do not reside in the area. Of birds the area sees protected species, but they tend to appear or migrate, rather than permanently reside. Operation of the weir is not expected to have any significant disturbing impact on these birds. Sociological Effects From sociological perspective it is important that construction works will take place far from residential areas and without causing damage to any agricultural area. No third party's property, such as agricultural or forestry land, is necessary for temporary usage either. The site has been utilized for energy production for centuries and people are used to it. Once construction works are completed, the facility will be covered by the river bank's forest, causing no landscape issues. 5. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS Basic Conditions When assessing the impacts of the rehabilitation of the previously operating weir on the landscape, the river and ecosystems, a comparison to a baseline seems appropriate. Whether the conditions developed during the last two century of operation or those during the last ten years of cease should 25 be used as a baseline is less obvious. In the following a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the rehabilitation is presented. Advantages: a Due to its small size, the operation does not cause irreversible changes, only minor modifications. D It balances climate dependent seasonal water level fluctuations that are not always favorable for plants and animals living in the area o Due to its small size, it causes localized and minor impacts on ecosystems on a short section of the river and it requires only minor biological re-cultivation and rehabilitation Mitigation measures (such as fish ladder) further reduce impacts Disadvantages: O The operation causes minor alteration of the habitats, the water flow and the landscape o Increased water level and water level changes will have an impact on ecosystems as compared to the last ten years a The weir is a physical barrier for plants and animals whose migration contributes to biodiversity development Since the ecosystems living in the zone in question do not represent significant natural protection value, it can be stated that the planned activities do not cause damage to significant, valuable ecosystems. Indirect effects, such as noise loads, are insignificant due to the large distance. Despite the fact that several of the inspected objects belong to or borders the trseg Natural Protection Area, a highly protected zone where all human activities are controlled by specific law, construction and operation of the weir are seen to fit well into the landscape where recreational and economic activities such as even mining are tolerated when performed in a controlled way. Impacts Land area temporarily affected by construction works was selected based on minimum impact criteria. There are no protected or highly protected plant species in the zone affected by construction. Mitigation measures and re-cultivation reduces impacts to tolerable levels. With respect to animal life, there are no impacts expected beyond increased noise load during construction. In order to mitigate these impacts the construction period and the extent of the construction site is kept to the lowest possible. Impact on landscape is diminished by the forest at the river banks that covers the area. There will be no air pollution during operation as the hydro plant does not emit pollutants. Air pollution is expected to be caused by transport and construction machinery during construction. The assessment shows that the increase of pollutants during construction remains insignificant and certainly below the required emission standards. This also stands for increased noise load during construction. Rehabilitation of the weir will have an effect on the water flow of the river. Increased water level will remain in the river bed on a level that has existed for several decades before the weir was destroyed. During floods, the existence of the weir will have a beneficial effect on Cs6r6tnek's flood protection. The water passes through the dammed section in a few hours, allowing for limited nutrient uptake, which causes little change in the ecological system. Ground water levels return to the levels before the weir was destroyed. At periods of low water levels the slow river deposits sediments above the weir. These sediments are lifted and carried through by swift flow during floods. Rehabilitation of the weir also contributes to 26 improved flood management that reduces flood hazard on the surrounding area. Migration of fish will be facilitated by the construction of a fish ladder. Qualification of Environmental Impacts Qualification of environmental impacts has been ordered by the West-Danubian Environmental Protection Authority for all environmental elements (specialist opinion no. 2789/17/2001). Environmental impacts of construction and operation in accordance with directive no. MI- 13-45-1990 are shown in tables 5.1 and 5.2. Table 5.1: Effects on the elements of environment during construction period Environmental Elements Effects on environmental elements Qualification Air Transport of rocks and construction materials Budening increases temporary air pollution Noise Transport of rocks and construction materials Burdening Air increases temporary noise load Vibration Transport of rocks and construction materials arise Neutral temporary vibration Microclimate No changes in microclimate Neutral Surface water No significant effect Tolerable Groundwater No significant effect Neutral Water Deep water No effects Neutral Water quality During construction increased water pollution Burdening Flood No significant effect Neutral By-product No by-products Neutral Wast Waste Waste of construction shall be stored and disposed Tolerable Waste of Rubbish Rubbish of construction shall be stored and Tolerable disposed of Sewage No sewage production Neutral Land use The used area will be filled up with unused gravel Neutral from mine Soil Arable soil No effects Neutral Subsoil No effects Neutral Vegetation Vegetation No valuable vegetation on the newly filled up area Neutral animals Animals The area has been recently closed from the animals Tolerable Industry No significant effect Neutral Construction No significant effect Neutral Economy Water management No significant effect Neutral Agriculture No significant effect Neutral Services No significant effect Neutral Tourism No significant effect Neutral Heath protection No significant effect Neutral Society Infrastructure No significant effect Neutral Social situation No significant effect Neutral Table 5.2: Effects on the elements of environment during operation period Environmental Elements Effects on environmental elements Qualification r l A ir No air pollution Neutral [Noise No noise emission Neutral 27 Vibration No vibration Neutral Microclimate No changes in microclimate Neutral Surface water No significant effect Tolerable Groundwater Limited changes of groundwater table in small area Tolerable Deep water No effects Neutral Water Water quality The passing time is only a few hours producing no Tolerable water quality changes Flood Improve the flood protection and safety of Improving Flood_____ ________Csorotnek Improving By-product No by-products Neutral Waste Waste No waste Neutral Rubbish No rubbish Neutral Sewage No sewage production Neutral Land use The used area will be filled up with unused gravel Neutral ____ ___ ____ ___ from m ine _ _ _ _ _ _ Soil Arable soil No expected effects Neutral ,____ _ Subsoil No effects Neutral egetation Vegetation No valuable vegetation on the newly filled up area Neutral animels Animals The area has been recently closed from the Tolerble animals_____ Animals___________ animals, no changes Industry Increasing the production of renewable energy Improving Construction No significant effect Neutral Economy Water management No significant effect Improving Agriculture No significant effect Neutral Services No significant effect Neutral Tourism No significant effect Neutral Heath protection Significant reduction of air pollution Improving Society Infrastructure No significant effect Neutral _Social situation No significant effect Neutral 60 MItTGGATION MEASURES General Conditions Measures to be taken in order to mitigate negative environmental impacts of the reconstruction: u Extent of the construction site and size of the facility should be minimized and possibly lowered to ground level O Both technical and biological re-cultivation shall be applied u Care shall be taken during construction to prevent waste accumulation and spread and the presence of hazardous waste Environmental protection related tests and monitoring shall be made possible during both construction and operation u The construction period shall be reduced to the minimum possible, using appropriate technology and machinery fleet a Vegetation on the river banks shall be protected to the extent possible or rehabilitated through adequate re-plantation of trees o Natural construction materials shall be preferred to the extent possible, especially at visible locations Energy transmitting components of the plant shall be sited underground, transitory facilities possibly at ground level 28 Biological Re-cultivation Re-cultivation measures to be applied in association with the construction of small-hydro plants are as follows: * Area for habitat reconstruction shall be secured * Development the river bank line shall fit into the landscape * Functions shall be separated, disturbance prevented In view of the above it can be stated, that the expected negative environmental impacts can be compensated with careful planning, causing no significant damage, disturbance or loss to habitats. Mitigation Measures Various measures have been considered in order to reduce the impact of the construction works and the operation of the plant on the environment. The principles, regarding the protection and safety of natural values, shall be consequently used from the beginning of planning. With the selection of the appropriate solutions and technologies, the impacts on environment of construction works shall be reduced to the minimum in terms of both of time and intensity. With the suitable elaboration of the applied solutions and organization of works, the impacts shall be limited to a minimum area..The structures shall be fitted into the environment, the negative effects on the environment shall be decreased to a minimum. A short summary of the mitigation measures are shown in tables 6.1 through 6.3. For further detail, please see the separate Environmental Management Plan (EMvP). Table 6.1: Mitigating measures in the construction period Issue Mitigating measure Air Quality could be affected by dust from Organization of traffic and construction site. transport of construction materials. Water sprinkle asineeded. Temporary noise during construction period Organization of traffic and construction during the day Water quality affected by construction Minimize the time during the construction period when access to the riverbed is necessary through good planning and execution. Contin.uously monitor water quality. Limited waste from construction machines Waste shall be collected, stored and properly and construction activities disposed of. Hazardous waste shall be separated and disposed of in accordance with relevant regulation. Disturbance of Fish and aquatic life during Minimize the time during the construction construction penod when access to the nverbed is necessary through good planning and execution. Table 6.2: Mitigating measures in the opera ion period Issue Mitigating measure Blockage of sediment and floating debris at Flushing of collected floating debris at weir ntervals at weir gate Erosion of riverbed downstream from the Strengthen stilling basin to support flow and weir facilitate transition to smooth flow Fish migration is interrupted by weir Construct fish ladder in accordance with the requirements set out in the environmental license 29 LImpeded water flow, reduced water level and |Construct 6 m3/s ecological water release in reduced water velocity in the old river bed accordance with the requirements set out in affecting aquatic life the environmental license Table 6.3: Mitigating measures in the deco missoning period Issue Mitigating measure Air quality could be affected by dust from rganization of decommissioning site, demolition and transport of construction transport of materials, use of water sprinklers maternals. Temporary noise during decommissioning rganization of traffic and works during the period day Water quality affected by decommissioning Minimize the time during the decommissioning period when access to the iverbed is necessary through good planning nd execution. Continuously monitor water quality. Flooding may occur after decommissioning Supplementary flood protection works may be required Land use and vegetation may be disturbed A11 areas of former site incl. no longer eeded access roads as well as areas used during demolition works shall be recultivated Disturbance of Fish and aquatic life during Minimize the time during the decommissioning ecommissioning period when access to the iverbed is necessary through good planning nd execution. Waste of decommissioning machines and Waste shall be collected, stored and properly works disposed of. Hazardous waste shall be eparated and disposed of in accordance with elevant regulation. 7. SCHEDULE OIF CONSTRUCTEON WORKS Planned Schedule Upon opinion no. 23789/17/2001 of the West-Danubian Environmental Protection Authority the timing of construction and operation has to be made public. This timing is, on the other hand, associated with licensing: Financing structure can not be finalized prior to obtaining the license D At the technology applied, closing of the weir has to fall to low water level period The above suggests that closing of the weir can realistically be scheduled to August - Sept, 2003. construction schedule is therefore likely to look like the following: Activity Timing Beginning of construction works Apr, 2003 Beginning of river bank pillars' construction May-June, 2003 Construction of weir and river bed cover Jul-Sep, 2003 Finalizing works Oct-Nov, 2003 Beginning of operation Dec, 2003 Restoration of Plant Operation 30 Opinion no. 2789/17/2001 of the West-Danubian Environmental, Protection Authority requires the activities pertaining to the restoration of the operation of the Cs6rotnek plant to be made public. The owner of the facility, the Szombathelyi Vizer6mu Kft, intends to, restore the operation of the plant based on a cost minimum principle, without the replacement of the main components. Later, subject to economic conditions, main components can also be replaced. These components were shipped from Austria at the 1919 reconstructions. The most important operations for the restoration of the operation of the plant are as follows: * Restoration of damming through the reconstruction of the weir * Clean-up of the channel from vegetation and communal waste accumulated during the last ten years * Renovation of the plant building * Generators and electric components have to be disassembled, checked, re-assembled and partially replaced, where needed 8. IMPACTS OF FUTURE DEMOLITION As with every man-made construction, the weir and associated facilities have a limited lifetime which implies that already at the time of construction the impacts of eventual demolition have to be observed. Demolition involves technical disassembling and biological re-cultivation. Demolition is expected to take place only several decades later and is expected to be, to the extent possible, harmless to the environment. Major phases of future demolition: Phase A * Disassembling of buildings and facilities * Withdrawal of components from River bank pillar * Separation and disposal of waste material Phase B This phase covers activities to be carried out phase A with the purpose to restore natural or near natural conditions. * Ground works, restoration of soil * Re-cultivation of the area 9. UNEXPECTED EVENTS The facility does not use raw materials during operation and does not produce waste or any pollutant during normal operation or in case of any unexpected event. Unexpected event can be the damage to the facilities due to unexpected floods. Since dammed water itself remains in the main river bed, even complete loss of the damming capability of the weir would not cause water events that could not be contained in the river bed. 10. PROPOSAL FOR MONITORING SYSTEM A system shall be established for the continuous monitoring of the impacts of the operation. Components of the proposed system: * Water level monitoring 31 o Water flow monitoring o Ground water level monitoring Monitoring of possible scouring downstream from the weir (at the downstream edge of the stilling basin; 50 m; 100m; and 250 m downstream of weir, with a frequency as follows: prior to project operation (baseline); 3 months; 6 months; and 12 months after commencement of project operation; thence, semi-annually). Since no pollution is expected during operation, water quality monitoring is not considered necessary. 11. CONCLUSIGN Investigations conducted up to date on the environmental impacts in association with the rehabilitation of the Cs6rotnek weir and the restoration of the operation of the power plant revealed no impacts or unmanageable effects that would exclude the possibility of implementing the project. The project can be established on the basis of the available information. The environmental license for the development of the project has been released by the regional environment protection authority. On the basis of the existing environmental license and the elaborated documentation the regional water management has released the construction license. 32 Annex 4.1: Weir Structure And Safety General conditions of dam reconstruction The Csorotnek Small Hydro Power Plant and the power channels of plant exist. The plant existed and operated at same site for over hundred years. The memorial plate on the building of water mill show the initial start of operation at the beginning of the 19'h century. The water mill existed even before the modernization in the penod of 1806-1809 years. The earlier dam to divert water from the main river into power channel, had been built by traditional construction method, from local materials. The rock/brush-woods structure dam was regularly damaged and destroyed by floods of Raba River. After it last broke in 1992 the earlier owner decide not rebuild the dam and closed down the power generation house. As a result, during several floods in the 1990ies and early in the 215' century, flooding of downstream areas, including the city of Csoeroetnek has been much more severe than with the dam before. Reconstruction of the dam will help divert flooding to surrounding meadows, thereby minimizing the impact on the city and its surroundings. The most advantageous alternative to restart the power generation is the reconstruction of the dam at same site where the dam existed before, and to utilize the existing power channels and power plant. The crest level of dam shall be the same as existed before. This alternative represents the smallest volume of construction works and minimizes the influence on the environment. Hazard potential of the weir The hazard potential of dam describes the potential loss of human life or property damage in the area downstream or upstream of dam in event failure or incorrect operation. The hazard potential assigned to dam is based on consideration of effect of dam failure during both of normal and flood flow conditions. The reconstruction of dam in the case of Cs6r6tnek Small Hydro Plant conforming to criteria for the low hazard potential category. The site is located in rural area, without agriculture and farm buildings. The banks at both sides belong to the watershed area, covered regularly by the floods. The crest level of dam will be about 2,0 meters below of the level of banks. The storage capacity in the river bed, at the upstream side of dam, will be very limited. The event of a failure of the dam would therefore represent no danger to human life, property, agricultural areas and public utilities. Stage of design and the requirements The level of recently existing plans and designs determined by the basic requirements for licensing. The engineering study was conducted, consistent with the requirements to the preliminary license. During the license application period the study has been upgraded to meet requirements of the construction license. The level of the existing study roughly equals the level of a pre-feasibility study. Detailed topographical and geological survey are not yet provided. The environment impact assessment is in line with the requirements of the initial EIA. The safety and design assessment report and the elaboration of definite plans and structural design recommend to meet the following requirements: m EM 1110-2-2503, Engineering and Design - Design of Sheet Pile Cellular Structure Cofferdams and Retaining Structures. * Hungarian National Standards for the design of hydraulic structures. 33 Layout and main data The Szombathelyi Hydropower Co. owns the surrounding lands. The construction works of reconstruction can be organized without crossing lands of neighbors. The weir will be located in the river bed. The main parts of the dam are: the weir, the left bank block including, the fish-way, bottom sediment outlet and the waste flushing channel, a the right side block, including the ecological water release turbine. According to the released construction license the major requirements and data of weir: a Crest level of weir 212,20 m. above Adriatic sea-level. D The fix weir shall be suitable to divert water into power channel and to division of flood discharges. To the regulation of upstream water level and discharges not required movable gate structure. To the flushing of the floating waste recommended a flushing channel, closed by a 3,0 m wide and a 2,0 m high flap gate. - In case of normal operation the water pressure on structure, from the water level differences, not exceeding 5,0 m. a From the 700 m3/s maximal flood discharge, on the crest of weir the outflow maximum 450 m3/s. The rest of flood discharge will be diverted by weir to flood plain. a Maximal flood water level at the upstream side of dam 215,18 m. above Adriatic sea-level. a The bottom level of the river bed at the site of weir in average about 206,50 m. above Adriatic sea. This resulting height of weir from the bottom 5,70 m. Cold formed thin steel sheet piles The Szombathelyi Hydropower Co. want to realise the weir from CS-2 type, thin steel sheet piles, produced in Hungary. The main data of CS-2 thin steel sheet piles: Width of sheet piles: 484 mm Length of sheet piles: up-to 12 m Weight: 336,36 kg/m a 68,92 kg/m2 a Thickness of plate: 5 mm a Material: steel A38 B D Corrosion protection: Tectyl 506 coat. The working conditions of cold formed thin steel sheet piles calculated as the elastically embedded beam. To the licensing level applied analytical solution of the governing equations. To the definite plans and structural design, recommended finite element modelling. The length of embedded part of sheet piles 6,0 m and the free standing - cantilever - part 6,0 m. The evaluation of shear force and bending torque show the following results: a The maximum bending torque are at the connection of embedded and free standing parts. a From the 6,0 m long embedded part of sheet piles, the upper 4,0 m actively take part in the support against shearing forces and bending torque. a The critical in the operation of thin sheet piles is the buckling. Permissible maximum 23 - 25 kNm bending torque. Neither of one row and two rows of sheet piles is not suitable from point of bending. a The maximal length of the free standing - cantilever - part 3,0 m 34 * the weir, From point of structural strength and stability, to the CS-2 based solution, required a double row sheet pile structure. Between sheet piles, a reinforced concrete beam structure and steel anchor bolts assure the necessary rigidity. The space between reinforced concrete beams shall be filled by gabions or large diameter rocks. The length of c cantilever part 3,0 m. The preliminary analysis of sliding stability, overturning stability and shear resistance show a suitable margin. Length of filtration path The critical problem of the watertight structure in the thick sand/gravel soil layer is the hydraulic break of the soil, because of missing the suitable length of filtration path. From hydrodynamic point the two rows of sheet piles can be taken into account as individual elements if their distance (x) x22y, where (y) their depth. If x<2y, than the piezometric pressure will be not introduce into space between two rows of sheet piles and the length of filtration path will be reduced. Would be necessary 12 - 14 m distance between two rows, but this will significantly increasing the construction cost. Recommended a simplified solution, including the followings: X Primary watertight row of 12,0 m long sheet piles, embedded in the soil 6,0 m, length of cantilever maximum 3,0 m with interim support system. * Secondary row of 6,0 m long sheet piles for the support of stilling basin, embedded in the soil 3,0m. * Distance between primary and secondary rows 6,0 m. For this structure with the approximation of Blight the goveming equation is L>H*C Where H - difference of water levels (maximum 4,0 m) and the C - a gradient in case of sand/gravel about 4 - 6. These together represent about 17-25 % declination of piezometric pressure line. The required length of filtration path about 20,0 m and the available equivalent length only 14,0 m. Because of not suitable length of filtration path the stability of weir emerging the mechanical suffosion, what is washing out soil parts because of too high flow velocity. The intensity of suffosion depend on in-homogeneity of soil structure. Real danger related to the condition d60/dl0 >10-20. The safety against suffosion shall be evaluated at elaboration of definite plans and structural design, on the base of soil mechanical survey. In the present stage of design recommended geotextile filter at the outlet of filtration water with the suitable counterweight. A second danger from the too short filtration path originated from high outlet pressure gradient, what able removing the grains from soil. More detailed investigations required on the base of soil mechanical data. In the present stage of design the recommended geo-textile filter and counterweight assure the required safety of solution. Stilling basin and river bed lining From point of safety of stilling basin and river bed lining, the critical load is the outflow 450 m3/s on the crest of the weir. According to the preliminary calculations after second sheet pile row required a minimum 20 m long stilling basin. The major requirements to structure of stilling basin is the followings: * During flood shall be stable in the flow with average velocity 2,1-2,2 m/s. 35 D During normal operation period shall serve as the filter and counter weight against outlet pressure gradient of filtration. The lining of stilling basin shall be made from gabions or large rocks with diameter minimum D=0,25-0,30 m. Thickness of rock lining 1,0 m. Below rock lining shall be built in geo-textile layer for protection against mechanical suffusion. At the both side of geo-textile (lower and upper) recommended minimum 10 cm thick sand equalizing layer. Structure of the weir The structure of weir include the following parts: a.) The main watertight closing made from 12 m long, CS-2 type cold formed thin steel sheet piles, driven down to level 200,20 m. above Adriatic sea. b.) The row of sheet piles shall be supported against horizontal forces on the level 208,90 m. above Adriatic sea. The support structure shall made from reinforced concrete beams and connecting to the left side and right side blocks. c.) To the extension of length of filtration path and rigidity of support, necessary a second row of sheet piles from 6 m long CS-2 type cold formed thin steel sheet piles. The secondary row of sheet piles to the first row with anchor bolts against tension and with reinforced concrete beams against pressure. d.) The space between two rows of sheet piles shall be filled up to level 209,20 m above Adriatic sea. The layers from the bottom: equalizing sand layer, geo-textile, equalizing sand/gravel layer, local material and in the space between reinforced concrete beams gabions or large rocks with diameter minimum 25 - 30 cm. e.) After secondary sheet pile row required a minimum 20 m long stilling basin. Below lining of stilling basin required a geo-textile layer for protection against suffusion. Recommended thickness of rock lining 1,0 m. Gabions or large scale rocks required with diameter minimum 25 - 30 cm. f) The lining of stilling basin shall be closed by reinforced concrete energy dissipator cogs. g.) After stilling basin require minimum 30 m long and 50 cm thick lining of the river bed. h.) The head structure of main closing shall be able reducing vibrations, raised by vacuum under water jet. 36 Annex 4.2: Fishway Structure Stage of design and the requirements The level of recently existing plans and designs determined by the basic requirements for licensing. The engineering study was conducted, consistent with the requirements to the preliminary license. During the licensing period it has been upgraded to meet requirements of the construction license. The level of the existing study roughly equal to the level of pre-feasibility study. Detailed topographical and geological survey are not yet provided. The environment impact assessment is in line with the requirements of the initial EIA. To the elaboration of definite plans and design of the fish way, recommended to meet the following requirements: * Design of Fish ways and Other Fish Facilities, published by American Fishery Society and Lewis Publishers. * Hungarian National Standards for the design of hydraulic structures. Material of fishway The requirement for the material given by the regional nature conservation authority - Fert6-Hansag National Park - in his letter No. 011-16/99. The surface of fish way shall be made with rock lining. The fish way shall be include the followings: * The walls and bottom of the pools shall be lined by rocks, embedded in the concrete. * On the bottom of pools with the deposit from the large scale rocks shall be improved the energy dissipation. Fishway structure Because of steep river banks at the dam site, the available space for fish way limited. The limited space lead to intention to merge several functions into one block. The left bank block include the fish- way, bottom sediment outlet and the waste flushing channel. To this site the simplest solution representing the multiple pool type fish way. The dimensions of the individual pools are limited by the followings: * The depth of water in the pools shall be more than 80 - 100 cm and the average flow velocity shall be not exceeding the 0,3 m/s. * The width of pools shall be more than 1,50 m and the length of pools more than 2,00 m. * The baffles between pools shall include two type of swAmming up orifices. Submerged orifice and one upper orifice on each baffle. The orifices recommended to be 40 cm wide and 30 cm high. * To the following variation of upper water level, the upper first baffle shall be no fixed and during low water level period removed. * In average after every 7-10 pools recommended one larger pool. The cross section and water volume of this pool shall be several times higher the interim pools. * The structure of fish way planned from 30 cm wall thickness from concrete, with rock lining as require by authority. * The construction works shall be made behind protection by steel sheet pile boarder. Attraction water 37 Above normal fish way flows needed additional water flow for two reasons, first to extend the area if intensity of velocity of outflow from fish entrances to attract more fish, and second to provide velocities in fish transportation channel to encourage the migrating fish to keep moving in required direction. The best way to ensure turbulence and aeration in attraction water. The attraction water recommended by Szombathelyi Hydro Power Co. to ensure by the limited water fall from the flushing channel. Hydraulic model The hydraulic calculations based on 1,50 m width. The baffles located perpendicular for the axis of fish way. The maximal depth on crest of baffles 15 cm. The location of swimming orifices in the baffles alter in each step. The submerged and upper orifice shall be at the opposite site of baffles. The maximal water level difference of pools maximum 30 cm. The main hydraulic parameters of pools are the following: Number Upper Lower Crest Discharge Velocity Velocity in Velocity in of baffle water water level of onfishway on the the lower the upper level level baffle 3 crest orifice orifwce rm.a.sea rn.a.sea mn.a.sea m Is m/s m/s m/s 1 212,20 211,90 212,05 0,37 0,75 1158 2,30 2 211,90 211,60 211,75 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 3 211,60 211,30 211,45 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 4 211930 211,00 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 5 211,00 210,70 210,85 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 6 210,70 210,40 210,55 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 7 210,40 210,10 210,25 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 8 210,10 209,80 209,95 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 9 209,80 209,50 209,65 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 10 209,50 209,20 209,35 037 0,75 1,58 230 11 209,20 208,90 209,05 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 12 208,90 208,60 208,75 0,37 0,75 1,58 2,30 The fish way will be able for operation with maximum 0,5 m3/s discharge of water flow. The average flow velocity of the pools not exceeding 0,30-0,35 m/s. In the lower swimming orifice the flow velocity in average about 1,5-1,6 m/s, and in the upper swimming orifice more than 1,6 m/s. The average velocity on the crest about 0,7-0,8 m/s. Annual duration of fish way operation The fish way capable for operation with the regulated water flow up to 212,50 m. above sea. upstream water level. The calculation with hydrological data of the average year show that, the annual duration of fish way in average 340 days. 38 Annex 4.3: Environmental License for the Rehabilitation of the Csorotnek Small-hydro Plant (Synopsis translatedfrom Hungarian] Issued by the West-Hungarian Water Authority License number: 2789/28/2001 1. Basic Data * Weir location * Crest level * Structure of weir (CS-2 thin steel sheet piles) * Division of flood (in ratio 450/250 m3/s) * Additional structures of weir (sediment flushing, fish-way, waste flushing) * Turbine for ecological water release (6.0 m3/s Kaplan, 175 kW) * Technology of construction * Connecting structures (upstream channel, intake, old power house with 3 Francis turbines) 2. General Requirements * The occurrence of any unexpected event or pollution shall be reported within 24 hours. The pollution shall be closed as soon as possible and the damage shall be eliminated * The possibility of any unexpected damage shall be reduced io minimum Air pollution * Emissions of air pollutants shall be kept to the minimum, to the extent it is allowed by modem - technology * Transport roads shall be sprinkled during the dry period Noise and vibration * Noise emissions shall not exceed the limits set in Decree 4/1984 (123) of the Minister of Heath Water quality * A monitoring system (water level, discharge, ground water level) shall be established * Repair of machines in the river bed and at the banks is prohibited * Fuel storage shall be above flood level * Filling up by fuel shall be made above collecting tray * During construction the biological water shall be released continuously * During construction the conditions of water use and quality shall not worsen Land protection * Every leakage of hydrocarbons shall be closed immediately and the polluted soil shall be treated Waste * Waste management practices shall follow the governing Decree of the Govemment: 102/1996 (Vf.12) 39 3. Requirements of the Ferto-Hansdg National Park o During construction the protection of vegetation and wild living animals shall be assured. Works shall be carried out with minimal environmental damage o The structure of the fish way is accepted as elaborated in the licensing documentation o The 6 m3/s ecological water release is accepted as included in the licensing documentation 4. Requirements of the County Health Conservation Authority o The site shall be located not less than 400 m from inhabited area, from the point of view of health damage prevention o The detailed plan and design shall be submitted to the County Health Conservation Authority for the review 5. Requirements of the Land Authority o The land area used shall be limited to the minimal that is sufficient o In case agriculture area is permanent used, a permit from the land authority shall be obtained o The replacement of geodetic points shall be requested from the County Land Office 6. Requirements of the Soil Protection and Vegetation Health Authority o The arable layer of the construction area shall be collected, stored and used o Prior to beginning construction works, a permit from the soil protection authority shall be obtained according to Act LV of 1994 o Absent unexpected events, the project shall not influence the safety of surrounding arable soil 7. Requirements of the Municipality of Csorotnek o Elevation of water level shall not increase danger to inhabitants 40 Annex 4.4: Construction License for the Rehabilitation of the Csorotnek Small-hydro Plant (Synopsis translatedfrom Hungarian) Issued by the West-Hungarian Water Authority License number: 10.044/2/2002 Valid until Apnl 30, 2004. 1. Basic Data * Weir location * Crest level, stilling basin levels * Structure of weir (CS-2 thin steel sheet piles, 35 m long, 20,m long stilling basin I m thick rock lining) * River bed lining (30 m long 0,5 m thick rock) * Additional structures of weir (sediment flushing with 2,00 x 2,00 m steel gate) * Fish-way (1,50 m wide 1,0 m deep rock lined pools, 180 liter/sec water consumption, waste flushing combined with attraction water) * Turbine for ecological water release (6.0 m3/s Kaplan, 175 kW, runner diameter 1350 mm at the right bank, 5,00 x 7,00 m building dimensions) * Right bank stabilization with rock lining * Downstream bank stabilization with rock lining * Upstream channel (1800 m long, bottom width 5,5 m, 1: 1.5 slopes, 1.6 % inclined) * Existing power plant with three Francis turbines * Downstream channel (733 m long, bottom width 5,5 m, 1:1.5 slopes, 1.6 % inclined) * Earth dikes at the upstream channel * Expected effects on the environment (land, water, air, wildlife, constructed environment) 2. General Requirements * The occurrence of any unexpected event or pollution shall be reported within 24 hours. The pollution shall be closed as soon as possible and the damage shall be eliminated * The possibility of any unexpected damage shall be reduced to minimum 3. Requirements of the West-Hungarian Environment Protection Authority Air pollution * Emissions of air pollutants shall be kept to the minimum, to the extent it is allowed by modem technology * Transport roads shall be sprinkled during the dry period Noise and vibration * Noise emissions shall not exceed the limits set in Decree 4/1984 (L23) of the Minister of Heath Water quality * A monitoring system (water level, discharge, ground water level) shall be established * Repair of machines in the river bed and at the banks is prohibited * Fuel storage shall be above flood level 41 o Filling up by fuel shall be made above collecting tray o During construction the biological water shall be released continuously o During construction the conditions of water use and quality shall not worsen Land protection o Every leakage of hydrocarbons shall be closed immediately and the polluted soil shall be treated Waste o Waste management practices shall follow the governing Decree of the Government: 102/1996 (VII.12) 4. Requirements of the Municipality of Csorotnek o Elevation of water level shall not increase danger to inhabitants 42 5. Annex 1: Consultation with NGOs and Project- Affected Groups April17, 2002, Kormend Subiect: Issues regarding weir enforcement Attended: Plant management: Ludwig Braml-Gmach, Gerlinde Braml-Gmach, Csilla Ressler, Endre Farkas, Kupi Istvanne VIZIG water damage protection department: Imre Kovacs, Horvathne Andorka Valeria AWE Conculting Ltd.: Dr. Istvan Szeredi Also invited, but not aipeared: Environmental Inspectorate Dec 3, 2002, Kormend Subject: Issues regarding plant machinery and electric components Attended: Plant management: Ludwig Braml-Gmach, Gerlinde Braml-Gmach, Csi]la Ressler, Endre Farkas, Kupi Istvanne VIZIG water damage protection department: Imre Kovacs Orseg Natural Park: Zoltan Barbacsi Mayor's office: Laszlo Hencsei, Mayor Regional Electricity Supplier: Laszlo Papp Also invited, but not appeared: Environmental Inspectorate May 25/26, 2002, Csorotnek/Kormend Subject: This consultation has been organized with the objective to provide the broadest possible insight and opportunity for the expression of views by the participants. The event included site visits to the plant and weir sites of the Project and was held with the participation of representatives of: * concerned municipalities, * NGOs, * the Orseg National Park, and * the Regional Environmental Authority. Local stakeholder and NGO participants: Gusztav Pak6czay (Kbrmend Municipality) Laszl6 Hencsey (Kormend Municipality) Istvan Tamis (Cs6r6tnek Municipality) Ferenc Dancsecs (Magyarlak Municipality) Nadorne Ibolya Voros (Regional Environmental Authority, Szombathely) Zoltan Barbacsy (Orseg National Park, Oriszentpeter) Teodora Donsz (Bankwatch Network) Marta Bera (WWF) 43 Other participants: Ludwig Baml-Gmach (Owner) Gerlinde Bami-Gmach (Owner) Endre Farkas (Plant manager) Kupi Istvanne (Plant manager) Istvan Szeredi (Hydro power specialist) Friedrich Janitschek (Power specialist) Helmut Schreiber (World Bank) Christian J. Duvigneau (World Bank) Gy6rgy Lazi (World Bank) Since regular consultations have been held with the representatives of the municipalities, the Regional Environmental Authority and the Regional Environmental Authority during project preparation when all questions were addressed, no issues emerged during these public hearings. The Regional Environmental Authority and the Regional Environmental Authority, as licensing bodies, have been involved from the beginning. Representatives of the lately restructured Orseg National Park and the Hungarian sections of Bankwatch Network and WWF have expressed their full endorsement of the Project during visits of both components' sites. 44 6. Annex 2: Location of Project Sites SLOVAKIA a UKRAINE '~VIENNA.*ikl t M NO Nyfreyh6za -' ~~Gyt5r AUSTRIA * Rabaj 'BUDAPEST Debrecen 7 ,.X.Szonbathely Szdkesfehdnrhr -'2 .2 '; X IkeFvir * ' - . at_ J";Kurniena . ouna6Jv&ros 4 ROMANIA Csordnek z-Salar *Kecskemdt SLOVE NIA Szeged. CROATIA ~~~~PAcs ( 4r( 40 Ann k CROATIA -Serbia - V 'U 45