Draft Initial Environmental Examination: November 2017

Draft Initial Environmental Examination
November 2017
GEO: Urban Services Improvement Investment

Program – Tranche 3
(Improvement of Kutaisi Water Supply System
Sub-project)
Prepared by United Water Supply Company of Georgia LLC of the Ministry of Regional
Development and Infrastructure for the Asian Development Bank
This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views ex-
pressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Man-
agement, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms
of use” section of this website.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any
designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document,
the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or
other status of any territory or area.
ABBREVIATIONS
ADB - Asian Development Bank

CA - Cross section area
CC - Civil Contractor
DC - Design Consultant
DREP - Division ofResettlement and Environmental Protection
EA - Executing Agency
EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment
EIP - Environmental Impact Permit
EMP - Environmental Management Plan
EMS - Environmental Management Specialist
ES - Environmental Specialist (at DREP)
GoG - Government of Georgia
GRC - Grievance Redress Mechanism
IA - Implementing Agency
IEE - Initial Environmental Examination
IP - Investment Program
IPMO - Investment Program Management Office
kg - Kilogram
km - Kilometre
lpcd - Litres per Capita per Day
M - meter
MFF-IP - Multitranche Financing Facility Investment Program
mg/l - milligram per litre
mm - millimetre
MoENRP - Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protectcion
MoRDI - Ministry of Regional Development & Infrastructure
UWSCG - United Water Supply Company of Georgia
SC - Supervision Consultant
SSEMP - Site Specific Environmental Management Plan
WS - Water Supply
WSS - Water Supply & Sanitation
WWF - World Wildlife Fund
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 4

POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ....................................... 5
A. ADB Policy ..................................................................................................... 5
B. Georgian Law ................................................................................................. 6
i. Framework Legislation.............................................................................................. 6
C. Licenses & Approvals Required ................................................................... 8
ii. Administrative Structure in Georgia ....................................................................... 10
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT................................................................................. 11
1. Type of the Project .................................................................................................... 11
2. Category of the Project .............................................................................................. 12
3. Need of the Project .................................................................................................... 12
4. Location .................................................................................................................... 12
5. Existing Situation. ...................................................................................................... 13
6. Project Description .................................................................................................... 15
7. Construction Activities ............................................................................................... 18
8. Implementation Schedule .......................................................................................... 18
9. Operation of Improved Water Supply System............................................................. 18
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (BASELINE DATA) ................................ 19
1. Physical Resources. .................................................................................................. 19
2. Topography and Soils................................................................................................ 20
3. Surface water ............................................................................................................ 21
4. Groundwater ............................................................................................................. 22
5. Geology/Seismology.................................................................................................. 23
6. Flora ......................................................................................................................... 24
7. Protected Areas......................................................................................................... 24
8. Fauna........................................................................................................................ 24
9. Economic Development: (e.g.) ................................................................................... 25
10. Social and Cultural Resources: .................................................................................. 27
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 28
1. Summary of Activities and Anticipated Impacts .......................................................... 28
2. Air Quality ................................................................................................................. 29
3. Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 31
4. Soils Quality and Topsoil Management ...................................................................... 32
5. Biological Environment .............................................................................................. 33
6. Hazardous Construction Wastes................................................................................ 34
7. Socio-Cultural Resources .......................................................................................... 36
8. Noise and Vibration ................................................................................................... 38
9. Construction Camps .................................................................................................. 39
10. Construction Related Impacts at the Quarrying Sites ................................................. 39
11. Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................................... 40
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................. 40
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION ............ 41
GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM................................................................... 42
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................. 45
1. Institutional Arrangements ......................................................................................... 45
2. Performance Indicators.............................................................................................. 46
3. Monitoring ................................................................................................................. 54
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ............................................................. 57
1. Recommendation ...................................................................................................... 57
2. Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 58
APPENDIX
1. Minutes of Meeting of Public Hearing on 10th of May 2012

2. Chance Find Report Form
3. Map of Planned Aqueduct and all Sensitive Receptors along the Rioni River
4. Letter to the MoENRP of Georgia regarding Rioni River Crossing
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Other National Environmental Legislations and Applicability

Table 2: Summary of Investment Measures
Table 3: New reservoirs and collector reservoirs
Table 4: Rehabilitation of pumping stations
Table 5: Replacement of transmission main
Table 6: New transmission mains
Table 7: New distribution pipes
Table 8: The reference values of background concentrations (mg/m³)
Table 9. Detailed Description of Obtained Individual Species
Table 10: The list of the fish found in the design section by IUCN Category
Table 11: Summary of Activities and Anticipated Impacts
Table 12: Noise Level Guidelines
Table 13. Length of sturgeon spawning areas in 1922 and 2007
Table 14. Results of interview with local population and fishermen
Table 15: Environmental management cost table
Table 16: Environmental performance indicators
Table 17: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Table 18: Environmental Monitoring Plan for general construction activities at Kutaisi
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1: Location of project town

Map 2: Water Supply Network and recently rehabilitated districts (green colour)
Map 3: Measures in Water Supply System Phase II
Map 4: River Network in Western Georgia
Map 5: Hydro-geological Zones
Map 5: Seismic Zones of Georgia
Map 6: Historical Monuments that are located at the vicinities of the project area
Map 7: Kutaisi - office of the UWSCG in Gugunava Street 12
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 1 Existing Water Supply at Kutaisi

Fig. 2 Grievance Redress Mechanism
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. It is proposed to improve the water supply system in Kutaisi under the Asian De-
velopment Bank (ADB) funded Urban Services Improvement Investment Program. This In-
vestment Program, implemented in seven towns, will develop the water and sanitation ser-
vices, which will improve quality of life and optimize the social and economic development.
The Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MoRDI) is the Executing Agency
(EA) and the United Water Supply Company of Georgia (UWSCG) is the Implementing Agency
(IA) of this Program. The WSS program will be implemented from midst of 2011 and likely to
be completed by 2019. A first phase of the Kutaisi sub-project, financed under Tranche I,
focuses in water supply measures and is implemented in 2013 – 2015. Phase II, financed
under Tranche 3, and with a start of implementation in 2014 will complete the rehabilitation
and extension of the water supply system. Since the water supply subproject is unlikely to
have significant adverse impacts, it is classified as environment Category B, and accordingly
an Initial Environmental Examination has been conducted. This is a summary of the IEE
Report.
2. Kutaisi, the capital of Imereti region, is the second largest Georgian city and the
political, economic, and cultural centre of Imereti region. Imereti region, with a total area of
6,515.8 km², is strategically located on the main East-West transit corridor between the Cas-
pian and the Black Sea. It is the most populated region in Georgia, with more than 702,700
inhabitants (based on 2002 data). It consists of 12 administrative-territorial units – the city of
Kutaisi and eleven districts (Baghdati, Vani, Zestaphoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Tkibuli, Kha-
ragauli, Khoni, Tskaltubo, and Chiatura). Kutaisi, which is about 240 km to the west from the
capital City of Tbilisi, lies at the River Rioni, the main river in western Georgia draining to the
Black Sea.
3. The service level of water supply is low with partial coverage, high system losses,
and insufficient pressure in the system. With the government initiative to develop Kutaisi, the
water demand is likely to grow slightly. This subproject will expand the system and improve
the service standards, with a daily supply of potable water in adequate quantity (205 lpcd).
The subproject is designed to meet the projected demand of 2040. This will be achieved by:
(i) restructuring of water supply network if required (ii) exchange / reconstruction of old
transmission pipes (iii) and construction of new reservoirs.
4. The Kutaisi WS system improvement sub-project is relatively large in scale and

maintenance as compared to other project towns. Sataplia Nature Reserve is located 9 km
north-west from Kutaisi. None of the components will encroach into this reserve and most of
the activities are planned along the existing roads. Further any disturbance will be limited to
construction period. The identified impacts are mostly short-term, localized and can either be
easily avoided or mitigated.
5. Most of the predicted impacts are associated with the construction process. Im-
pacts mainly arise from the generation of dust from soil excavation and refilling; disturbance
of residents, traffic and activities in the town; increase of silt load in the river; loss of top soil,
removal of trees, and from the disturbance to wildlife due to trenches. These are common
impacts of construction, and following methods are suggested for their mitigation: (i) Utilizing
surplus soil for beneficial purposes; (ii) Measures to reduce/control dust generation (cov-
er/damp down by water spray; consolidation of top soil, cover during transport etc); (iii)
Providing prior public information; (iv) conducting no construction in the river bed in fish
breeding season; (v) restoring the top soil after construction, (vi) avoiding tree cutting through
location alignment changes, and (vii) to avoid safety hazards construction site will be secured
at critical segments.
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D:\Dropbox\GEO\Environment\3 Kutaisi\IEE\08310 Kutaisi IEE.docx
6. The water supply sub-project is likely to have several positive benefits during op-
eration. The citizens will be provided with a constant supply of better quality water, which will
improve the quality of life.
7. To ensure that all the mitigation measures as suggested are implemented, a pro-
gram of environmental monitoring is prepared. The Division of Resettlement and Environ-
mental Protection (DREP) of UWSCG will oversee and be responsible for implementation of
mitigation and monitoring measures. Provided the mitigation and enhancement measures are
implemented in full, there should be no significant negative environmental impacts as a result
of the subproject. There should in fact be positive benefits through major improvements in
quality of life and individual and public health once the scheme is in operation.
POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
8. This section discusses the national and local legal and institutional framework within
which the environmental assessment is carried out. It also identifies project-relevant
international environmental agreements to which the country is a party.
A. ADB Policy
9. Superseding the previous safeguard policies (the Involuntary Resettlement Policy,

1995, the Policy on Indigenous Peoples, 1998, and the Environment Policy 2002), ADB, has
adopted a comprehensive Safeguard Policy Statement in 2009 (SPS, 2009). This Statement
describes common objectives of ADB’s safeguards, lays out policy principles, and outlines the
delivery process for ADB’s safeguard policy. It applies to all ADB-financed and adminis- tered
projects, and their components including investment projects funded by a loan, grant or other
means.
10. Aiming on promotion and sustainability of project outcomes by protecting the envi-
ronment and people from projects’ potential adverse impacts, the objectives of ADB’s safe-
guards are to:
 avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where
possible;
 minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environ-
ment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and
 help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the ca-
pacity to manage environmental and social risks.
11. The objective of environmental safeguards is to ensure the environmental sound-

ness and sustainability of projects and to support the integration of environmental considera-
tions into the project decision-making process. All ADB funded projects are screened at ini-
tial stages of preparation and categorized according to significance of the project’s potential
environmental impacts. Projects are assigned to one of the following three categories:
Category A - Projects likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts, which are
irreversible, diverse or unprecedented and may affect an area larger than the lo-
cation subject to physical works. An Environmental Impact Assessment is re-
quired.
Category B –. Projects with adverse environmental impacts that are less significant than
those of Category A projects, are site-specific, generally not irreversible, and in
most cases can be mitigated more readily than for Category A projects. An Initial
Environmental Examination (IEE) is required.
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Category C - likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts; EIA is not re-
quired.
12. The Kutaisi WS subproject has been classified as environmental assessment cat-
egory B (some negative impacts but less significant than category A) according to the criteria
laid down in the checklist for water supply projects of the ADB’s Environmental Assessment
and Review Framework (November 2010) that was especially prepared for the environmen-
tal assessment of the Georgia Urban Services Improvement Investment Program.
13. ADB Review and Approval. For Category B projects the Draft IEE report is re-
viewed by ADB’s Operational Department (in this case Central & West Asia Department) and
after addressing their comments, if any, the EA then officially submits the IEE reports to ADB.
Completed reports are made available on the ADB website.
B. Georgian Law
i. Framework Legislation
14. The basic legal document is “The Constitution of Georgia”, which was adopted in
1995. While the Constitution of Georgia does not directly address environmental matters, it
does lay down the legal framework that guarantees environmental protection and public ac-
cess to information with regard to environmental conditions.
15. Article 37, Part 3 states that “any person has the right to live in a healthy environ-
ment, use the natural and cultural environment. Any person is obliged to take care of the
natural and cultural environment.” Article 37, Part 5 states that “an individual has the right to
obtain full, unbiased and timely information regarding his working and living environment.”
16. Article 41, Part 1 states that “a citizen of Georgia is entitled to access information
on such citizen as well as official documents available in State Institutions provided it does not
contain confidential information of state, professional or commercial importance, in ac-
cordance with the applicable legal rules.
17. The Law of Georgia on Environmental Impact Permit (2007) defines the full list
of activities on the territory of Georgia subject to mandatory ecological expertise. The Law
defines the legal aspects of issuing an environmental permit, undertaking the ecological ex-
pertise, informing the public and participating in the given procedures. Under the Law, the
environmental permit is the authorization to realize the planned activities. Under the Law, an
environmental permit is issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Re-
sources of Georgia based on the review/expertise of the application of an applicant for the
environmental permit. The aim of the Law is to ensure the protection of a human health, nat-
ural environment, physical assets and cultural heritage during the activity.
18. The Law of Georgia on Environment Protection (1997) regulates the legal rela-
tions between the state establishments and physical or legal entities in the field related to the
use of territorial waters, air space, including continental shelf and special economic zones,
environmental protection and natural resources on the territory of Georgia. The Law regu-
lates the standards of the environmental protection and issues of environmental manage-
ment; it describes the economic sanctions, standards and issues of environmental impact,
different issues of protection of the natural eco-systems and biodiversity, and global and
regional management issues. In addition to the above-mentioned, the Law considers the major
principles of waste management. The law defines the ecological requirements for the waste
(Article 34). According to the provision of the given Article, an entrepreneur is obliged
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to reduce the origination of industrial, domestic and other types of waste, ensure their treat-
ment, utilization, placement or burying by considering the environmental, sanitary-hygienic
and epidemiological standards and rules. The Law defines the requirements for the place-
ment of toxic, radioactive and other hazardous waste and prohibits their discharge in the
surface water sources.
19. Law of Georgia on Licenses and Permits (2005) defines the list of activities
needing licenses or permits, including so called “Environmental permit”. It also defines the
requirements for the license or permit issue. The Law, together with the normative by-laws,
regulates such organized activity or action, which relates to an indefinite circle of entities, is
characterized by increased hazard to the human life or health, affects particularly important
state or public interests or is related to the use of a state resource. The given Law regulates
the field regulated by a license or permit; it gives a thorough list of licenses and permits, and
establishes the rules to issue the licenses and permits, makes amendments to them or abol-
ish them. Under the Law, a state regulation of the activity or action through a license or per-
mit is undertaken only when the given activity or action is directly associated with the in-
creased hazard to the human life or health or fields of state or public interests. The state
regulation is undertaken only when the issuance of a license or permit is a real means to
reduce the hazard in question or consider state or public interests. The aim and major prin-
ciples of regulating the activity or action via licenses or permits are as follows:
 Provision and protection of human life and health;

 Safety and protection of a human’s residential and cultural environment;
 Protection of state and public interests;
20. The Law of Georgia on State Ecological Expertise (2007). Under the given Law,
the ecological expertise is a necessary measure for making decision on the issuance of
environmental and/or construction permit(s). The aim of the ecological assessment is to pro-
tect the ecological balance by considering the requirements of environmental protection,
rational use of natural resources and principles of sustainable development. A positive con-
clusion of the ecological expertise is mandatory for obtaining an environmental and/or con-
struction permit. In addition, the holder of environmental and/or construction permit is obliged
to comply with conditions specified in the ecological expertise conclusion. The process of
ecological assessment is regulated by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural
Resources.
21. The procedure to be observed during ecological expertise, as well as the require-
ments on forming the expert commission is prescribed in the Provision on the Rule for Carry-
ing out Ecological Expertise, which is approved by the Minister of Environment and Natural
Resources Protection of Georgia. The full list of the activities, subject to mandatory ecologi-
cal expertise for decision making on issuance of environmental permit or building permit, is
specified by the Law of Georgia on Environmental Permit.
22. The state ensures protection of the environment and, correspondingly, protection of
water as its main component in The Law of Georgia on Water (1997). All residents of Georgia
are liable to ensure the rational and sustainable use and protection of water. They have to
prevent its contamination, pollution and depletion. The dumping of industrial, household and
other garbage and wastes in water bodies is prohibited according to this act. The disposal of
industrial, household and other effluents into water bodies is permitted on the basis of a license
by the Ministry. With the objective of protecting the Black Sea and preserv- ing its ecological
system, all natural and legal persons (including foreigners) are obliged to take measures for
preventing pollution of the sea with wastewater from the sources of pollution located on the
land. The use of a surface water body for discharging industrial, commu- nal-household,
drainage and other wastewater is allowed only under a water use license
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issued on the basis of the Ministry-approved multipurpose water utilization plans and water
management balance-sheet.
23. The Law of Georgia on Cultural Heritage (2007). Article 14 of the Law specifies
the requirements for ‘large-scale’ construction works. According to this Article, a decision on
career treatment and ore extraction on the whole territory of Georgia, as well as on construc-
tion of an object of a special importance as it may be defined under the legislation of Geor-
gia, is made by a body designated by the legislation of Georgia based on the positive deci-
sion of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia. The basis for the con-
clusion is the archeological research of the proper territory to be carried out by the entity
wishing to accomplish the ground works. The entity wishing to do the ground works is obliged
to submit to the Ministry the documentation about the archeological research of the territory in
question. The preliminary research should include field-research and laboratory works. In case
of identifying an archeological object on the territory to study, the conclusion of the arche-
ological research should contain the following information: (a) a thorough field study of the
archeological layers and objects identified on the study territory by using modern
methodologies, (b) recommendations about the problem of conservation of the identified
objects and planning of the building activity on the design territory, on the basis of the arche-
ological research
24. The aim of the Law of Georgia on Public Health (2007) is as follows: Promotion of
the introduction of a good health and healthy lifestyle of the population; Creation of the envi-
ronment, which is safe for a human health; Promotion of the protection of the reproductive
health of a family; Prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Law defines the
rights and obligations of the population and legal entities in the field of public health. Aiming
at establishing the environment safe to the public health, the Ministry sets the qualitative
standards for the environment safe for a human health (atmospheric air, water, soil, noise,
vibration, electromagnetic radiation), including maximum permissible concentrations and rates
of harmful impact. The standards are mandatory. Every person on the territory of Georgia is
obliged not to carry out the activity, which causes a hazard of the infectious and non-infectious
diseases to spread and helps the origination of the risks to human health; protect the sanitary
and epidemiological standards; to supply the information to the public health department about
all emergencies caused by the violation of the sanitary norms in the production or
technological process, etc. The observance of the standards is controlled by appropriate state
structures. The responsibility for the internal and external audits rests with a certified,
independent laboratory.
25. Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (November 2010, EARF)

was established for the Asian Development Bank funded Georgia Urban Services Improve-
ment Investment Program (or the Investment Program). This is prepared to adequately ad-
dress the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) requirements and is to be endorsed by the
Georgian government. Projects have to be assigned to Categories A, B, and C. General
mitigation measures are listed for anticipated impacts.
C. Licenses & Approvals Required
26. Environmental assessment of various activities and development projects in

Georgia is governed by the Law on Environmental Impact Permits (EIP). This Law notifies the
list of the activities and projects, which are subject to ecological expertise and require
Environmental Impact Permit. The Law also makes the public participation mandatory in the
process of environmental assessment, ecological expertise and decision making on issuance
of an environmental impact permit. Under this Law, various projects/activities have been
divided into four categories based on their size, importance and potential environmental
impact, and sets out permitting process for each category.
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27. None of the components of the proposed water supply improvement subproject in
Kutaisi are notified in the Law on EIP and therefore environmental impact permit is not re-
quired.
28. The requirements related to EIA studies and the EIA report are set forth in the Order
N31 of 15 May 2013 of MoENRP.
29. The Law of Georgia “On the Red List and Red Book” (2003) regulates the legal
relations in the field of developing the Red List and Red Book, protecting and using the en-
dangered species, except the legal issues of the international trade with endangered wild
animals and wild plants, which within the limits of the jurisdiction of Georgia are regulated by
virtue of the Convention ‘On the international trade with the endangered species of wild fau-
na and flora’ concluded on March 3 of 1973 in the city of Washington. According to Article 10
of the Law, any activity, including hunting, fishing, extraction, cutting down and hay-mowing,
except particular cases envisaged by the present Law, Law of Georgia ‘On animal life’ and
legislation of Georgia, which may result in the reduction in number of the endangered spe-
cies, deterioration of the breeding area or living conditions, is prohibited. The Red List of
Georgia was approved by the Presidential Decree No. 303 ‘On approving the Red List of
Georgia’ (May 2, 2006).
Table 1: Other National Environmental Legislations and Applicability
Framework Legislation
Constitution of Georgia (as amended 04.10.2013)

1995
Reg. No - 010.010.000.01.001.000.116
Environmental Protection (as amended 26.12.2014)

1996
Reg. No - 360.000.000.05.001.000.184
Permitting Legislation
2005 Licensing and Permitting (as amended 18.09.2014)

Environmental Assessment Code (01.06.2017) will
2017 enter into force from January 2017 (see para 36).
Environmental Impact Permit (as amended 26.12.2014)

2007
Reg. No - 360.160.000.05.001.003.078
Ecological Expertise (as amended 25.03.2013)

2007
Reg. No - 360.130.000.05.001.003.079
Regulation on EIA (as amended 15.05.2013 by the Decree

2013
No 31 of MoENRP)
Specific Environmental Laws
Soil Protection (as amended 26.12.2014)

1994
Reg. No - 370.010.000.05.001.000.080
9
System of Protected Ares (as amended 30.04.2014)
1996
Reg. No - 360.050.000.05.001.000.127
On Status of the Protected Areas (as amended 30.04.2014)

2007
Reg. No - 360.050.000.05.001.003.060
Waste Management Code 26.12.2014

2014
Reg. No -360160000.05.001.017608
Minerals (as amended 26.12.2014) Reg.

1996
No - 380.000.000.05.001.000.140
Wildlife (as amended 26.12.2014)

1997
Reg. No - 410.000.000.05.001.000.186
Water Protection (as amended 26.12.2014)

1997 Reg. No - 400.000.000.05.001.000.253
Transit and Import of Hazardous Waste within and into the
1997 Territory of Georgia as amended 11.03.2011)
Reg. No - 300230000.05.001.016218
Pesticides and Agrochemicals as amended 08.05.2012)

1998 Reg. No - 340120000.05.001.016723
Atmospheric Air Protection as amended 5.02.2014)
1999 Reg. No - 420.000.000.05.001.000.595
Forest Code as (amended 6.09.2013)
1999 Reg. No - 390.000.000.05.001.000.599
Red List and Red Data Book of Georgia (as amended
2003 6.09.2013)
Reg. No - 360.060.000.05.001.001.297
Other Relevant Laws and Normative

On Fire Protection and Safety 24.06.2005 Reg. No
2005 - 140.060.000.05.001.000.355
On Regulation and Engineering Protection of Coasts of Sea,
2006 Water Reservoirs and Rivers of Georgia – 27.12.2006
Reg. No - 330.130.000.11.116.005.130
On Cultural Heritage (as amended 26.12.2014)
2007 Reg. No - 450.030.000.05.001.002.815
On Public Health (as amended 29.05.2014)
2007 Reg. No - 470.000.000.05.001.002.920
Technical regulations applicable to the European Union and the
Member States of the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development, as envisaged by the Annex to the Resolution,
2013
shall be enacted in Georgia.
Approved by the Government Decree № 50
Reg. No - 300.160.040.10.003.017.214.
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Technical Regulations: “on Drinking Water Standards”.
2014 Approved by the Government Decree № 58
Reg. No - 300160070.10.003.017676
Environmental Technical Regulations. Approved by the
2014 Government Decree № 17
Reg No - 300160070.10.003.017608
30. Some of the International Treaties and Conventions Ratified or Signed by

Georgia are provided in the list below.
 Short List of the Ratified or Signed Conventions:

 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1996);
 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) (1994);
 Kyoto Protocol (1994);
 Kyoto Protocol (1999);
 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste
and Their Disposal (1999);
 Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and
Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention) (1999);
 Convention on Biological Diversity (1994);
 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) (1996);
 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollutants (1999);
 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2006);
 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural habitats (2008);
 The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1995);
 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1995).
ii. Administrative Structure in Georgia
31. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia (MoENRP).

MoENRP has the overall responsibility for protection of environment in Georgia. The De-
partment of Permits of MoENRP is responsible for reviewing EIAs and for issuance of the
Environmental Permits. MoENRP is the main state body pursuing state policy in the sphere of
environment. Their functions for regulating economic or development activities with regard to
environmental protection include:
 Issuing permits for project development (Environmental Impact Permit)

 Setting emission limits and issuing surface water intake and discharge consents
 Responding to incidents and complaint
32. For the projects, which do not require Construction Permit, the Environmental permit
is being issued by the MoENRP on the ground of State Ecological Examination. State
Ecological Examination is carried out by MoENRP upon official submission of Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by project developers.
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33. For projects requiring Construction Permit, no special permit is issued by MoENRP
(according to “One window principle”, only one permit shall be issued for each activity). The
Construction Permit is issued by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable De- velopment of
Georgia, but the issuance of the Permit is subject to the consent of the MoENRP in a form of
Conclusion of Ecological Expertise, as well as the Ministry of Culture (Centre of Archaeological
Studies, Department of Monuments protection). Consent of the MoENRP in such cases should
be issued according to the same procedures (EIA, public consultations; SEE etc.) as for
issuing Environmental Permit.
34. The Ministry of Economic and Sustainable Development as an administrative body

issuing a permit ensures the involvement of the MoENRP as a different administrative body in
the administrative proceedings initiated for the purpose of permit issuance, in accordance with
Georgia’s Law on Licenses and Permits.
35. As a rule, EIA permitting conditions contains requirement for informing MoENRP
regarding fulfilment of the EIA permit conditions. This basically means giving information
regarding implementation of Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans.
36. The Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia is responsible for
the supervision of the construction activities in order to protect archaeological heritage. In case
if construction is to be carried out in a historic sites or zones of cultural heritage, consent of
the Ministry of Culture is also required for issuing construction permit (If such is necessary).
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
1. Type of the Project
37. The proposed Urban Services Improvement Investment Program is intended to

optimize social and economic development in selected urban areas (provincial capitals and
secondary towns) through improved urban water and sanitation services. This ADB funded
Multitranche Financing Facility Investment Program complements the government’s emerg-
ing vision for the WSS sector, formulated in its sector development strategy and road map,
policy framework and reform implementation plan, and a business climate that encourages
increased donor investment. This support will also complement on-going donor efforts to
improve and expand Georgia’s urban WSS services. ADB identifies support to developing the
country's municipal infrastructure a key contributor to enhancing sustainable economic growth,
with the cross cutting themes of governance, regional cooperation and environmental
protection. ADB's support can contribute to: (i) sector reforms; (ii) strengthening the link
between financing local infrastructure projects and decentralization reforms; (iii) stimulating
local economic development; and (v) improving the quality of life of urban population
38. The Investment Program focuses on investments in improvement of basic urban

infrastructure (i.e. water supply and sewerage). Besides, it will also provide policy reforms to
strengthen urban governance, management, and support for urban infrastructure and ser-
vices. This Program will be implemented in tranches over a period of 8 years beginning in
2011. The Executing Agency (EA) is the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastruc- ture
(MoRDI), Government of Georgia; and the Implementing Agency (IA) is the United Wa- ter
Supply Company of Georgia, a wholly-owned company of Government of Georgia under
MoRDI.
12
39. The Kutaisi WS improvement project has been classified as environmental as-
sessment category B (some negative impacts but less significant than category A). Accord-
ing to ADB procedures, the impacts of the subproject were assessed by the Initial Environ-
mental Examination, conducted according to ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Ac-
cording to Georgian Legislation an Environmental Impact Assessment does not need to be
conducted for the project measures under Tranche 3.
40. This IEE relates to the water supply subproject only.
41. This is an urban water supply improvement sub-project. It involves the rehabilita-
tion of the part of the network that was not included under Tranche 1, the construction of one
new reservoir (New East), the construction of two small collector reservoirs for the pumping
stations at Partkhanakanebi and Mukhniari, the extension of TV Tower Reservoir (second
chamber) and the rehabilitation of Kvitiri and Mukhnari pumping stations.
42. KUT-01 project requires the crossing of Rioni River for the transmission line from
Mukhiani pumping station to the New East Reservoir.
43. The draft design envisages the conveyance of the raw potable water from the right
bank of the Rioni River, where Vartsikhe HPS dam is situated, upstream, about 6km, to the
left bank territory of the Rioni River adjacent to the water pumping station, through a water
supply pipe, which presumable will be conducted through the aqueduct, which is
perpendicularly crossing the Rioni River course. It is envisaged that the several piles of the
aqueduct will be constructed directly into the course of the Rioni River.
44. on Environmental Impact (2008) the project does not require EIA and obtaining of
Permit on Environmental Impact.
45. Following ‘Environmental Considerations in ADB Operations’ of September 2009,

the Project can be considered to be a Category B project requiring an Initial Environmental
Assessment (IEE). The Project will not require an acquisition of land and resettlement activi-
ties will not become necessary at all. There is no protected area located closely and ecologi-
cally sensitive habitats will not be affected
3. Need of the Project
46. The service level of urban water supply and waste water treatment at present is not
satisfactory in Georgia. Services are not available to the entire population and the ser- viced
areas suffer with inefficient service levels. Systems are old and inefficient. The situation is
no different in the program town of Kutaisi. The WS project is needed because the present
water supply infrastructure in Kutaisi is inefficient and inadequate to the needs of the growing
population and tourists.
4. Location
47. Kutaisi, the capital of Imereti region, is the second largest Georgian city and the
political, economic, and cultural centre of Imereti region. Imereti region, with a total area of
6,515.8 km, is strategically located on the main East-West transit corridor between the Cas-
pian and the Black Sea. It is the most populated region in Georgia, with more than 702,700
inhabitants (based on 2002 data). It consists of 12 administrative-territorial units – the city of
Kutaisi and eleven districts (Baghdati, Vani, Zestaphoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Tkibuli, Kha-
ragauli, Khoni, Tskaltubo, and Chiatura). Kutaisi, which is some 240 km to the west from the
capital City of Tbilisi, lies on the river Rioni, the main river in western Georgia draining to the
Black Sea. The total population of the City amounts to 192,500 (2010). Regional location of
Kutaisi is shown in Map 1.
13
Map 1: Location of project town
Location of Aqueduct
48. Project Aqueduct crossing area is located in the lower part of Kutaisi, between Nikea
Street and the railway line in Kutaisi. At Project Bridge crossing place the Rioni River right
terrace is 304 meter height and Characterized with straight relief, which is located with various
buildings and Nikea Street. The left side terrace of the river is 5-8 meters height, on which the
local motorway road is located.
5. Existing Situation
49. The United Water Supply Company of Georgia 1 (UWSCG) provides water supply in
Kutaisi. Owing to its location, there are numerous well fields. These well fields are the main
source of water supply to the town. These sources at present provide 36,489 m3/day.
50. Partskhanakanebi Well field is the largest single source of supply for Kutaisi. It lies
near the village of the same name, about 15 km south-south west of the outskirts of the city,
among farmland and river floodplains. The pumps produce 1,250 m 3/h (347 l/s). Mukhiani Well
field is near to Partskhanakanebi, only 3 km further to the east. Four pumps each of Russian
manufacture, rated at 1,000 m³/hour (278 l/s). Kopitnari well field was developed in 1970. The
well field itself has a total of 22 wells, of which 16 are currently in operation. They are each
rated at 120 m3/hour though it is doubtful whether they actually deliver that flow. The village of
Gumati is situated on the right (west) bank of the Rioni River some 4 km upstream (north) of
Kutaisi. At present four of the original seven wells from Gumati well field remain operational.
They are of various sizes (25, 25, 60 and 160 m³/hour), and yield in total an estimated 200
m³/hour.
51. The present water supply system covers about 95% of the population in urban
areas. Due to old systems water losses are very high.
52. The present sub-project is designed to improve the service standards of water
supply in Kutaisi – daily supply of potable water in adequate quantity (205 lpcd) at requisite
pressure. In addition water has to be provided for industrial purposes (2,300 m3/d).
14
53. The chemical quality of the groundwater is good and the samples meet all of the
standards applicable to Georgia except for the bacteriological tests, where the failure rate is
relatively high.
54. The proposed complete WS infrastructure improvement works will be located in and
around the town. There are three main components of the project: (i) restructuring of water
supply network if required (ii) exchange / reconstruction of old transmission pipes and
(iii) construction of new reservoirs and pumping stations.
Fig. 1 Existing Water Supply at Kutaisi
15
Map 2: Water Supply Network and recently rehabilitated districts (green colour)
55. Above map shows water supply network within Kutaisi. Old pipes that need re-
placement will be exchanged by new ones. To overcome deficiencies in supply, the network
will be restructured where necessary.
6. Project Description
56. A feasibility study was conducted to improve the water supply system in Kutaisi to
meet the design year demand (2040) and the project is formulated for implementation under
the proposed ADB funded Investment Program. Works are proposed to be implemented
through multi tranche funding.
57. The proposed water supply infrastructure improvement works have been elabo-
rated based on the development goals identified in the Feasibility Study. The following
measures are foreseen under Tranche 3. They are Phase II of the extension and rehabilita-
tion of the water supply system.
(i) the rehabilitation of the part of the network that was not included under Tranche
1.
(ii) the construction of one new reservoir (New East) that will be located East of
the Kutaisi, at a distance several hundred meters from the closest population.
(iii) the construction of two small collector reservoirs for the pumping stations at
Partskhanakanebi and Mukhnari
16
(iv) the extension of TV Tower Reservoir (second chamber)
(v) the rehabilitation of Kvitiri and Mukhnari pumping stations.
58. The following map illustrates the measures of Phase II that are part of Tranche 3.
Blue lines present new pipes to be laid. Yellow boxes describe the new reservoirs and col-
lector reservoirs.
Map 3: Measures in Water Supply System Phase II
59. The following tables summarize the investment measures.
60. Table 2: Summary of Investment Measures
Max
Service Area /
Reservoir Supplied from Volume Water Height Details
PS / Reservoir
Level
Phase II [m³] [m] [m]
Collector Partskhanakanebi
1 x 1,000 65 4.00 Kvitiri PS square
Partskhanakanebi well field
Collector New East Res-
Mukhnari Mukhiani well field 2 x 1,000 134 4.00 ervoir square
east part, east
New East PS Mukhnari 2 x 4,000 225 4.00 circular
of the river
higher zones,
TV Tower PS Kldiashvili 1 x 1,000 355 4.00 circular
east of the river
Total [m³] 12,000
Table 3: New reservoirs and collector reservoirs
17
Technical Description
Centrifugal Pumps for Water Supply system

Equipment: control and measure instruments for monitoring and
remote control, fittings, connection pipes, valves
Technical data:
Kvitiri PS Total head: 103 m
Hgeo: appr. 86 m
Qmax = 913 m³/h (3 operation, 1 standby)
min. overall efficiency: 70%
Centrifugal Pumps for Water Supply system
Equipment: control and measure instruments for monitoring and
remote control, fittings, connection pipes, valves
Technical data:
Mukhnari PS
Total head: 108 m
Hgeo: appr. 94 m
Qmax = 620 m³/h (2 operation, 1 standby)
min. overall efficiency: 70%
Table 4: Rehabilitation of pumping stations
Start of End of Existing New New Di-

Existing Length
Transmission Transmis- Diameter Ma- ameter
Material [m]
Main sion Main [mm] terial [mm]
Crossing
point of Mukhnari
Steel 400 DCI 500 2,950
Mukhiani PS
Main
Table 5: Replacement of transmission main
Start of Transmission End of Transmission Diameter Length

Material
Main Main [mm] [m]
PS Mukhnari New East reservoir DCI 500 4,180
New East reservoir Network DCI 500 4,800

Table 6: New transmission mains
Pipe Diameter Pipe Length Pipe Diameter Pipe Length
OD 50 2,454.50 OD 225 5,907.00

OD 63 23,701.00 OD 250 2,171.20
OD 75 14,755.20 OD 280 9,455.70
OD 110 10,319.90 OD 315 1,517.60
OD 125 32,488.20 OD 355 5,100.10
OD 140 3,707.20 OD 400 4,351.60
OD 160 1,420.80 OD 450 2,854.40
OD 180 23,156.00 OD 500 795.60
OD 200 2,773.30 OD 630 10,335.50
Table 7: New distribution pipes
18
7. Construction Activities
61. Main components the subproject are the restructuring of water supply network, the
exchange / reconstruction of old transmission pipes, the construction of new reservoirs, two
collector reservoirs and the rehabilitation of two pumping stations.
62. Construction practices of these works are described below:
(i) Pipe Laying. Existing old, malfunctioning or leaking pipes will be replaced.
Pipelines will follow existing roads and existing alignments. Trenches will be
dug using a backhoe digger, supplemented by manual digging.
(ii) Excavated soil will be placed alongside, and the pipes will be placed in the
trench. Pipes will be joined, after which excavated soil will then be replaced on
beneath and sides. The trench will be refilled with excavated soil and sand and
compacted manually. The depth of trench will be 2 m – 3 m depending on
topographical conditions. Minimum width of the trench will be between 0,8 m.
After construction part of trench will be occupied by pipe and sand layer, and
trench is refilled with the excavated material.
(iii) Construction of Reservoir. This work will involve excavation for foundations,
placing of reinforcement rods in wooden shutters and pouring of concrete in
voids to form foundations, floor, walls and roof. Cement mortar plaster will be
applied to walls (outside and inside), floor and roof for smooth finish. Inlet and
outlet pipes and fixers/valves will be installed. Excavation for foundation will be
done by backhoe digger or manually, where required. Concrete will be mixed
in concrete mixer and needle (pen) vibrator will be used for compaction of
concrete around the reinforcement. The quantity waste/surplus soil generated
from this activity will be insignificant and can be used within the site to level the
ground surface.
(iV) Construction of Aqueduct. The construction phase consists of: Diversion of the
river Rioni (depending on the discharge of the river on the date of construction);
Construction of the piles for the footings of the aqueduct; Construction of the
footings of the aqueduct; Construction and assembly of steel carrier system on
the footings,
63. Source of construction materials. In Kutaisi, sand is sourced from River Rioni and
aggregate is sourced from licensed crushers. Construction waste/debris is normally used for
levelling low lying areas in the town. No additional IEE will be required as material extraction
will be limited to licensed sites and facilities only.
64. Transportation routes. As illustrated in Map 3, transportation routes to the struc-

tures will pass through populated areas. Only New East Reservoir will be accessed from the
highway Tbilisi – Kutaisi and a small dirt road. For mitigation measures please refer to the
subsequent chapters.
8. Implementation Schedule
65. Construction works of Phase II are scheduled to start in 2014. The construction
period will be three years.
9. Operation of Improved Water Supply System
66. Water supply infrastructure will require repair and maintenance activities like de-
tection and repair of leaks. Since good quality pipes are being used breaks are very rare, and
19
leaks will be mainly limited to joints between pipes. Repair work will be conducted in the same
way the pipe was laid, after locating the leaking section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (BASELINE DATA)
1. Physical Resources
a. Ambient Air
67. City of Kutaisi is located in the humid subtropical region of the West Georgia. The
major climate peculiarities of this region are mainly explained by its location at the east shore
of the Black Sea, near the north boundary of the subtropical zone.
68. The average annual humidity in Kutaisi is 70% with lesser rate of 64% in the win-
ter. Precipitation is also quite high with the annual quantity exceeding 1580 mm. The maxi-
mum precipitation falls in the winter months with average monthly rate of 170 mm, while the
minimum rainfall period includes May and August, with monthly rates of 42 mm and 95 mm
respectively. The climate conditions in the city and its environs are characterized by relative-
ly dry and hot summer, moderately warm winter and frequent and strong east background
winds.
69. Average annual days with the background winds is 114 (with maximum frequen-
cies in winter and summer). Wind velocity achieves 40 m/s. In the West Georgia such winds
just in a few hours may cause temperature rise of 10-20 degrees and humidity drop of 5- 10%.
The long term annual wind distribution is as follows: east winds 53%, west winds 34%, various
other directional winds 13%.
70. Due to its location at the east part of Kolkheti Lawland, Kutaisi climate significantly
differs from the weather conditions attributed to the cities situated at the east Black Sea cost
that is well evidenced from its temperature pattern. Specifically:
 Average annual temperature is 14.5 °C
 The warmest month is August with average temperature of 23.6 °C
 The coldest month is January with average temperature of 5.2 °C
 The temperature variation magnitude is of 18.4 °C evidencing the lack of large con-
trasts between seasons.
71. In the specific years the maximum air temperature reaches 41.0-42.0 °C (10-year
return period), and the minimum temperature drops to -17.0 °C (50-year return period). Be-
low is provided information on average monthly temperatures and winds derived from the data
of the closest meteorological station.
Average annual air temperature:

Month I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Average
0
C 5.2 5.8 8.4 12.9 17.9 21 23.2 23.6 20.5 16.4 11.5 7.5 14.5
Average minimum monthly air temperatures:

Month I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual
0
C 2 2.5 4.4 8.4 12.7 16.2 18.7 19.3 15.9 12.1 8.2 4.6 10.4
Absolute minimum air temperatures for each month:

0
C -17 -13 -10 -5 2 9 11 11 5 -2 -10 -13 -17
Average maximum monthly air temperatures:

0
C 9 9.9 13.3 18.9 24.1 27 28.4 28.9 26 21.8 15.9 11.4 19.6
20
Absolute maximum air temperatures for each month:
0
C 21 25 32 35 37 40 41 42 40 35 30 25 42
72. The full scale assessment of the ambient air quality in Kutaisi has not been per-
formed since the end of 1980s. That time the industries located within the city area were
significantly more active compared to present.
73. The major components of the industrial emissions comprised suspended particles,
sulphur anhydride, carbon oxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphides, smoke,
etc.
74. It should be noted that the meteorological conditions prevailed in Kutaisi largely
determines the level of the air emission impact.
75. As noted above, the possibilities for any comprehensive observations over the
ambient air quality was significantly restricted during the recent years. In result no information
on the average concentrations of hazardous pollutants in the outdoor air was available.
Therefore the population based method recommended for such situations was applied for
estimating the likely concentrations of air pollutants within the city area (see Table ??). As for
1 January 2012 Kutaisi population is 196,500, the reference estimated concentrations
applicable to the urban settlements with population range of 250-125 thousand shall be used.
Table 8: The reference values of background concentrations (mg/m³)

Sulphur Diox- Nitrogen
Population (thousand) Dust ide Dioxide Carbon Oxide
250-125 0.4 0.05 0.03 1.5
125-50 0.3 0.05 0.015 0.8
50-10 0.2 0.02 0.008 0.4
<10 0 0 0 0
2. Topography and Soils
76. Topography. Despite its small area, Georgia presents one of the most varied to-
pographies within its geographical boundaries. Kutaisi lies at an elevation of 125-300 meters
(410-984 feet) above sea level. To the east and north-east, Kutaisi is bounded by the North-
ern Imereti Foothills, to the north by the Samgurali Range and to the west and the south by
the Kolkheti Lowland.
77. Similar to the other natural features, the overburden soils occurring around Kutaisi
are also distinguished by their diversity. The topsoil types developed in specific parts of the
city environs depend on the prevailed geological structure, terrain, climate and vegetation
cover. The major surface soil types distributed around Kutaisi comprise alluvial, subtropical
podzol, yellow, carbonated humus-rich and podzol topsoils.
78. The alluvial soils are extensively distributed south and south-west of Kutaisi. The
non-carbonated alluvial soils are mainly observed on the river terraces developed in the left
part of the city.
79. The subtropical podzol soils are common in the upper part of Kolkheti Lowland, as
well as within the hilly zone. The level of podzolization of the terrace topsoils varies depend-
ing on their age.
21
3. Surface water
80. The Rioni River is the largest river in the Western Caucasus and the largest tribu-
tary to the Black Sea. Rioni River is draining approximately 20% of the country. It starts from
the main summit of Caucasus Mountains, at the bottom of the Mountain Fasi (2620asl). The
mouth of the river is situated at Poti, where in flows into the Black Sea. The length of River
Rioni is 327 km, the average slope – 7.2%. The catchment covers 13,400 km² and the aver-
age height of the watershed is 1,084 m. Main tributaries of the river Rioni are as follows:
 Jojora – length - Kvirila – length 140 km

 Khanistkali – length 57 km
 Tskhenistskali – length 176 km
 Nogela – length 59 km
 Tekhuri – length101 km
 Tsivi – length 60 km.
81. The River Rioni is fed with water from icy mountains, snow and rain water. Snow
and rain water contribute the most to its flow. The river floods mainly in spring to summer
(March – end of August), with the maximal peak in May/early June as the result of snow melt
and rains. The second period of flooding is the end of September to October – this is a result
of heavy rains. The average flow of the Rioni in Kutaisi is 132.7 m³/sec. The project area,
Kutaisi, is situated in the flood plains of Rioni River Basin. The River flows through Kutaisi
town.
82. The Rioni River is polluted with industrial and municipal wastewaters. As the
wastewater treatment plant, Patriketi, is not operating, all the wastewaters are discharged
straight to this river. Faecal masses from Choma district are also polluting river Rioni as this
district is not connected to the sewage network. The Rioni is polluted with industrial and mu-
nicipal waste. The majority of the industrial sources of pollution are not operating at present,
however they were polluting the river for years with industrial waste and oils. Industrial plants
were not equipped in any pre-treatment facilities and they used to discharge industrial waste
directly into the river. There are no recycling facilities for used oils, they are still discharged to
the river. Water quality data of Rioni River are not available. Basically the water quality of Rioni
River is supposed to be bad and its quality should be tested prior to use as construction
water to make sure that it meets the required quality.
22
Map 4: River Network in Western Georgia
4. Groundwater
83. Groundwater occurring within Kutaisi mainly is of infiltration type, i.e. the rainfall
water leaking into the ground down to the impervious layers. Such water moves along the
impervious layers and often is released out of surface in a form of springs. The depth of aq-
uifers from the ground surface mainly varies in a range of 2-10 m. In addition the area hosts
the juvenile (magmatic) waters.
84. According to the hydrogeological zoning of Georgia, Kutaisi is included into

Tskaltubo porous, fractured, fractured-karstic and karstic artesian basin occupying its east part
within the basin feed limits. Based on the Hydrogeological Zoning Layout of Georgia, with
respect to the natural groundwater patterns, the area belongs to the annual feed type,
abundant feed subtype and drained regional class.
85. The major water extraction facilities providing water supply of Kutaisi include
Parskanakanebi, Mukhiani-Kachara and Kopitnari well fields located at the east part of Kol-
kheti Lowland, on the Rioni-Gubistskali interfluvial plain.
23
Map 5: Hydro-geological Zones
5. Geology/Seismology
86. According to geotectonical zoning, Kutaisi area belongs to the west molasses de-
pression (Rioni Intermontane Trough) of the Transcaucasian Intermontane Lowland. The
overburden mainly consists of the Neogene-Quaternary molassas deposits overlaying the
slightly dislocated Cretaceous and Paleocene strata. Within the study region, the Neogene is
represented by 4 horizons: Loamy deposits horizon (sandstones, clays, marls), Chockrak
horizon (conglomerates, sandstones, limestones and marls), Karagan horizon (sandstones,
marls and limestones) and Sarmatian horizon (clays, sandstones). The Quaternary deposits
are extensively distributed within Rioni River basin, where the recent deposits of the lower and
upper Quaternary period are identified. The lithological structure of the early and late
Quaternary alluvial deposits comprise the pebbles and cobbles with pebble-sandy, sandy,
clayey and loamy filler. The recent late Quaternary elluvial-delluvial deposits overlay the pre-
Quaternary deposits, which in turn as a rule are built by clays and loams along with the rub-
ble. The thicknesses of such elluvial-delluvial formations vary in the range from 1m to 20m
with maximum reached at the zone of development of the clay-marl and sandstone deposits.
Thickness of the Holocene layer is 40-50 m generally including the alluvial, alluvial-marine and
biogenic deposits.
87. The area is mainly covered by alluvial deposits lithologically represented by coarse
grained soils and sandy and loamy-clayey material.
24
Map 5: Seismic Zones of Georgia
88. Soil. Most of the underlying sediments are covered by top soil. Top soil means the
upper part of the earth cover (depth 0.3 – 0.5m). It is aerated and contains roots. The top soil
is underlain by alluvial clay and sand deposits.
89. From geological point of view Project Aqueduct crossing place is presented with
little 1-3 m. capacity quaternary and River sedimentary rocks with riprap inclusion, hard plastic
loam and sand and with cobbles filled with sands and boulders, Below which are the main
rocks (3-4 m. capacity hard cracked and hard exhausted, thin layer marl stones and Several
dozen meters of capacity little cracked and little exhausted lime stones).
6. Flora
90. Kutaisi is located in the east botanical region of Kolkheti Lowland. In the past Ku-
taisi environs, as well as the largest part of Imereti Region was covered with forests. Up to the
middle 19th century, when an inexorable tree felling commenced, a thick forest was growing
along Kutaisi-Tskaltubo motor road.
91. Currently the plains and hilly zones surrounding the city mainly are completely
forestless and occupied by agricultural lots. However some forest fragments still have been
maintained within the city boundaries and at its approaches. From these, the major one is
Sagoria Forest expanded over 480 Ha, where the dominating tree species is an oak.
92. The secondary forests have been occasionally developed after felling the relict
forests east and north of Kutaisi, including the forest growing at the left bank of Tskaltsitela
River, near village of Godogani where the major tree species comprise oak, hornbeam, black
locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), etc.
7. Protected Areas
93. The Project impact zone does not intervene into any protected area. The closest
protected areas are Ajameti and Sataplia State Reserves, which are respectively 18-20 km
and 12-15 km apart from the Project area.
8. Fauna
94. For today the areas of Kutaisi and its environs have extensively been reclaimed and
25
the densely populated settlements have been established thus significantly restricting the
wildlife ranges and minimizing the number of wild animals. However, it should be noted that
in the past these areas were deemed to provide the best hunting sites. The following wildlife
species occur in the areas adjacent to city:
 Rodents: mouse, hare, squirrel, etc. From Chiroptera species: bats, etc.;
 Insectivores: hedgehog, Colchis mole, etc;
 Birds: frequently occur lark, crow, rook, owl, oystercatcher, sparrow, cuckoo, starling,
blackbird;
 Reptiles: lizard, grass snake, whip snake, rat snake and numerous tortoise species;
 Amphibians: common toad, green toad, marsh frog, tree frog, etc.;
 Invertebrates: insects, locust, flies, butterflies, beetles, etc.
95. Due to the heavy human impact lasting for decades, the area is very poor with
respect to fauna diversity and occurrence. Only the species characteristic to urban settle-
ments were recorded during audit conducted around the area.
9. Aquatic Biodiversity
96. To determine the extent of the impact of the construction of the aqueduct’s piles on
the fish species of Rioni River, baseline investigation of Ichthyofauna was performed by the
ichthyologic team of “Gama-Consulting”, LLC in in 20-30.10.2017, including the field survey
and analysis of the literature sources.
Survey Methodology
97. The Rioni River, especially in the upper reach of the Vartsikhe HPS dam, is joined
by the following rivers: the Kvirila and Khanistskali. The ichthyofaunal investigation included
the desk works, visual inspection, field surveys, consultation with stakeholders (survey of local
residents and amateur fishers) and laboratory processing of the obtained material. The survey
methodology is fully compliant with methods widespread in international practice. More
detailed information about the Consultations carried out with local residents and fishermen are
presented in para 194-199 of the proposed IEE andl also in Appendix 3.
98. The condition of the fish stock of different species in a body of water is estimated
by the general mass of the recently caught fish; by quantitative ratio of age group; by the age
at the first and massive puberty in population; by the determination of direct impact of growth
rate on puberty; by the effectiveness of the weapons used during fishing and by the seasonal
time of fishing.
99. During field and laboratory surveys, the “Gama-Consulting”, LLC, ichthyologic field
teams followed those widely recognized methods, which are described in:
 Pradvin I.F. – Guide to the Study of Fish (mainly freshwater). Publishing House “Food
Industry”, Moscow, 1966.
 Konstantinov A.S. – General Hydrobiology. Publishing House “Higher School”, Moscow,
1986.
100. It should be emphasized also that during the survey no key species, namely
Sturgeon was captured, due to the migratory nature of the fish. To determine presence of
Sturgeon in Rioni River additional consultations were held with the key Stakeholders, including
Mr.Archil Guchmanidze, National Sturgeon Expert. As Mr.Guchanidze explained, no sturgeon
was captured since 1984, in the upper part of the Vartsikhe HPP canal, neither by fishermen
nor by scientifists during surveys.
Visual Inspection
101. Visual inspection means the identification of the habitat of individual ichthyofaunal
species (geomorphology of the course of the survey river, general hydrologic characteristics,
26
habitat hypsometry, relief, riverbed hypsometry, visual and landscape background), based on
which Gama-Consulting has theoretically identified the possible denizen species in the design
sections of the Rioni, Kvirila and Khanistskali Rivers. The proposed method of preliminary
examination is actively employed in numerous countries of the world.
Field Survey
102. The field survey includes the full biological analysis of the fish found at a specific
location by “Gama-Consulting” (length, mass, sex, puberty stage, scale labelling and storage
for laboratory analysis for determining age and growth rate), study of their foodbase, hydroflora
and hydrofauna; identification of water macro invertebrates and edible insects; study of their,
as fish and as invertebrate animal, dwelling – ecologic surrounding;
103. During the field surveys, “Gama-Consulting” had test catches with cast net (weight
7.0 kg, loop size 14 mm). The catching was done at trial points, at the section of 50 and 100m.
Only sports/amateur fishing weapons were used during the survey; therefore, their usage does
not require the special permit or license. The survey parameters include the study of all biotic
and abiotic factors associated with fish ecological niche.
104. During the catching of the fish with cast net, each individual specimen is registered
in field log including their external parameters and internal physiological condition; the scale
samples are labelled and stored in a special polypropylene container for later laboratory
studies
Laboratory Study
105. As a rule, the part of the material caught while fishing at every field survey is
returned to the river in a live condition (catch-relieve principle); while the other part is
transported to the laboratory for further studies, in particular age, puberty stage, sex, condition
factor, meristic and plasticity traits, as well as, content of food digestive tract are determined
and observed. Laboratory studies are conducted in accordance with widely accepted standard
methodologies.
The list of fish species found in design section by Gama Consulting.
Colchian Common barbel

Species: Colchian Common barbell
Latin name: Barbus tauricus rionica, Kamensky, 1899
Type: freshwater
Habitat: benthic-pelagic
Food type: half-predatory
106. Settlement Area: Asia Minor, Black Sea Rivers up to the Sarkis River. In Georgia it
is found in Chorokhi, Choloki, KintriShi, Supsa, Rioni, Khobi, Enguri, Kodori, Bzipi, Psousa
and their estuaries. In the lake Amkeli, and in Tkibuli and Lajanuri water reservoirs. Length –
55 cm, weight – 1.5, usually smaller ones are found. It is fatty, delicious freshwater fish. It
dwells in stone and sandy places.
107. Living environment and behavior: in the river, it goes higher, at trout’s dwellings
together with Transcaucasian barb. It prefers rapid, clear, stone and sandy riverbeds. It
migrates at short distances; it spends winter in river coastal groves and riverbed pits.
Reproduction: it reaches puberty from the age of 3-4; spawns twice; it is reproduced from May
to August; it spawns earlier in the downstream, than middle and upstream; it spawns in shallow
waters, at stone and sandy places; water temperature 12-180C. Fertility depends on the age
and body size; it spawns up to 2000-15000 roes in the rivers and up to 30000 in the lakes.
Roes develop into larvae within a week. Nutrition traits: it feeds on benthos, clams,
chironomids, crabs, and animal and plant detritus, river crabs, and some on small fish and
27
their caviar. Due to scarcity, it is not used in fisheries. X
Transcaucasian Spirilin
Species: Transcaucasian Spirilin
Latin name: Squalius cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) = Leuciscus cephalus orientalis
Nordmann, 1840
Type: freshwater
Food type: half-predatory
108. The body is prolonged, and is covered by large scales. It has a big head. In some
samples, head’s length is longer that the highest body height, in some samples head’s length
and body height are equal and in some - smaller. Its back is dark, sides are dark grey, and its
abdomen is whitey. As usual, there is a dark smudge behind the gill. Its length is 50 cm, weight
– 1.5 kg. Generally, they are small.
109. Settlement Area: The rivers: Mtkvari, Khrami, Aragvi, Alazani, Iori, Chorokhi,
Kintrishi, Supsa, Natanebi, Rioni, Khobi, Enguri, Kodori, Bzipi; in the lakes: Jandari, Paravani,
Saghamo, Bazaleti, Paliastomi, Bebesiri; water reservoirs: Khrami, Tbilisi, Sioni.
110. Living environment and behavior: freshwater; it dwells in stony-sandy places;

Nutrition traits: it feeds both on animal and plant food; Reproduction: it reaches puberty from
the age of 2-3; it spawns from May to August; spawns reach up to 15 000 -150 000; it is not
used in fisheries; IUNC – requires caring (LC).
Caucasian Stone Loach

Species: Caucasian Stone Loach
Latin name: Barbatula barbatula caucasicus Berg, 1899
Type: freshwater
Habitat: benthophagous
Food type: pelagic
Length – 9cm, weight – 5 grams
111. Settlement Area: It is found almost in all water reservoirs and rivers in Georgia Living
environment and behavior: freshwater; it dwells in lakes and water reservoirs, in silty and
stone-sandy places; Nutrition traits: it feeds on planktons, benthos and algae; Reproduction:
it spawns from June to September; its spawns reach up to 2000-3000 It is endemic to the
Caucasus
Caucasian Chub
Species: Caucasian Chub
Latin name: Alburnoides bipunctatus fasciatus (Nordmann, 1840)
Type: freshwater
Food type: pelagic
Length – 13 cm, weight – 60 grams;
112. It mainly dwells in mostly shallow rivers, and small branches; it adepts well to lake
conditions. It has a high body, compressed from sides; it is covered with easily loosing scales.
There is a ridge behind the abdomen scale. It has a dark green back, while the sides are
silvery. There is a double stripe alongside the lateral lines sometimes explicit, sometimes dim.
There are dark patches scattered on sides, mainly in upper parts. Sometimes, the points of
breast, abdomen and anal scales are of red shade.
113. Settlement Area: In the Chorokhi river and its confluents (Tkhinaristskali,
Charistskali, Acharistskali, Machekhela); in the rivers: Chakvistskali, Kintrishi, Supsa, Rioni (at
whole length), Churia, Tikori, Enguri, Ghalidzga, TimuSi, Dghamishi, Mokvi, Okumi, Kodori
(with its confluents), Gumista, Tetritskaro, Shavtskali, Bzipi, Psou; in the lakes: Paliastomi,
28
Nabada, Amtkeli; in Tkibuli water reservoir; in eastern Transcaucasia.
114. Reproduction: it spawns from May to August; its spawns reach up to 2000-6000
115. Nutrition traits: it feeds on planktons, benthos and partly on algae; It is not used in
fisheries; it competes with fishery fishes in terms of food and reproduction; IUCN – it is not
assessed (NE).
Photos of fishies of the project area: Squalius cephaus (Linnaeus, 1758) =Leuciscus cephalus
orientalis Nordmann, 1840), Barbus tauricus rionica Kamensky, 1899, Alburnoides bipunctatus
fasciatus (Nordmann, 1840), Barbatula babatula caucasicus Berg, 1899.
Table 9. Detailed Description of Obtained Individual Species (age, length, weight, sex and puberty stage,
fishing coordinates).
Sex and Puberty Stage
Location coordinates
and surrounding
Fishing point N
Weight (gram)
Fish species
Length (cm)
territories
Amount
Date
Age
17 49 3+
Squalius cephaus 3
X= 310160.86;
20.10.2017
Y= (Linnaeus, 1758)
№1 4677806.46; =Leuciscus 5 12 20 3+
3
cephalus orientalis
H=118მ.ზ.დ.
Nordmann, 1840)
11 14 3 2+
29
Sex and Puberty Stage
Location coordinates
and surrounding
Fishing point N
Weight (gram)
Fish species
Length (cm)
territories
Amount
Date
Age
11 18 3 2+
11,5 15 3 2+
Barbus
tauricus
rionica 1 8,5 6 2 2+
Kamensky,
1899
Alburnoides
bipunctatus
fasciatus 1 11 12 3 3+
(Nordmann,
1840)
Barbatula 10 10 2+
babatula 2
2
caucasicus
10 12 2+
Berg, 1899 2
Table 10: The list of the fish found in the design section by IUCN Category
Distribution within the

Name Latin Name Category Assessment design section
(+, -)
Alburnoides +
IUCN – it is not
Transcaucasian Sprilin bipunctatus fasciatus
assessed (NE).
(Nordmann, 1840)
Barbus tauricus rionica
Colchian barbell IUCN -VU +
Kamensky, 1899
Squalius cephalus +
IUCN – needs caring
Caucasian Chub (Linnaeus, 1758)
(LC).
=Leuciscus cephalus
Caucasian Stone Barbatula babatula +
-
Loach caucasicus Berg, 1899
116. Out of 41 fish species found in the Rioni River, only the ones given in the above
table are observed and confirmed in the design section. As for the sturgeon species, their
distribution zone is now believed to be outside the project premises.
117. The distribution area of the sturgeons is the lower reach of the Vartsikhe HPS, in
particular from the estuary of the Rioni in the Black Sea to the discharge point of the consumed
water from the Vartsikhe HPS cascades into the River Rioni’s course.
118. From the mentioned point to the dam, the only obstruction for the sturgeon spawn
migration is the scarcity of ecological flow in the lower reach of the dam. In order to exclude
30
the mentioned factor, fishery industry subordinate to “Sakshavzghvatevzmsheni” for the
artificial description of the sturgeon was commissioned in 1983. This fishery had to annually
convey the roes (several millions) of the sturgeons into the upper reach of the Vartsikhe HPS
dam.
119. Such works were conducted until the end of the 80s, and from the 90s the industry
went bankrupt and was transferred to the private property. The private owners were not
obliged whatsoever to conduct the abovementioned specific works.
120. The negative impact on the Ichthyofauna of Rioni River and corresponding
mitigation measures are described in Table17.
9. Economic Development: (e.g.)
a. Industries
121. Assuming its production potential, Kutaisi is the second industrial city in Georgia
after Tbilisi. The large and small scale businesses operating in the city provide significant
contribution to economical development of the country. The major industrial sectors include
electric power engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, consumer goods
industry, food industry, wood processing industry, production of non-metal minerals, etc. Due
to the known events developed during the last 10-15 years, the most of city’s large produc-
tion facilities stopped. However, in the recent year such trend has been reversing that is evi-
dent by opening of the new small scale businesses.
b. Infrastructure facilities
122. Urban Services. UWSCG provides water supply and sewerage services in the town.
Well fields are the main source of water supply. It is estimated that some 70% of the
inhabitants of Kutaisi are connected to the wastewater network. While this connection rate is
higher than in many towns and cities in Georgia it still means that a significant number of
people have to use sanitation methods. Some of the unconnected areas are the relatively
sparsely populated steep areas in the higher parts of the city where the topography would
make it difficult and expensive to provide sewerage. There is no wastewater treatment facili-
ty; the collected wastewater is disposed into River Rioni without any treatment. Storm water
drainage is available in part of the town. Solid waste management system is not well devel-
oped; waste is collected and disposed in low-lying areas.
c. Transportation
123. Kutaisi is a transportation hub. It is located at the junction of the dense railway and
road conduits. The city is connected to the main Georgian railway by two independent tracks
constructed from Rioni and Brotseula (each of approximately 8 km length). These routes
connect Kutaisi to all industrial centres and important economical regions of Georgia. Specif-
ically the city is crossed by so called “Georgian Military Road” connecting the east and west
parts of the country. Kutaisi has the international (in Kopitnari) and local (in Vehicles Factory
Settlement) airports. Kopitnari Airport can serve as a backup for Tbilisi International Airport.
The motor roads connect Kutaisi with north (Svaneti, Lechkhumi, Racha) and south (through
Zekari pass) regions of Georgia. The total length of city road network is 312 km.
31
d. Electric Power Sources
124. Kutaisi and its environs provide favourable conditions for developing the large scale
power generation projects. At present two medium hydro power plants (Rioni HPP and Gumati
HPP) operate in the city. Construction of the new Namakhvani HPP with designed installed
capacity of 450 MW and the estimated investment cost of 800 mln US dollars is planned within
several tens kilometres from Kutaisi in the close future.
e. Mineral Resources and Tourism Facilities
125. Mineral Resources. The major natural mineral resources available near Kutaisi are
provided from the limestone, spongolite and chalcedony deposits located north-east of the
city. In addition there are many Cretaceous basalt outcrops, as well as the agate, quartz sand
and sandstone deposits. Also, the pottery clay deposit is located at the right bank of Rioni
River, at the so called “Gora” site. Other important minerals are available at Gelati coal,
Gumbrini bentonite clay, marvel, Eklari limestone and other deposits. The fireproof clay
deposits have been discovered near Rion-Sormoni and Jvarisa. Such clays can withstand the
temperatures up to 1500-1700 degrees.
126. Tourism. Kutaisi and its surroundings have a high tourism development potential.
The area is rich with historical and architectural monuments, e.g. Bagrati Church, Gelati and
Motsameta Monasteries, Geguti Palace, Sataplia and Navenakhevi Grottos, etc. However, it
should be noted that the local tourism infrastructure is weakly developed. Implementation of
this Project will positively contribute to the development of the tourism industry. The following
figure represents main historical monuments that are located at the vicinities of the project
area
Map 6: Historical Monuments that are located at the vicinities of the project area
32
10. Social and Cultural Resources:
a. Population and Communities (e.g. numbers, locations, composi-

tion, employment)
127. According to 2002 census Kutaisi population amounted to 185,965 that grew to
196,500 based on the current data. Number of households (families) is 5,748. The major
ethnical minorities are Russians and Ossetians composing 2% of total population. There are
several compact settlements housing more than 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs)
who may be deemed as the permanents city residents. Such settlements occupy hotel Tbili-
si, kindergarten Imereti, Gumati public boarding school, hotel Zeskho, etc. The table below
shows population dynamics for Kutaisi and Imereti Region during 2003-2013.
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Imereti 694.9 690.2 689.0 700.1 697.6 694.2 693.5 700.4 704.5 707.5 703.9
Kutaisi 184.7 183.8 184.5 190.1 189.7 188.6 188.6 192.5 194.7 196.8 196.5
b. Healthcare Facilities
128. The city has well-developed network of the outpatient and inpatient healthcare
facilities of both general and specialist profiles. The ambulatory network comprises 5 adults
and 4 children policlinics. The inpatient healthcare facilities include the Regional Clinical
Hospital, O. Chkhobadze Medical and Social Rehabilitation Centre, Imereti Regional Centre
for Infectious Pathologies, Rehabilitation Care Hospital, City Church Hospital, Church-Run
Hospital, Kutaisi Second Maternity Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Regional
Oncology Centre.
129. From 2005 the city is provided with free-of-charge ambulance service (“03”).
130. The city has the technical and professional base for providing healthcare services,
which are made available through the State run programs or under the applicable charges.
c. Education Facilities
131. Kutaisi always was important contributor to development of the Georgian national
culture. Currently several theatres operate in the city. Kutaisi has rich scientific potential,
including institutions of the Georgian Academy of Science, as well as three universities, one
library and 6 museums. There are 45 public schools in the city.
d. Socio-Economic Conditions
132. The total housing stock of Kutaisi is around 61,000. One third of this stock com-
prises detached (single-family) houses, while the remaining portion consists of multi-storey
apartment blocks. The multi-storey buildings are in poor condition and require repair. De-
tached houses are in a better state and mainly have small yards.
133. The average household size is estimated as follows:

 Detached houses – 3.77 members;
 Apartment blocks – 2.66 members.
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
1. Summary of Activities and Anticipated Impacts

33
134. This paragraph provides a brief description of anticipated site-specific impacts
related to the construction phase of the sub-project “Improvement of Kutaisi Water Supply
system”.
Table 11: Summary of Activities and Anticipated Impacts
Construction Phase.
# Potential Impacts During Con- Risk Sites
struction Works
1 Dust, Noise, Vibration High During excavation of water pipe
Risk trenches, particularly in the densely
populated parts of the city.
During transportation of loose materials

(cement, sand) during construction of
service reservoirs, pumping stations and
collector reservoirs.
During construction of Kvitiri collector

reservoirs and rehabilitation of the
pumping stations, since the worksites
are located within the densely populated
district.
2 Pollution of surface water Low Risk No Project site is located in proximity to
during construction and Riv- er Rioni bank. Installation of the new
rehabilitation works pipes is planned only at the one 200-250
section along David and Konstantine
Mkheidze street.
3 Impacts on Archaeological Low Risk Despite Kutaisi and its surrounds are rich
Sites with historical sites no damage to the
cultural heritage and archaeological sites
shall be expected. The Project scope
envisages replacement of the existing
pipes only at the sites, which have
already been subjected to excavation.
In addition, construction of a new and
rehabilitation of the existing
infrastructures will be conducted at the
sites, which have already experienced
extensive human impacts.
4 Impacts on traffic Low Risk Kutaisi is characterized with busy traffic
that will be significantly hindered due to
temporary occupation of the
carriageway during construction works
within the city will significantly impede
the traffic. Even some narrow streets
may be fully closed to traffic for certain
time during rehabilitation works.
There is medium risk of short term
changes in aquatic ecology of the River
Rioni during the construction of
Medium
Impact on aquatic ecology Risk Aqueduct over the Rioni River.
Construction of the aqueduct in winter
period will have minor impact on the
ichthyofauna found within the design
34
Construction Phase.
# Potential Impacts During Con- Risk Sites
struction Works
section.
5 Landslides, slumps, slips and Moderat No large scale earthworks are scoped
other mass movements. e Risk under the Project. Despite this, assuming
hilly terrain and dense population of
Kutaisi, the landslide processes may be
provoked during rehabilitation works at
some sites with the high gradients.
6 Impacts on terrestrial flora and Low Risk All Project sites are located within the
fauna area experiencing the severe human
impacts. Therefore, no influence on flora
and fauna shall be expected during
implementation of the Project.
7 Pollution risk for ground waters Moderat No major spills of fuel and lubricates at
e Risk construction sites due to leakages are
expected. The spills, which are likely to
cause groundwater contamination may
occur during fuelling the construction
machinery at the construction sites
and/or construction camps.
8 Pollution risk for air quality Moderat Air pollution may occur in densely
e Risk populated districts with very narrow
streets.
9 Poaching by construction work- Low Risk Rioni River
ers
10 Hazardous Construction Low Risk Small quantities of hazardous wastes will
Wastes be generated as a result of vehicle
operations and the maintenance
activities.
11 Impact on existing Low Risk Electric power transmission systems,
infrastructure existing water supply and drainage
channel sys-
tems and channels
12 Poor sanitation and solid Low Risk Camp will not be used as living facilities
waste disposal in construction because it is expected that majority of the
camps and work sites employees would be local persons.
(sewerage, sanitation, waste
management) The construction camp would be
equipped with a bio toilet and other
necessary infra-
structure.
13 Construction Related Impacts Moderat The exploration of the borrow pits should
at the Quarrying Sites e Risk be conducted by the licensed companies
or the Contractor has to obtain its own
license. However, potential impact of the
increased quarrying activities on river bed
and floodplain landscape, ichthyofauna
and groundwater should be considered.
35
2. Air Quality
a. Noise and Dust Caused by Construction Activities and Emissions

of Harmful Substances into the Atmosphere Air
Construction Phase
135. Noise and emissions of harmful substances are typical impacts of construction. Air
quality will be affected during construction by emissions from vessels, equipment, and land
vehicles in work activities at work locations.
136. During the pipe replacement stage the rehabilitaion works are to be carried out in
Kutaisi streets. The noise and dust generated in course of excavating the trenches will cause
nuisance of the local residents with higher impacts in the districts housed by one, two and
three storey buildings. Such districts are densely inhibited and characterized by narrow streets
further increasing the effects of the construction noise and dust impacts.
137. Similar concerns apply to Mukhrani pumping station located within the densely
populated district, where construction of the new small capacity collector reservoir and reha-
bilitation of the existing pumping units are planned. Noise and dust generation shall be ex-
pected at this facility during excavation works (for construction of the collector reservoir) that
will have negative impact on the local residents.
138. As for other facilities (at New East Reservoir, Parskanakanebi collector reservoir,
TV Tower Reservoir and Kvitiri pumping station), the noise and dust generated during con-
struction/rehabilitation works will not affect the population since these facilities are located
sufficiently far (from 500 m to several kilometres) from the settlements.
139. Construction of the New East Reservoir and Mukhrani and Parskanakanebi collec-
tor reservoirs will inevitably involve transportation of construction materials. This can cause a
number of impacts on local population.
Mitigation Measures
140. These impacts can be reduced by a variety of measures, many of which are
common in most urban construction. These include:
 Require adherence to engine maintenance schedules and standards to reduce air
pollution.
 Use of defined, well planned haulage routes and reductions in vehicle speed where
required;
 Periodically water down temporary roads on site;
 Cover trucks carrying cement, gravel, sand or other loose materials;
 Wet or cover trucks carrying stone/ sand/ gravel;
 Haul materials to and from the site in off peak traffic hours;
 Halting work during excessive winds.
 Immediately replacing defective equipment and removing it from the work site
 No truck movements in inhabited areas between 22:00 and 6:00.
Operation Phase
141. No permanent dust emission sources will exist during operation phase. It is ex-
pected that in small quantities dust will be generated only during maintenance works.
142. Kvitiri and Mukhrani pumping stations will act as the permanent noise pollution
sources. The nearest residential building is detached from Kvitiri pumping station on 500 m,
and thus the noise generated by its equipment will have no impact on the population. Certain
36
impact shall be expected during operation phase of Mukhrani pumping station since this fa-
cility is located within the densely population district.
Mitigation Measures
143. Mukhrani pumping station is surrounded by one and two storey houses with heights
not exceeding 7-8 meters. As elsewhere in Kutaisi, the yards around such houses are
encircled by concrete and wood fences inherently providing good barrier for restricting noise
level. If necessary (subject to excessive noise levels confirmed by appropriate meas-
urements) the concrete barrier will be constructed around the pumping station.
144. The standard approaches shall be employed to reduce the dust and noise pollu-
tions during maintenance works as follows:
 Periodically water down temporary roads on site;

 Immediately replacing defective equipment and removing it from the work site
 No truck movements in inhabited areas between 22:00 and 6:00.
3. Water Quality
a. Contamination of Surface Water
Operation Phase
145. During implementation of the Project the risks of surface water contamination are
very low. No Project site is located in proximity to River Rioni bank. Installation of the new
pipes is planned only at the one 200-250 section along David and Konstantine Mkheidze
street.
146. Notwithstanding the above, the surface water may be contaminated due to im-
proper placement of the excavated soil, poor management of construction camps, improper
storage of construction materials and leakage of fuel and lubricates from construction ma-
chinery.
Mitigation Measures
147. The following mitigation measures shall be implemented despite low risks of sur-
face water contamination:
 Where works are in progress, erosion control and sedimentation facilities including
sediment traps and straw bale barriers or combinations thereof will remain in place;
 Lubricants, fuels and other hydrocarbons will be stored at least 100m away from wa-
ter bodies.
 Topsoil stripped material shall not be stored where natural drainage will be disrupted.
 Solid wastes will be disposed of properly (not dumped in streams).
 Guidelines will be established to minimize the wastage of water during construction
operations and at campsites.
 During construction, machinery and transport will be used by the contractor, both have
potential of causing contamination to under ground and above ground water assets.
There is need to compile temporary drainage management plan before com-
mencement of works.
 Proper installation of temporary drainage and erosion control before works within 50m
of water bodies should be done (along David and Konstantine Mkheidze street).
Operation Phase
37
148. Contamination of surface water during operation phase is not expected except very
low risks of such contamination during performance of planned or necessary maintenance
works.
b. Underground Water
149. Potential impact arises from implementation and maintenance of contractors' yard,
transport, maintenance of vehicles and handling and storage of lubricants and fuel. The re-
quired provisions for contractor's yard are described in the chapter on impacts and mitigation
measures concerning quality of soils.
150. Basically, the construction of the water network during construction and operation
has no impact on the ground water.
151. The replacement of an old, depleted network with new pipes will reduce the ab-
straction at the source as the leakage rate will considerably improve.
4. Soils Quality and Topsoil Management
152. During the construction, impacts soils are mainly due to earthworks and the opera-
tion of the contractor's yard.
153. The works for the transmission mains comprise material excavation, pipe laying and
backfill of material including compaction. Material will be stored temporary alongside the
trench and refilled after pipe lying. Therefore impacts associated with earthworks for trench
laying are of temporary nature. Excavated soil will be placed alongside the trench, and the
pipes will be placed in the trench manually. A sand layer of 30 cm thickness will be laid on top
of the pipe, after which the trench will be refilled with excavated material and compacted
manually. The excavation is expected to generate surplus material. Surplus material will be
used as embankment fill as far as possible.
154. Construction of the New East Reservoir, and two new collector reservoirs at
Mukhrani and Partskanakanebi, as well as extension of the existing TV Tower Reservoir and
trenching works conducted at certain sites may lead to disturbance or loss of topsoil. There-
fore the Contractor shall implement the following measures:
 The top soil of about 1 ft depth (0.3 m) shall be removed and stored separately dur-
ing excavation work, and after the construction of the main trunk the same soil shall be
replaced on the top, in unpaved areas;
 Subject to advance consent of local self-governance authorities, the excess topsoil
remained after construction of the New East Reservoir, two new collector reservoirs at
Mukhrani and Partskanakanebi, and extension of the existing TV Tower Reservoir will
be used at other Project sites or handed over to the appropriate authorities.
Mitigation Measures
155. The following practices will be adopted to minimize the risk of soil contamination
and topsoil loss:
 The contractors will be required to instruct and train their workforce in the storage and
handling of materials and chemicals that can potentially cause soil contamination;
 Solid waste generated during construction and at campsites will be properly treated
and safely disposed of only in demarcated waste disposal sites;
 Construction chemicals will be managed property;
 Clearly labelling all dangerous products;
 Fuel tanks (diesel or oil) should be placed in a concrete pool which its perimeter walls
38
will be at least 1.0 m high with the concrete or plastered masonry wall;
 A proper floor drain should be installed on the slab of the concrete pool for safely dis-
charging the leakages.
Operation Phase
156. During operation phase, the soil may be contaminated due to water leakage from
the damage pipe. In case such damage is not detected in a due time, the area may be
"bogged".
157. Soil contamination may also occur during performance of the planned or emer-
gency repair works.
Mitigation Measures
158. Water pressure in the pipelines shall be continuously monitored during entire op-
eration phase. In addition, the relevant mitigation measures shall be implemented during
maintenance works.
5. Biological Environment
a. Impacts and Mitigation Measures during Construction
159. The impacts on flora and fauna during implementation of contractor’s yard will be
minimised during site selection and installation.
160. In Kutaisi, the water supply pipes will be mainly laid into city streets. The impact on
the biological environment will therefore only be minor. The required width for the con-
struction and the deposition of excavated material is approximately 5 m.
161. Area of potential influence of construction site of New East Reservoir comprises a
small Kokhetian forest with some old and rare trees that are endemic to the Caucasian re-
gion (Zelkova caprinifolia) and Elm tree. By preparing the design documents the old trees have
already been taken into consideration and the reservoirs were shifted to the open space land,
adjacent to the forest, as far as technically feasible.
162. In order to avoid any damage to the valuable old trees the following mitigation
measures are to be implemented during construction stage:
 The old trees to be protected shall be marked.
 A vegetation protection fence will be installed during construction stage in order to
protect the valuable trees and
 access road to construction site shall be shifted as far away from the old trees to be
protected, as it is technically feasible
163. The following measures need to be implemented to avoid any impacts on flora and
fauna:
 Avoid tree cutting
 In unavoidable cases, plant four trees of same species for each tree that is cut for
construction
 The trench shall not be kept open in the night/after working hours. This will avoid any
safety risk to people, domesticated, stray or wild animals.
164. Impact on Aqatic Ecosystems during construction of Rioni River Crossing by

Aqaueduct will be Medium size.
39
165. The designed bridge crossing consists of Accessible bunds and bridge itself. The
designed bridge crossing consists of 11 spans, beam type, with scheme 11×33.0 m; In the
plan view it is designed as the straight line, but in façade with zero inclination. The bridge
overall dimension is 2,2 m, width is 2,4 m, total length is 371, 0 m. It has 2 pile type abutments
and 10 piers. The roofing of the project bridge crossing spans is considered with Full-walled,
beam type, steel construction, span structure which is calculated on permanent and operation
loads.
166. The length of the steel span structure is 33.0 m. assumed span length is 32.4 m.
the height is 1.4 m. The designed bridge abutment piers are made with in-situ reinforced
concrete and the diameter is 1.5 m. The middle piers are of the same type. They are of in-situ
reinforced concrete structure and consists of 1.5 m drilled piles strengthened by trapezoidal
shape crossbar.
a. Impacts during Construction
167. The rehabilitation of the water network will be mainly conducted along existing
roads in the town. Although work will not require land acquisition it could still have economic
impacts, if the presence of trenches, excavated material and workers discourage customers
from visiting shops and other businesses, which lose income as a result. These losses how-
ever will be short in duration. Implementation of the following best construction measures will
reduce the inconvenience and disturbance:
 Informing all residents and businesses about the nature and duration of any work well
in advance so that they can make necessary preparations if necessary;
 Providing wooden walkways/planks across trenches for pedestrians and metal sheets
where vehicle access is required
 Increasing workforce to complete the work in minimum time in these stretches
 Initial situation of private properties has to be re-established after construction
168. Another aspect of the work that has economic implications is the transportation of
material to the site and surplus soil from the site to locations where it can be put to beneficial
use as recommended. There will be truck movements carrying material. Although this is not
significant, considering the narrow roads, it could disrupt traffic in the Town. Dust generated
during the transport may also impede the commercial and trade activities, which are predom-
inantly located along the main roads. The transportation of material/waste shall be imple-
mented by the Civil Contractor in liaison with the town authorities, and the following addition-
al precautions should be adopted to avoid effects on traffic:
 Plan transportation routes in consultation with Municipality and Police

 Schedule transportation activities by avoiding peak traffic periods.
 Use tarpaulins to cover loose material that is transported to and from the site by truck
 Control dust generation while unloading the loose material (particularly aggregate and
sand) at the site by sprinkling water/unloading inside a barricaded area
 Clean wheels and undercarriage of haul trucks prior to leaving construction site
169. There is medium risk of temporary impacts to the aquatic ecology of the River Rioni
during the construction of Aqueduct. To minimize an impact to fish and also to produce the
least amount of noise for the local community bore piling method will be dobe by Contractor.
Also number of piles have been reduced as much as possible to reduce the footprint in the
Rioni River. Small coffer dams will be considered during the constraction to reduce sediment
flow of the river (Please see cooment below).
40
170. The mitigation measure for the aqueduct’s construction is that the aqueduct’s pile
construction process coincides with the period of the Rioni River’s shallowness, minimum yield
period (winter), when all the fish species found within the design section spend winter in deep
sections of the river within the vicinity of the Vartsikhe HPS, which is located at the confluence
points of the Kvirila River (fairly rarely) and the Khanistskali River (mostly).
171. During the winter, the small number of the fish at the Kvirila River is conditioned by
the constantly high level of suspended solids concentration in the Kvirila River proper.
172. The following mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize the impact on
aquatic ecosystems in the project area:
 Works should be carried out in low water period (in winter) when fish is not active;
 Prohibition of dumping any waste/material in the riverbed to avoid blockage of the stream
after reinstatement of the flow;
 All works scheduled to be performed in or near watercourse will follow statement/ plan for
the execution of particular works;
 Control of the status of technical maintenance of machinery/vehicles and prohibition of
damaged/leaking machinery/vehicles on the site;
 Arranging material storage area away from the riverbed (not closer that 50m from the
active riverbed);
 Prohibition of fuelling and/or maintenance of machinery near (in less than in 50m) the
river;
 Prohibition of untreated discharge of wastewater/ potentially contaminated run off into the
riverbed;
 Regular clean up of the work area and timely removal of waste;
 Removal of surplus material, waste, temporary structures and machinery from the area
after completion of works;
In case planned to have some amount of fuel on the site – adequate protection of
environment from spreading of accidentally spilled liquid. (Precaution measures include
– secondary containment capable to retain 110% of container volume, location of the
stock at not less than 50 m distance from the riverbed. Provision of adsorbents and
training/briefing the staff in good operation practice and environmental safety issues.)
b. Impacts during Operation
173. As the operation and maintenance activities would be conducted within the exist-
ing facilities no impact is envisaged on economic resources. Repairs and leaks of the water
supply pipes will be minor and localized. In fact, the improvements to the water supply sys-
tem will bring various benefits. Availability of good infrastructure facilities will add to the quality
of life, and there will be more people interested to live and visit, which will bring new
investments and boost economic development.
Impact During operation
174. Next to the piers accumulation of sediments may create additional habitat for
invertebrates that may be considered as a positive impact on fish though improvement of the
food base. Impact on fish and macroinvertebrates during maintenance works that may involve
works in/close to water body.
Mitigation measures:
No mitigation is required. However monitoring of fish and macroinvertebrates is advisable to register

any less likely, but adverse effect
 Mitigation measures set for construction period will apply.
41
6. Hazardous Construction Wastes
175. Small quantities of hazardous wastes will be generated as a result of vehicle op-
erations and the maintenance activities.
Mitigation Measures
176. There are no specific hazardous waste treatment facilities in Georgia, so the
common construction practice accepted by the authorities is to dispose of these types of
wastes at the municipal landfills. However, prior to disposal appropriate consultation and
agreement of MENRP is required, and controlling will be required to obtain the necessary
approvals. To ensure good practice they will also be required to store, transport and deposit
all hazardous materials in secure watertight containers.
a. Other Wastes from Construction Activities
Municipal Waste
177. Municipal waste may be generated on the Storage area. Mainly this is rubbish,
plastic or glass bottles, glasses, waste food, etc. and a stationary waste. Waste should be
collected both by the specially assigned personnel and the workshop workers on the area.
The waste is placed into 0.24m3 plastic containers and further a local Sanitary Service takes
it to landfills. The following should be taken into account:
 Generation of dust should be avoided;
 Plastic containers should be closed to prevent spread of the smell and also to avoid
contact of rodents and insects with the waste.
178. The personnel involved in the handling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste will
undergo specific training in:
 Waste handling
 Waste treatment; and
 Waste storage.
179. Burning of waste on any construction site is forbidden with the exception of stub and
small branches from felled trees and bushes, which is better to be burned in order to avoid
pest dissemination.
Medical waste
180. Medical waste is generated in the Medical Care and Control Point and belongs to
hazardous waste category. This waste is collected in special plastic boxes and is transferred
to a contractor for farther incineration. It is recommended that the medical waste is directly
transferred to a contractor from the place of its consolidation. While disposal of the medical
waste the following requirements are to meet:
 Medical waste must be disposed in special plastic boxes, which can be hermetically
closed.
 Medical waste for farther incineration should be transferred to a certified contractor
(Batumi municipal waste operator).
Non hazardous construction waste
181. Non hazardous construction waste may be generated on the Storage and con-
struction area and will be collected by contractors workers. Waste disposed first on the sites
42
of origin, and then moved to construction waste temporary storage facility before transferred
to a contractor.
182. While disposal construction wastes both on the sites and at the temporary storage
facilities the following requirements are to meet:
 Place of disposal of the waste concerned must be enclosed.
 The waste must not have access to drainage water.
 Waste must be immediately removed from the working sites.
 Waste must be placed in secondary protective basins.
 This waste can be transferred only to a certified contractor.
b. Impacts on Archaeological Sites
183. Land clearance works, grading and excavations are associated with the risks of
damaging underground archaeological remnants. However in the case of the proposed Pro-
ject no archaeological monuments are expected to be touched during construction phase
since pipes will run along and inside existing roads as far as technically feasible. There is a
low probability for chance finds of archaeological objects. However, still there are several sites
where such objects may be discovered during conduct of earthworks (for construction of the
New East Reservoir, Partskanakanebi and Mukhrani collector reservoirs, and extension of
TV Tower Reservoir). Therefore, special care should be taken not only at the new construction
sites, but also at construction camps and storage areas.
Mitigation Measures
184. To avoid this risk, preliminary preventive studies and archaeological supervision
during the earth-works is necessary. Supervisory procedures and all other necessary
measures should be agreed with the Ministry of Culture when obtaining the construction
permit, in accordance with the rules of the permit issuance. According to the article 14 of the
Law on Cultural Heritage, Permit on conducting quarrying activities in Georgia, as well as
construction of an object of a special importance as it may be defined under the legislation of
Georgia, is issued by a competent authority based on the positive decision of the Ministry of
Culture, Monument Protection of Georgia. The basis for the conclusion is the archaeological
research of the proper territory to be carried out by the entity wishing to accomplish the ground
works. The entity wishing to do the earth-works is obliged to submit the Ministry the
documentation about the archaeological research of the territory in question. The preliminary
research should include field-research and laboratory works.
185. Therefore steps should be taken minimize the risk. This should involve:
 Contractor should put in place a protocol for conducting any excavation work, to en-
sure that any chance finds are recognized and measures are taken to ensure they are
protected and conserved. This should involve:
 Having excavation observed by a person with archaeological field training. Supervi-
sory procedures and any other necessary measures shall be agreed with the Ministry
of Culture;
 Stopping work immediately to allow further investigation if any finds are suspected;
 Calling in the state archaeological authority if a find is suspected, and taking any ac-
tion they require ensuring its removal or protection in situ.
186. At the construction stage archaeological monitoring should be ensured by the con-
tractor under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Monument Protection of Georgia. The
budget necessary for the archaeological supervision and other agreed works should be fixed
under the construction works appraisal.
43
7. Socio-Cultural Resources
187. There are various social-cultural resources (such as schools, hospitals, churches,
university) in the town. The construction impact will include noise and dust, and interrupted
access due to movement of heavy vehicles transporting material and waste. Mitigation will
therefore be needed to protect socio-cultural resources and to enable usage by local people
and visitors to continue throughout the construction work. This will be achieved through sev-
eral of the measures recommended above (under the impacts on air quality), including:
 Limiting dust by removing waste soil quickly; by covering and watering stockpiles, and
covering soil with tarpaulins when carried on trucks
 Providing wooden walkways planks across trenches for pedestrians and metal sheets
where vehicle access is required
 Increasing the workforce in to complete the work quickly
188. There is invariably of safety risks when substantial construction such as this is
conducted in an urban area, and precautions will thus be needed to ensure the safety of both
workers and citizens. The Contractor will be required to formulate and implement health and
safety measures at construction sites, which should include such measures as:
 Following standard and safe procedures for all activities – such as provision of shor-
ing in deeper trenches (> 2 m)
 Excluding public from the site – enclosing the construction area and provide warning
and sign boards, and security personnel
 Providing adequate lighting to avoid accidents
 Ensuring that all workers are provided with and use appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment - helmets, hand gloves, boots, masks, safety belts (while working at heights
etc.)
 Maintaining accidents records and report regularly
 Traffic control. Irregular control of trucks by local police (radar control, safety control).
Speed limits to be introduced within construction areas and on access roads.
 Yellow / orange warning tape to protect workers and pedestrians from falling into
building pits, to prevent pedestrians from entering the construction site. Warning signs
to prevent accidents within the construction site and on access roads.
189. Economic Benefits. There could be some short-term socio-economic benefits from
the construction work if local people gain employment in the workforce. To ensure that these
benefits are directed to local people, the Contractor should be required to employ as much of
his labour force as possible from the local communities in the vicinity of construction sites.
Drawing of majority of workforce from local communities will avoid problems that can occur if
workers are imported, including social conflicts and issues of health and sanitation due to
labour camps. If temporary labour camps are to be provided, Contractor should ensure that
they are maintained well with proper water supply and sanitation facilities. In unavoidable case
of sourcing labour from other areas, provide adequate housing facilities so that there are no
impacts and conflict with the local people. Following measures shall be followed:
 Establish temporary labour camps in consultation with the local authority
 Shall be located away from water bodies
 No clearance of trees vegetation shall be allowed for establishment of camp
 Provide all basic amenities (water supply and sanitation, waste collection & disposal,
first aid facilities, etc.)
 Contractor shall provide fire wood and no worker shall be allowed to cut any tree
 Ensure regular and clean maintenance of the camp
44
190. As the operation and maintenance activities would be conducted within the facili-
ties, no impacts on socio-cultural resources envisaged.
191. Regular water quality surveillance program shall be implemented to avoid any public
health risk as detailed below:
 Conduct regular water quality monitoring at well fields; results of monitoring conduct-
ed at this feasibility stage can be used as base values to study the change in the wa-
ter quality in future
 Develop & implement a water quality monitoring program for distribution system ac-
cording to the Georgian Law2
192. The improved water supply system will bring numerous benefits when it is operat-
ed. The main beneficiaries will be the citizens of Kutaisi, who will be provided with a constant
supply of better quality water, which serves a greater proportion of the population, including
urban poor. This will improve the quality of life of people as well as raise standards of both
individual and public health. This should lead to economic gains as people will be away from
work less and will spend less on healthcare, so their incomes should increase. Improvement
in infrastructure will bring more economic opportunities.
193. The improved and expanded water supply system would require additional work-
force – both skilled and unskilled, for operation and maintenance, and therefore creates new
employment opportunities for local people.
8. Noise and Vibration
194. Construction activities are likely to generate noise and vibration from usage of
equipment and haulage of construction materials/waste. This project however does not in-
volve high noise/vibration generating activities like pile-driving or rock cutting. Appropriate
personal protection equipment needs to be provided for workers at the site. Haulage of ma-
terials/waste, and operation of backhoe (if used for transmission main trench excavation in the
town), will also generate noise, but will be limited in duration and require no special measures.
195. Table 12 presents Noise level guidelines, in accordance with the Georgian
regulations - Decree No. 297/N “On Approval of Environmental Quality Norms” (August 16,
2001 of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs) and World Health Organization (WHO)
1999. In the case of noise, WB/IFC Standards will apply and noise impacts should not exceed
the WB/IFC Standards presented in Table 12, or result in a maximum increase in background
levels of 3 dB at the nearest receptor location off-site.
Table 12: Noise Level Guidelines
Noise dB dB
National Regulations WHO
Receptor Daytime Nighttime Daytime Nighttime
07:00 - 22:00 22:00 - 07:00 07:00- 22:00 22:00- 07:00
Residential; 55 45 55 45
institutional;
educational
45
Noise dB dB
National Regulations WHO
Industrial; 70 70 70 70
commercial
196. Sensitivity to noise increases during the night hours in residential neighbourhoods.
Following measures therefore shall be implemented:
 Provide prior information to the local people about the work

 No construction of activities shall be conducted in the night
 Provide personal protection equipment like ear plugs to the workers at the noisy
working site
 Sound barriers should be erected at schools and hospitals if the distance to the con-
struction site is 50 m or less than 50 m
197. Another important activity is haulage of construction material and waste to and from
site. Roads in the town are narrow and not in good condition. Following measures shall be
included to avoid nuisance due to haulage of material and waste.
 Schedule material and waste haulage activities in consultation with local authorities
 No night time haulage activity; limit to day time off peak hours
 Educate drivers: limit speed between 20-25 km/h and avoid use of horn in the town
2
Schedule N7 of Technical Regulation on Drinking Water issued in 2007 by Ministry of Labor, Health
and Social Welfare, Government of Georgia
46
 Earmark parking place for construction equipment and vehicles when idling; no park-
ing shall be allowed on the roads, that may disturb the traffic movement
198. As for the construction vibration is considered, none of the activities in the subpro-
ject has potential to generate significant vibration, and there are no sensitive structures in the
proximity of the site. Therefore there are no likely impacts.
199. There are no sources of noise or vibration from the operation activity of the new
water supply system.
9. Construction Camps
200. The establishment of contractor's work camp may cause adverse impacts if vari-
ous aspects such as liquid and solid waste management, equipment maintenance, materials'
storage, and provision of safe drinking water are not addressed properly. The site for the work
yard will be selected by the contractor in agreement with the Municipality, UWSCG and the
supervisor.
201. To ensure that potentially resulting impacts are kept at a minimum the contractor
will be required to prepare the following plans or method statements:
 Layout plan of the work camp including a description of all precautionary measures
proposed to avoid potential adverse impacts on the receiving environment (surface
and ground water, soils, ambient air, human settlement);
 Sewage management plan for provision of sanitary latrines and proper sewage col-
lection and disposal system to prevent pollution of watercourses or groundwater;
 Waste management plan covering the provision of garbage bins, regular collection and
disposal in a hygienic manner, as well as proposed disposal sites for various types of
wastes (e.g., domestic waste, used tires, etc.) consistent with applicable national
regulations; and
 Description and layout of equipment maintenance areas and lubricant and fuel stor-
age facilities including distance from Rioni River. Storage facilities for fuels and
chemicals will be located at a save distance to the river. Such facilities will be bound-
ed and provided with impermeable lining to contain spillage and prevent soil and wa-
ter contamination.
 These plans will be approved by the Engineer prior to beginning of construction activ-
ities.
202. Prior to establishment of the work camp(s) the contractor shall conduct consulta-
tions with local authorities to identify sources of potable water for the workforce that will not
compete with the needs of the local population. Potable water for the workforce shall comply
with the national quality standards. Construction water should be sourced from the local wa-
ter supply.
10. Construction Related Impacts at the Quarrying Sites
203. The quarries and borrow pits will be finally selected by the contractor. The explo-
ration of the borrow pits should be conducted by the licensed companies or the Contractor has
to obtain its own license. However, potential impact of the increased quarrying activities on
river bed and floodplain landscape, ichthyofauna and groundwater should be considered.
47
Mitigation Measures
204. The exploration of the borrow pits should be conducted by the licensed companies.
In case if the constructing company intend to perform quarrying activities, the company has to
obtain related license. Potential impact of the increased quarrying activities on ichthyofauna,
groundwater and landscape should be considered anyway. Validity of licenses for the
abovementioned companies is a main mechanism to guarantee that most of impacts related
to quarrying will be mitigated. License is provided by the MENRP only on a basis of preliminary
assessment (including limits and conditions for reinstatement). The Regional Services of the
MENRP and Environmental Inspectorate are in charge to control compliance of the quarrying
company's performance. The role of the UWSCG within this plan should be to ensure timely
and permanent involvement of the MENRP in construction supervision.
205. The measures aimed on mitigation of the dust and emission impacts, as well as
potential river contamination due to improper fuelling and vehicle operation should be the
same as above described pollution prevention measures, but control on this sensitive site
should be stricter. Contractor's environmental personnel shall pay attention to this site during
monitoring.
11. Cumulative Impacts
206. Project is designed to improve environmental quality and living conditions in Kuta-
isi through the improvement of water supply system. The potential negative impacts identi-
fied on various environmental parameters, during both construction and operation, in the
previous sections of this report, are localized and temporary.
207. By nature, impacts such as on air quality and on people (due to disturbance, nui-
sance and safety risk of construction activity) can have cumulative impacts, as all the con-
struction activities are conducted simultaneously. These are common impacts associated with
any construction activity, and as discussed in the earlier sections, there exists proven and
easy-to-implement measures to mitigate these impacts.
208. No cumulative impacts envisaged during the operation stage.
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
209. The Kutaisi water supply subproject to be financed by tranche 3 loan will comprise
a second phase of the rehabilitation of the water supply system. The subproject will (i) reduce
nonrevenue water losses through the replacement of old pipelines; and (ii) improve the
pressure in the supply area through the construction of additional reservoir capacity and the
establishment of supply and pressure zones. The subproject comprises the laying of 158 km
of distribution pipes, the rehabilitation of 2 pumping stations and the construction of 9,000 m³
storage volume at two locations.
210. As the works mainly comprise rehabilitation and replacement works within the ex-
isting water supply system, no major alternatives are to be investigated. Pipeline routes and
reservoir locations are not changed with the exception of one new reservoir in the East of
Kutaisi. The location was chosen for its elevation and the location near the Eastern parts of
Kutaisi. Alternatives were limited to three hills with similar elevation; the location with available
land was chosen. There are no environmental advantages and disadvantages compared with
the alternative locations. Other options were limited to existing locations and concern
reservoir sizes, capacities of pumping stations and diameters of transmission and distribution
lines that have no environmental impact.
48
211. The following alternatives have been discussed for the crossing the Rioni river which
included:
212. Alternative #1 Hirozontal Direction Drilling;

 This method consists of drilling under the riverbed with appropriate machinery,
depending on the soil type, river flow, and pipe diameter. Installation of a pipeline by
HDD is generally accomplished in three stages;
 The first stage consists of directionally drilling a small diameter pilot hole along a
designed directional path;
 The second stage involves enlarging this pilot hole to a diameter suitable for installation
of the pipeline;
 The third stage consists of pulling the pipeline back into the enlarged hole.
213. It is not considered by the UWSCG due to the possibility of damage in PE pipes during
construction, the inability for maintenance after the construction, and the exposure of rocky
material in recent geological surveys.
214. Alternative #2 Diversion of the river and construction of a culvert. This method mainly consists of;
 Diverting the river;
 Making trench excavation on the diverted part of the river;
 Construction of a reinforced concrete culvert, size depending on the pipe diameter,
river flow, and excavation depth;
 Backfilling the trench
215. It is not considered because of the long period of river diversion. Construction or
installation at a culvert site generally results in disturbance of the site soil, stream banks, or
streambed, and can result in the occurrence of unwanted problems such as scour holes or
slumping of banks adjacent to the culvert structure. The period of diversion will have negative
effects on river flow during seasons with high discharge.”
Alternative #3: Crossing the river by Aqueduct
216. The designed bridge crossing consists of Accessible bunds and bridge itself. The
designed bridge crossing consists of 11 spans, beam type, with scheme 11×33.0 m; In the
plan view it is designed as the straight line, but in façade with zero inclination. The bridge
overall dimension is 2,2 m, width is 2,4 m, total length is 371, 0 m. It has 2 pile type abutments
and 10 piers. The roofing of the project bridge crossing spans is considered with Full-walled,
beam type, steel construction, span structure which is calculated on permanent and operation
loads.
217. The length of the steel span structure is 33.0 m. assumed span length is 32.4 m.
the height is 1.4 m. The designed bridge abutment piers are made with in-situ reinforced
concrete and the diameter is 1.5 m. The middle piers are of the same type. They are of in-situ
reinforced concrete structure and consists of 1.5 m bore piles strengthened by trapezoidal
shape crossbar.
218. The project envisages protection of access embankment. Right bank embankment
protection is considered with concrete cleat and with a flexible pad compiled with reinforced
concrete slabs, and the left bank embankment protection is considered with the help of Reno-
mattress. The safety rules must be adequately protected and traffic control measures should
be maintained.
Alternative #3 Justification
219. The river crossing with drilling method (please see para. 210) presented by
49
Contractor was unconvincing and he could not take responsibility that the installed network
would not get damaged. Thus the proposed methodology was unpersuasive. In addition
Geological surveys performed by the Contractor revealed that HDD had to be carried out in
the VI-VII category soil (calcareous soil) which makes the drilling possibility doubtful (for the
diameter envisaged by the project Ø500mm and distance – 400m).
220. Crossing the river by aqueduct will be advantageous for the United Water Supply
Company of Georgia, LLC for further operation of water supply network. The cost of
construction works for the proposed aqueduct is less than the cost for HDD envisaged by the
project (approximately GEL 400 000). In case of crossing with aqueduct if the pipe gets
damaged, its restoration works will be much easier in terms of technical issues and time than
by drilling.
221. Based on above mentioned Aqueduct was considered as the best solution for
crossing the Rioni River. It should also be mentioned that the UWSCG has considered all
appropriate measures to minimize the number of pillars as far as possible and to reduce its
footprint in the Rioni River. The pilling method will be implemented by contractor in order to
minimize impact on the water ecosystems of the Rioni River. Further reduction of number of
piles would not be advisable since the parameter of span structure will increase (made of
metal) leading to increasing of costs.
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION
222. Most of the main stakeholders have already been identified and consulted during
preparation of this IEE, and any others that are identified during project implementation will be
brought into the process in the future. Stakeholders of this project include:
 People who live, and work near construction sites of facilities in Kutaisi
 UWSCG as implementing agency
 Other government regulatory institutions
 Municipality of Kutaisi
 NGOs and CBOs working in the affected communities;
 Other community representatives (prominent citizens, religious leaders, elders, wom-
en’s groups);
 The beneficiary community in Kutaisi in general; and
 The ADB, as funding agency
181. Two forms of public consultation are used to discuss the project and involve the
community in planning the mitigation measures and develop the Environmental Monitoring
Plan. These are:
 Public meeting in Kutaisi Town to which stakeholders were invited.

 Ad hoc discussions were held on site with people and communities who could be af-
fected by the subprojects, so that views could be expressed in a less formal setting.
These were also considered in preparing the IEE.
182. Public Hearings were held in Kutaisi on 10th of May 2012 for Tranche 1 project and
on 16th July 2013. The latter meeting exclusively informed about project measures to be
implemented under Tranche 3. The appendix No1 contains a minutes of the meeting. Ten
(10) local residents plus a representative of the local service centre attended the meeting. The
project measures and their locations were explained. The time schedule of construction
activities and construction supervision were explained. Environmental impacts were dis-
cussed. Benefits of the project for local people were presented. Opinions, ideas and sugges-
tions of the local residents and related people were received during the meeting.
50
183. Consultation with affected population was undertaken
 to ensure their informed participation in the design, implementation and monitoring
of the project measures and their impacts on the environment, as well as the ef-
forts to minimize and the mitigate impact when avoidance is not possible;
 to introduce the project benefits to the local population that accrue to them as a
result of project implementation;
 to incorporate all relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders into de-
cision making, such as project design, mitigation measures, the sharing of devel-
opment benefits and opportunities, and implementation issues.
184. The following topics were discussed during the meeting:

 project context and rationale
 expected start and end of the project
 benefits of the project to local population and to the country as a whole
 the environmental issues and mitigated measures related to the project
185. The population recognizes the need to accept limited nuisances as a result from the
construction works, and understands that the implementation would fail without a good
cooperation between the local population, the contractor and UWSCG. They are aware of the
deficiencies of the present water supply situation and realize that rehabilitation works need to
be carried out in order to achieve a 24 h water supply. The time schedule for the start and end
of works was of particular interest to the participants. UWSCG explained that an
Environmental Management Plant has been prepared that will have to be implemented by the
Contractor. This plan describes mitigation measures to minimize the impacts during con-
struction works. Findings, list of participants, key concerns, and data are provided in Appendix
1 of this report.
186. This IEE Report in Georgian language will be distributed to the interested public.
Report will be available for review in Tbilisi (at UWSCG Head Office), and Kutaisi (at UWSCG
Service Centre and the Town Hall). It will also be disclosed to public by making it available on
websites of UWSCG, MoRDI and ADB, together with the IEEs prepared for the other
subprojects.
Gugunava Street 12
Map 7: Kutaisi - office of the UWSCG in Gugunava Street 12
187. Additional consultations were held with key stakeholders on the changes in the draft
water supply project, in particular the construction of the Aqueduct along the Rioni River.
188. Consultations were held with representatives of WWF Caucasus in Tbilisi and
MoENRP, namely with Ms. Mako Bitsadze, Coordinator of the Program for Protected Areas at
WWF Caucasus and Ms. Tamar Nasuashvili, chief specialist of the Department of
51
Environmental Permits, the Department of Permits, MoENRP of Georgia, as well as Ms. Nona
Khelaia, Acting Head of the Biodiversity Department of the MoENRP.
189. As explained by Ms.Mika Bitsadze, the WWF network in the South Caucasus, in
close cooperation with Norway, WWF developed a Feasibility Study for Sturgeon
Conservation in Georgia (financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
As part of this study, all sturgeon breeding areas were identified along the Rioni River.
190. With the support of WWF Caucasus, UWSCG prepared a map showing the location
of the planned Aqueduct as well as all sensitive receptors, including the sturgeon breeding
area and the planned protected area for sturgeon conservation along the River Rioni.
191. The map clearly shows that the projected aqueduct is far from all the sensitive
receptors mentioned above (please see Appendix 3).
192. UWSCG consulted with MoENRP and its Department of Permits whether there are
any commitments regarding the construction of the Aqueduct on the River Rioni introduced by
the recently adopted Environmental Assessment Code, which will enter into force in January
2018, as the new code will replace law on Environmental Impact Permit and Ecological
Expertise. As it was explained the EIA shall be subject to the activities envisaged by the Annex
I of this Code and the activities envisaged by the Annex II of the same Code, which will be
subject to EIA on the basis of screening procedure set out in Article 7 of this Code (Article 5
of Chapter 2). Construction of Aqueduct is not listed in the Annex 1, and only construction of
Aqueduct with the length of more than 2km may be subject to screening. The length of
Aqueduct within the proposed project is not more than 400m.
193. In addition Contractor - “SMK Ulusal Insaat ve Ticaret A.S”, who is carrying out
water supply system rehabilitation works in Kutaisi requested the MoENRP of Georgia to
receive a written explanation if an additional agreement is required, depending on the specifics
of the MoENRP, to the changes made in the project, in particular, to cross the specified section
of the river from the above (aqueduct), please see Appendix 4. The contractor received a
response from the MoENRP that an additional agreement is not required for the construction
of the Aqueduct.
194. During the preparation of the Baseline Survey of the Rioni River site, additional
consultations were held with Mr.Archil Guchmanidze, National Expert of Sturgeon, where he
emphasized that, "since 1984, there was not found any individual juvenile or adult Sturgeon,
in the project area, in particular, the upper part of the Vartsikhe HPP canal, neither by
researchers/ichthyologists, nor by experienced elderly fishermen.
195. Reference should be made also on the extraction from the Article entitled: “Current
and Historical Status of Sturgeon (Acipenseridae, Osteichthyes) in Georgia”, prepared by
Archil Guchmanidze and Published in 2009, in the Journal: Status and protection of Globally
Threatened Species in the Caucasus:
196. “Today, the only spawning ground of Sturgeons is in the Rioni, starting near the
Ochopa stream mouth, about 4 km above the Sajavakho-Samtredia railway bridge, and ending
near the Vartsikhe HPP’s diversion canal. Only 9 km (16%) of Rioni’s 57 km spawning ground
remain today. The 44-km section of the spawning ground from Kutaisi to the Vartsikhe HPP’s
diversion canal and the 4-km section from Sajavakho-Samtredia railway bridge to the Ochopa
stream mouth were destroyed by floods caused by regulation. The area has shrunk from 200
(51) to 30 ha or 15%. The 35 km spawning ground in the Enguri and 32 km section in the
Tskhenistskali have been destroyed as a result of water flow regulation.
52
Table 13. Length of sturgeon spawning areas in 1922 and 2007
River
Year
Rioni Enguri Ckhenistska
li
1922 57 35 32
2007 9 0 0
197. The decline in sturgeon populations and shrinking of the range are due to habitat
destruction, poaching and unsustainable fishing. Habitat destruction is mainly caused by
construction of hydroelectric power plants, pollution of rivers and banks, operations of the
Kulevi port. Other noteworthy causes are timber rafting and sand and gravel recovery in the
spawning rivers.
198. Consultations were held with the local fishermen and other river users as well. 5
fishermen were interviewed within the framework of biological environment baseline study for
the project section:
1. Abjandadze Badri;
2. Gvasalia Irakli;
3. Vekua Tamazi;
4. Kirkitadze Rezo;
5. Sulkhanishvili Jemali.
199. Results of interviews with local fishermen is provided below.
Table 14. Results of interview with local population and fishermen
N Question Answer
I have been fishing since my childhood; I mainly fish at
How old were you when you started
1 Khanistskali and Rioni Rivers, but downstream of
fishing and where?
Vartsikhe reservoir.
Fishing on Kvirila River means bathing the earthworm
Have you ever fished on Kvirila River? pointlessly! In summer, during the fishing season,
2
If yes, what fish have you caught? Khanistskali and Rioni river banks are full of fishers, but
no one can be seen on Kvirila River.
Fish jumps out of water at the waterfall, at the dam in
Have you ever caught fish at the dam
summer, but the environmental inspection and the dam
3 of irrigation system, near Poti street, in
security guard prohibit us fishing. Small fish is observed
Kutaisi?
there, but I can’t name exactly the species.
In those areas fish can’t be obtained at all. From the
upper dam the water flow is sometimes increased and
Have you ever caught a fish at the
sometimes – decreased; it happens for several times in
islands in Rioni River, across Nikea
4 a day and fish doesn’t stay there. They enter Vartsikhe
Street in winter and if yes, what
reservoir or Khanistskali River. There are favorable
species?
conditions for the fish and food can be also easily
obtained there.
When is the fish more active on this After spring floods, when water is relatively fresh; from
section? I mean the area from the middle of May, or beginning of June; it depends on
5
Vartsikhe HPPs dam to the dam at weather conditions in mountains.
Poti Street.
Does poaching occur there? Where Through the area, which you are interested in, no fish
6
and when? can be observed. As for poaching, considerable
53
N Question Answer
penalties are set in this regard, but we have seen
neither poachers, nor fishers on this section.
GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM
200. The contractor is obliged to implement the environmental management plan dur-
ing the whole construction period and the supervising consultant will monitor these activities.
The consultant will point out any deviations from the EMP and make sure that the contractor
addresses all issues of the EMP in a timely and professional manner.
201. A grievance resolution mechanism will be set up to allow an AP appealing any

disagreeable decision, practice or activity arising from project implementation. APs will be fully
informed of their rights and of the procedures for addressing complaints whether verbal- ly or
in writing during planning and implementation of the project. Care will always be taken to
prevent grievances rather than going through a redress process. This is achieved by ensuring
full AP participation and consultation, and by establishing extensive communication and
coordination between AP, UWSCG, and the local government. The affected population and
stakeholders may send their grievances, related to the project induced environmental impacts
and nuisance to UWSCG or directly to the administrative bodies responsible for the
environmental protection. The MoENRP and concerned municipalities are obliged to re- spond
on the grievances, which have been received from population or other interested par- ties in
accordance with the Administrative Code of Georgia.
202. UWSCG on its part, in order to provide a direct channel to the affected and con-
cerned citizens for approaching project authorities and have their grievance recorded and
redressed in an appropriate time frame, will establish a Grievance Redress Mechanism. A
Complaint Cell and a Grievance Redress Committee will be established for each Investment
Program town at the local UWSCG service centre, which will function throughout the con-
struction period. The procedures adopted and the responsibilities of various project agencies
in grievance redress are discussed in the following paragraph. During the public consultation
process, UWSCG (the IA) will inform the stakeholders about the Grievance Redress Mecha-
nism and provide contact details of persons responsible for grievance collection and re-
sponse. These details will also be made available on UWSCG website. The DREP at the head
office of UWSCG will be available for the local complaint cells for establishing direct links to
relevant environmental authorities.
203. The Complaint Cell at the UWSCG Service Centre in the Investment Program town
will accept complaints regarding the environment safeguard issues in implementation of
subprojects under the respective town. A three stage grievance redress mechanism is
indicated in Fig. 2 below. The grievances received and actions taken will be included into the
environmental monitoring reports submitted to ADB
Fig. 2 Grievance Redress Mechanism
54
(i) Complaints received (written or oral communication) by the Complaint Cell will
be registered in database system, assigning complaint number with date of
receipt; informs the complainant the time frame in which the corrective action
will be undertaken.
(ii) Complaint resolution will be attempted at Kutaisi level with the involvement of
Community leaders and informal mediators.
(iii) The Complaint Cell and the Investment Program Management Office (IPMO),
which is the Project Management and International Relations Department at
UWSCG, will investigate the complaint to determine its validity, and assess
whether the source of the problem is indeed subproject activities; if invalid, the
Complaint Cell intimates the complainant and may also provide advice on the
appropriate agency to be approached.
(iv) If the complaint is valid, the Complaint Cell will check the environmental man-
agement plan (EMP) of the subproject whether this issue was identified and
mitigation was suggested; if yes, the Complaint Cell and UWSCG IPMO will
direct the civil works Contractor to take immediate actions as per the EMP.
(v) If this is an unanticipated issue, the UWSCG IPMO will to identify mitigation
measures and advise the civil works Contractor accordingly and a corrective
action should be taken and a Corrective Action Plan CAP prepared.
(vi) The Complaint Cell will review the civil works Contractor’s response on cor-
rective action and update the complainant within two weeks.
(vii) If the complainant is not satisfied with the action taken by the Contractor with-
in two weeks from the start of corrective action as directed the Complain Cell,
the grievance will be directed to the Division of Resettlement and Environ-
mental Protection (DREP) of the UWSCG.
(viii) The DREP will review the issue with the IPMO and relevant Service Centre and
may ask for additional information or conduct site visit, and will advise the IPMO
and relevant Service Centre on actions to resolve the issue.
(ix) The Service Centre will submit the interim report in a week to DREP on the
status of the complaint investigation and follow-up actions, and final action
taken report within two weeks of completing the action. The DREP will inti- mate
the complainant of the same.
(x) If the complainant is still dissatisfied with the action taken or decision, he/she
may approach the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC, see below) estab-
lished in the town.
204. Grievance Redress Committee (GRC). A GRC will be established to resolve the
unresolved issues at Stage 2 and this will function throughout the construction period, and will
have hearings on need-basis. GRC will have following members:
 Chairman of the GRC – Head of Department of Social Issues at Kutaisi Municipality

 UWSCG Service Centre Head
Mikheil Tataradze
Adress: #12 Gugunava Street.
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: + 995 597 000 700
 Designated informal leader of sub-project affected community
 Female AP
 Member of IPMO
55
 Local NGO representative
205. Considering the anticipated impacts, it is not expected that there is any likely issue
which will remain unresolved in the Stage 3 of the process. In the unlikely event of dissatis-
faction after Stage 3, the complainant can approach ADB with a complaint. ADB has in place
a system under the ADB Accountability Mechanism, where people adversely affected by ADB-
assisted projects can voice and find satisfactory solutions to their problems.
206. Complaints will also be accepted by any ADB office such as a resident mission, regional
office or representative office, which will forward them unopened to the CRO.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
a. Institutional Arrangements
207. Following agencies will be involved in implementing the Investment Program:
(i) Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MoRDI) is the Executing Agen-
cy (EA) responsible for management, coordination and execution of all activities
funded under the loan. MoRDI will have overall responsibility for compliance with loan
covenants.
(ii) United Water Supply Company of Georgia (UWSCG) is the project Implementing
agency (IA), which will be responsible for administration, implementation (design,
construction and operation) and all day-to-day activities under the loan. An Invest-
ment Program Management Office (IPMO) is established within the UWSCG for all
Investment Program related functions. The IPMO, which is the Project Management
and International Relations Department at UWSCG will coordinate implementation of
subprojects across all towns, and ensure consistency of approach and performance.
(iii) UWSCG as responsible IA for the project recruited a Supervision Consultant (SC). The
national and international team of consultants will assist UWSCG as project su-
pervision for the construction of Kutaisi WS project. The SC will also provide capacity
building training to contractor staff for management and operation and maintenance
for the Project. The SC will assist UWSCG in assuring that the project is implement-
ed according to the specified standards. This SC assignment will include the super-
vising of the implementation of the environmental management plan.
(iv) All mitigation measures during construction have to be implemented by the contractor
that will be monitored by the supervision consultant (SC). Implementation of EMP of
this project require an experienced Environmental Management Specialist (EMS),
employed by the SC, to spend a total of around 9 months for project construction pe-
riod, conducting routine observations and surveys, and preparing quarterly reports.
The Contractor has the following obligations.
 to employ Environmental consultant responsible for developing and implementing the
construction phase EMP and for provision of corresponding information to UWSCG
and SC;
 to prepare SSEMP;
 to develop, if required, a Spoil Disposal Plan and Construction Waste Disposal Plan
agreed with the MENRP and Local government;
 to prepare and update Construction Schedule;
 The SSEMP implementation costs should be included into the construction budget.
(v) ADB is the donor financing the Investment Program.
208. DC will be responsible for incorporation of mitigation measures in design and con-
struction.
56
209. The environmental specialist (ES) assists and advises the Division of Resettle- ment
and Environmental Protection (DREP) of the UWSCG in program implementation in
compliance with the, ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009 and National Legislation, and
oversee the work of DCs and SCs in safeguard compliance. The ES will support UWSCG in
preparing and submitting bi-annual reports to ADB for review.
210. Implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures during operation will be the
responsibility of DREP. Government regulatory agencies such as MoENRP will also monitor
the environmental performance. In addition the Contractor should employ an environmental
specialist who will ensure that the site specific EMP (SSEMP) is prepared and implemented.
SSEMP should be endorsed by SC and approved by UWSCG.
c. Costs of Environmental Management Plan
211. The Costs for Environmental Management of the project shall mainly consist of the
(i) monitoring of works by the EMS who will be employed by the SC; (ii) baseline and regular
parametric measurements of noise, dust and emission (water quality testing may not be
needed unless water supply sources will be affected by the construction works). All of the
implementation of mitigation measures shall be part of the contractual works and obligation of
the Contractor.
212. The cost for the environmental management for construction period is tentatively
estimated.
Table 15: Environmental management cost table
Total
Item Quantity3 Unit Cost Remarks
Cost
To be conducted by the
Baseline Parametric Contractor for noise, air
6 200 USD 1,200
Measurements emissions, dust (and water,
if necessary) measurements
Monthly Parametric Tests to be conducted by
Measurements (at 216 200 USD 43,200 the Contractor at 6 sites x 36
least 6 sites) months monthly monitoring
Environmental Man- The costs are included in the
agement Specialist 9 months 2,500 USD 22,500 contract signed between
UWSCG and SC and no
(SC)
additional costs will occur.
Miscellaneous 6,690 10% for above Items
Subtotal 73,590 Total for above
Contingency 8,831 12% of Subtotal
For the entire construction
GRAND TOTAL 82,421
period of 36 Months
2. Performance Indicators
213. Based on the identified impacts of the project the performance indicators can be
established. The objective of the EMP is to eliminate, avoid, minimize and if not possible,
compensate the affected entities or individuals by the project. During the initial stage of the
project, the Contractor, under the supervision of the CS Consultant, should establish the
baseline parameters of the work sites and make appropriate parametric measurements which
shall be the basis for comparison in the entire project. This shall include physical parameters
on noise, dust, air emissions (water quality if necessary) and related local community
57
concerns. Mitigation measures shall be implemented or improved based on the level of non-
conformance to the identified performance indicators. The environmental monitoring and
management shall focus on the Contractor’s conformance to these performance indicators
throughout the en-tire duration of the project.
3
To be established by CS Consultant and international environmental specialist.
58
214. In establishing the performance indicators local as well as international standards
and guidelines are used as reference. In addition, local social and community concerns should
also be utilized as performance indicators of the project. These performance indicators are
tabulated below:
Table 16: Environmental performance indicators
Environmental
Parameter Performance Indicator
Aspect
0.04 (mg/m3) Daily
Nitrogen (IV) Dioxide 0.2 (mg/m3) max
Average
0.05 (mg/m3) Daily
Sulphur Dioxide 0.5 (mg/m3) max
Air Emission 4 Average
3 (mg/m3) Daily Aver-
Carbone Monoxide 5 (mg/m3) max
age
0.05 (mg/m3) Daily
Soot (Carbone black) 0.15 (mg/m³) max
Average
50 μg/m3 24-hour
Dust PM10 (WHO Guidelines5) 20 μg/m3 annual mean
mean
Noise Levels for residential 55 Indicative Level La 70 Maximum Admissi-
areas at 7am – 11 pm dBA ble Level La max dBA
Noise6
Noise Levels for residential 45 Indicative Level La 60 Maximum Admissi-
areas at 11pm – 7am dBA ble Level La max dBA
Traffic Number or Complaints
Impairment of Access Number or Complaints
Social and
Community Public Safety Number or Complaints
Concerns7 Disruption to Utilities Number or Complaints
Curtailment of Social and
Number or Complaints
Business Activities
4
Environmental Quality Norms approved by the Order #297N (16.08.2001) of the Ministry of Labour,
Health and Social Protection (as amended by the Order No 38/n of the same Ministry of 24.02.2003).
The quality of atmospheric air (pollution with hazardous matter) is also defined by the order of the
Minister of Environment Protection and Natural Resources (#89, 23 October 2001) on approval of the
rule for calculation of index of pollution of atmospheric air with hazardous pollution
5
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/
6
The Georgian standards for noise control as approved by the Decree of the Minister for Health, La-
bour and Social Affairs (297n of August 16, 2001) upon the ‘Approval of Environmental Quality
Standards’, which specify the tolerable and maximum admissible levels of noise for different zones
7
From the EMP Table
47
Table 17: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Potential Negative Responsi-
Mitigation measures Location Cost
Impacts bility
Pre-Construction
Possible removal of Sites rehabilitated before contractor leaves site upon completion of Construc- Construction and Part of con-
Terrestrial habitat. Loss of construction activities. Planting and stabilization of site, including tion labor camps, stor- struction
the top soil replacement of any native plant species Contractor age area cost
Aquatic ecology survey of Prior to start construction activities, contractor should carry out Contractor Project area Included in
water bodies aquatic ecology survey of any water bodies likely to be directly Project
or indirectly affected during the construction price
Construction
Ambient Air and  Cover or damp down by water spray on the excavated mounds of Construc- Trenching sites Part of con-
Local Dust8 soil to control dust generation; tion struction
 Apply water prior to levelling or any other earth moving activity to Contractor Mukhrani pumping cost
keep the soil moist throughout the process; station
 Bring the material (aggregate and sand) as and when required;
 Ensure speedy completion of work and proper site clearance after
completion;
 Damp down unsatisfied /bad condition roads to avoid dust genera-
tion while using for transport of waste/material
 Use tarpaulins to cover loose material that is transported to and
from the site by truck
 Control dust generation while unloading the loose material (particu-
larly aggregate and sand) at the site by sprinkling water/unloading
inside barricaded area
 Clean wheels and undercarriage of haul trucks prior to leaving
construction site
 Don't allow access in the work area except workers to limit soil
disturbance and prevent access by fencing
The Contractor shall coordinate with local Traffic Management De- Construc- Along materials
partment to minimize construction traffic impact in the following top- tion transportation
ics: Contractor routes
 Temporary parking restrictions,
8
Environmental Quality Norms approved by the Order #297N (16.08.2001) of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Protection (as amended by the Order
No 38/n of the same Ministry of 24.02.2003). The quality of atmospheric air (pollution with hazardous matter) is also defined by the order of the MoENRP,
(#89, 23 October 2001) on approval of the rule for calculation of index of pollution of atmospheric air with hazardous pollution
48
Impacts bility
 Pedestrian and cyclist diversion routes where construction pre-
vents access,
 Temporary traffic signals,
 One way scheme,
 Maintaining local residential access at all times,
 General traffic diversion routes where roads are closed.
 Sound barriers should be erected at schools and hospitals if the
distance to the construction site is less than 50 m
Noise Pollution9  Maintain machinery and vehicle silencer units to minimize noise Construc- Trenching sites Part of con-
 Keeps noise generating activities associated with construction tion struction
activities to a minimum and within working hours. Contractor Mukhrani pumping cost
 Notify the residents of Kutaisi town close to the Project area prior station
to commencement of the construction phase.
Along materials
 Vehicles and machinery that are used intermittently should not be transportation
left idling condition for long period of time.
routes
 Equipment used on site will be quietest reasonably available.
 Haul routes for construction traffic entering and leaving the site will
be selected to ensure noise levels at noise sensitive receptors are
kept at a minimum.
Impact on surface water  In case of heavy rain, protect open trenches from entry of rain wa- Construc- Construction sites Part of con-
bodies due to construc- ter by raising earthen bunds with excavated soil tion on slopes, New struction
tion10  Confine construction area including the material storage (sand and Contractor East Reservoir. cost
aggregate) so that runoff from upland areas will not enter the site
 Ensure that drains are not blocked with excavated soil
Soil Contamination  The contractors will be required to instruct and train their workforce Construc- Construction site Part of con-
in the storage and handling of materials and chemicals that can po- tion struction
tentially cause soil contamination. Contractor cost
 Solid waste generated during construction and at campsites will be Camp
properly treated and safely disposed of only in demarcated waste
9
The Georgian standards for noise control as approved by the Decree of the Minister for Health, Labour and Social Affairs (297n of August 16, 2001) upon
the ‘Approval of Environmental Quality Standards’, which specify the tolerable and maximum admissible levels of noise for different zones
10
Rules of the Protection of the Surface Waters of Georgia from Pollution
49
Impacts bility
disposal sites.
 Construction chemicals will be managed property
 Clearly labelling all dangerous products,
 Fuel tanks (diesel or oil) should be placed in a concrete pool which
its perimeter walls will be at least 1.0 m high with the concrete or
plastered masonry wall,
 A proper floor drain should be installed on the slab of the concrete
pool for safely discharging the leakages.
Impact on Flora  Avoid tree cutting Construc- Construction site Part of con-
and Fauna  In unavoidable cases, plant four trees of same species for each tion struction
tree that is cut for construction Contractor Camp cost
 The trench shall not be kept open in the night/after working hours.
This will avoid any safety risk to people, domesticated, stray or wild
animals.
 The Contractor shall ensure that the work site be kept clean, tidy
and free of rubbish that would attract animals.
Impact on Traffic  Informing all residents and businesses about the nature and dura- Construc- Construction site Part of con-
tion of any work well in advance so that they can make necessary tion struction
preparations if necessary; Contractor cost
 Providing wooden walkways/planks across trenches for pedestri- Access Road
ans and metal sheets where vehicle access is required
 Increasing workforce to complete the work in minimum time in
these stretches
 Initial situation of private properties has to be re-established after
construction
Hazardous Materials  Comply with all national, regional and local legislation with regard Construc- Construction site Part of con-
to the storage, transport, use and disposal of petroleum, chemical, tion struction
harmful and hazardous substances and materials. Contractor Storage Area cost
 Establish an emergency procedure for dealing with spills or re-
leases of petroleum.
 Storage of all hazardous material to be safe, tamper proof and
under strict control.
 Petroleum, chemical, harmful and hazardous waste throughout the
50
Impacts bility
site must be stored in appropriate, well maintained containers.
 Any accidental chemical / fuel spills to be corrected immediately.
Solid Waste  Place of disposal of the waste concerned must be enclosed. Construc- Part of con-
 The waste must not have access to drainage water. tion struction
 Waste must be immediately removed from the working sites. Contractor cost
 Waste must be placed in secondary protective basins.
 This waste can be transferred only to a certified contractor.
The personnel involved in the handling of hazardous and non-

hazardous waste will undergo specific training in:
 Waste handling
 Waste treatment; and
 Waste storage.
Loss of top soil  Top soil of about 1 ft depth (0.3 m) shall be removed and stored Construc- Pipeline work in Part of con-
separately during excavation work, and after pipeline construction tion pasture lands, agri- struction
the same soil shall be replaced on the top. Contractor cultural land, Loca- cost
tion of New East
Reservoir
Erosion due to excava-  Ensure proper compaction of refilled soil and there shall not be any Construc- All construction Part of con-
tion/refilling loose soil particles on the top; the material shall be refilled in layers tion sites struction
and compacted properly layer by layer. Contractor cost
 In the steep slopes, local grass species shall be planted on the
refilled trenches.
Impact on air quality due to  Ensure that all equipment & vehicles used for construction activity Construc- Kutaisi Part of con-
emissions from construc- are in good condition and are well maintained tion struction
tion equipment/vehicles  Ensure that all equipment & vehicles confirms to emission and Contractor cost
noise norms
Damaging of protected  The old trees to be protected shall be marked. Construc- New East Reser- Part of Con-
trees  A vegetation protection fence will be installed during construction tion voir struction
stage in order to protect the valuable trees and Contractor Cost
 Access road to construction site shall be shifted as far away from
the old trees to be protected, as it is technically feasible
51
Temporary flow  Work implementation during low-water period (in winter), when Contracto Riverbed from Part of con-
diversion from fish is less active; r the cut off area struction
construction site  Prohibition of waste/material throwing into riverbed in order to to the section costs
(“dewatering” of the avoid blockage after water stream restoration (release) of active flow
construction site) – downstream
impact on fish the crossing
migration area.
During and after  Works should be implemented in the riverbed or near it Contracto Work area Part of con-
construction according to preliminary developed methods/plan; r struction
pollution of  Control over technical functionality of machinery/equipment; costs
water/riverbed with damaged machinery/equipment are not allowed to enter the
waste and/or site;
material (in case of  Material should be stored in not less than 50 m from active
improper riverbed;
management),  Prohibit fueling and/or maintenance in the distance not less
fuel/oil; this can than 50 m from active riverbed;
impact fish and  Prohibit discharge of processed wastewater/ potentially
macro-invertebrates polluted surface runoff into the river;
after restoration of  Regular cleaning of the site and timely waste removal;
water stream within  Removal of excess material, waste and temporary structures
the project section. and equipment from the site after completion of works;
 If there is fuel storage on the site – in case of accidental
spillage avoid spreading in the environment (measures
include – 110% of tank capacity) presence of spill trapping
secondary storage device; Tank should be located in not less
than 50 m from active riverbed. Provide absorbents;
Train/inform personnel on best practice of work
implementation and environmental issues.
Impact on fish food  Maximum preservation of riverine vegetation cover; Contracto Riverbanks in Part of
base due to riverine  Strict adherence to construction site borders in order to avoid r the project con-
vegetation cleanup. impact on vegetation cover outside the borders of the work impact zone struction
site; (work areas) costs
 Instruct personnel on the need of protection of riverine
vegetation cover.
52
Impacts bility
Socio-economic benefits  To the extent possible labour force should be drawn from Construc- All Part of con-
from employing local the local community tion construction structio
people in construction Contracto sites n cost
work r
Impacts due to import of  In unavoidable case of sourcing labour from other areas, Construc- Temporary Part of
labour and establishment provide adequate housing facilities so that there are no tion labour camps con-
of temporary labour impacts and conflict with the local people: Contracto struction
camps  Establish temporary labour camps in consultation with the r cost
local authority
 Shall be located away from water bodies
 No clearance of trees vegetation shall be allowed for
establishment of camp
 Provide all basic amenities (water supply and sanitation,
waste collection & disposal, first aid facilities, etc.)
 Contractor shall provide fire wood and no worker shall be
allowed to cut any tree
 Ensure regular and clean maintenance of the camp
Safety risk – public  Follow standard and safe procedures for all activities – Construc- All Part of
and worker such as provision of shoring in deep trenches (>2 m) tion construction con-
 Exclude public from the site – enclose construction area, Contracto sites struction
provide warning and sign boards, security personnel r cost
 Provide adequate lighting to avoid accidents
 Ensure that all workers are provided with and use appropriate
Per- sonal Protective Equipment - helmets, hand gloves,
boots, masks, safety belts (while working at heights etc.);
 Maintain accidents records and report regularly
 Trench construction shall be taken up in small segments,
so that work (excavation, pipe laying and refilling) in each
segment is completed in a day. No trenches shall be kept
open in the night/after work hours.
Historical,  Contractor shall put in place a protocol for conducting any Construc- All Part of
archaeological chance excavation work, to ensure that any chance finds are tion construction con-
finds during exca- recognized and measures are taken to ensure they are Contracto sites struction
vation r cost

protected and conserved. This should involve:
 Having excavation observed by a person with archaeological
field training;
 Stopping work immediately to allow further investigation
if any finds are suspected;
 Calling in the state archaeological authority if a find is
suspected, and taking any action they require to ensure
its removal or protection in situ.
Cumulative impacts –  Schedule the construction activities in harmony with the Construc- Transmission Part of
re- peated disturbance other on- going works tion line works, con-
to roads and people  Schedule works before road work Contracto works on struction
r, SC water supply costs
network in the
town
Operation
Risk of delivery of  Conduct regular water quality monitoring; results of UWSCG Water Part of
unsafe water to monitoring conducted at this feasibility stage can be used network op-
consumers as base values to study the change in the water quality in erating
future costs
 Develop & implement water quality monitoring program for
distribution system
 Establish a water quality laboratory as part of the project,
with adequate building, equipment and trained personnel
Disturbance/ nuisance/  Plan transportation routes in consultation with
noise due to operation Municipality and Police
activity  Schedule transportation activities by avoiding peak
Reservoirs, Part of
traffic periods
pumping
 Use tarpaulins to cover loose material that is UWSCG op-
stations, pipe eration
transported to and from the site by truck alignments,
 Educate drivers: limit speed between 20-25 costs
transport routes
KMPH and avoid use of horn in the town
 Provide prior information to local people about work;

Sediments accumulated  Implementation of mitigation measures is not UWSCG Section upstream Part of op-
near piers may create required. However it is recommended to monitoring and downstream eration costs
new, additional habitat over fish and macro-invertebrates in order to identify the new structure
for macro-invertebrates any unfavorable impact (less expected) (50m each side of
– This can be deemed the new structure)
as positive impact in
terms of improvement
of fish food base.
Impact on fish and  Carry out mitigation measures determined for the UWSCG Work area (50m
macro-invertebrates construction phase each side of the
during repair work new structure)
implementation near
the river or in the
riverbed.
53

3. Monitoring
215. Monitoring describes (a) monitoring measures with technical details, including pa-
rameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations that will signal the need for
corrective actions; and (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to ensure early detection of
conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures and document the progress and
results of mitigation.
216. A program of monitoring will be required to ensure that all concerned agencies take
the specified action to provide the required mitigation, to assess whether the action has
adequately protected the environment, and to determine whether any additional measures
may be necessary. Regular monitoring of implementation measures by Civil Contractors will
be conducted by the SC, on behalf of Implementing Agency. Monitoring during operation stage
will be conducted by the UWSCG.
217. Most of the mitigation measures are fairly standard methods of minimizing dis-
turbance from building in urban areas (maintaining access, planning work to minimize public
inconvenience and traffic disruptions, finding uses for waste material, etc). Monitoring of such
measures normally involves making observations in the course of site visits, although some
require more formal checking of records and other aspects. The regular control and inspection
during general construction activities in Kutaisi is needed
54
Table 18: Environmental Monitoring Plan for general construction activities at Kutaisi
Response When
Item Parameter Frequency Action Level Responsibility
Action Level Exceeded
Pre construction
Tender documen- Environmental Is- Once before bid an- Environmental audit of Integrate all environmental re- SC
tation sues nouncement bidding documents to quirements into bidding docu-
ensure relevant sections ments
of the EMP have been
included
Contract docu- Environmental Is- Once before contract Environmental audit of Integrate all environmental re- SC
mentation with sues signature contract documents to quirements into bidding docu-
constriction con- ensure relevant sections ments
tractor of the EMP have been
included
Construction
Ambient Air Dust Continual Visual assessment dur- If dust levels are above ac- Contractor, SC
ing the Works ceptable visual levels, imple-
Impact Monitoring ment dust suppression tech-
Compliance Monitoring niques (wetting down area)
and/or assess weather condi-
tions and maybe temporarily
cease works until conditions
ease
Noise (15 minute) Only as required: Peri- +20 dBA for short term If noise action level is exceeded Contractor, SC
Noise Levels odic attended Monitor- (< 4 weeks) +10 dBA for then review work practices and
ing at hourly intervals at medium term (4 – 26 noise control procedures, in-
nearest potentially sen- weeks) cluding maintenance of equip-
sitive receivers. Impact Monitoring ment, installation of silencers,
Compliance Monitoring provision of noise barriers and
modification of work hours.
Surface Water Quality/ Continue in rainy guideline / licence re- If contaminant concentra- Contractor, SC
Quality Contaminant weather quirements (whichever is tions/licence conditions are
concentrates Applicable) exceeded, review disposal op-
Impact Monitoring tions and decide on most appli-
Compliance Monitoring cable. Report any accidences of
licence (of applicable) to issuing
authority.
55
Response When
Item Parameter Frequency Action Level Responsibility
Action Level Exceeded
Waste Segregation, Monthly inspection visual assessment dur- Solid waste cycled as 0 % of Contractor, SC
Management Storage and ing the Works; - Field movement of solids or liquid
Implications transport of inspection, - Report of waste through the soil, rocks,
wastes waste volumes generat- water, atmosphere.
ed Report and record all
leakages and spills
Impact Monitoring
Compliance Monitoring
Ground Soil Continual Assess adequacy of If controls have failed or are Contractor, SC
Monitoring sedimentation/ environ- found inadequate, cease works
and Erosion mental controls on-site immediately and repair to an
Control Impact Monitoring acceptable standard
Ecological Fauna and Continual Minimal ecological im- Required to ensure the recom- Contractor, SC
Resources Flora pacts Impact Monitoring mended mitigation measures
are properly implemented.
Landscape Surface Once at the Completion Minimum disturbance of Required to ensure the recom- Contractor, SC
and Visual treatment of of work the original landscape mended mitigation measures
temporary Impact Monitoring are properly implemented
structures
Aquatic Ichtiofauna Continual Observation of riverbed- Required to ensure the recom- Contractor, SC
Ecosystem determination of mended mitigation measures
s potential blockage and are properly implemented.
removal (on a daily
basis).
As it is not possible to
drain the whole area,
there can be holes with
fish. It is necessary to
observe the area in
order to find fish,
remained in the riverbed
(note: it may be required
to move fish to active
flow)
Inspection/visual control
(daily)
Operation
Drinkable Drinking According with GoG Full compliance to re- Close isolation valves to isolate UWSCG
water water quality drinking water regula- quirements of GoG sections where contamination is
tion drinking water regulation observed. Cease water supply
Impact Monitoring until the water quality is reas-
Compliance Monitoring sured. Immediate remedial
action
Aquatic Monitoring during the Monitoring –is Required to ensure the recom- UWSCG
ecosyste first year of operation analogous to that mended mitigation measures
ms - in June after high considered for the are properly implemented.
water; in early construction phase.
September and in Water quality control, if
December. required (based on the
decision of
environmental officer of
the operator company).
Infrastructure Breaks / Monthly inspection Visual Assessment Pub- If breaks/ failures occur, close UWSCG
Deteriorations/ lic Complaints Compli- isolation valves (or plug man-
Leakage ance Monitoring holes) immediately and repair /
replace to an acceptable stand-
ard.
56

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
a. Recommendation
218. The environmental impacts of the infrastructure elements proposed in the water
supply improvement subproject in Kutaisi were assessed and are described in the previous
sections of this document. Potential negative impacts were identified in relation to design,
location, construction and operation of the improved infrastructure. Mitigation measures were
developed to reduce all negative impacts to acceptable levels.
219. Mitigation measures were discussed with engineering specialists, and some
measures have already been included in the design. This means that the number of impacts
and their significance has already been reduced by the design.
220. Regardless of these and various other actions taken during the IEE process and in
developing the project, there will still be impacts on the environment when the infrastructure
is built and when it is operating. Appropriate avoidances/ mitigation/ enhancement measures
are suggested for the likely impacts that are identified.
221. During the construction phase, impacts mainly arise from generation of dust from
soil excavation and refilling; and from the disturbance to residents, traffic and important
buildings by the construction work. These are common impacts associated with the con-
struction processes, and there are well developed methods for their mitigation. Various
measures are suggested, including:
 Utilizing surplus/waste soil for beneficial purposes

 Measures to reduce/control dust generation (cover/damp down by water spray; con-
solidation of top soil, cover during transport etc.)
 Providing prior public information and planning the work in consultation
 Avoiding night time construction activities
222. The environmental assessment process also identified opportunities for environ-
mental enhancement. Certain measures suggested in this regard include:
 Employing the local people in construction work as much as possible to provide them
with a short-term economic gain
 Employing local people in operation and maintenance of the new systems
223. Most facilities will operate with routine maintenance, which should not affect the
environment. Measures have been suggested to provide adequate drinking water quality
(water quality surveillance program).
224. The main beneficiaries of the improved water supply system will be the citizens of
Kutaisi, who will be provided with a constant supply of good quality water, which serves a
greater proportion of the population, including urban poor. This will improve the quality of life
of people as well as raising standards of both individual and public health.. This should lead
to economic gains as people will be away from work less and will spend less on healthcare,
so their incomes should increase.
225. Mitigation will be assured by a program of environmental monitoring conducted

during both construction and operation to ensure that all measures are provided as intended,
and to determine whether the environment is protected as envisaged.
57
226. Performance indicators shall be utilized as reference for the level of performance of
the project vis-à-vis the environmental and social concerns at the worksites.
227. Stakeholders were and will be involved through both face-to-face discussions on
site and a public meeting held in the town, after which views expressed were incorporated into
the IEE and the planning and development of the project.
228. The recommendation of this IEE process is that all mitigation, enhancement and
monitoring activities proposed here shall be implemented in full. This is essential to ensure
that the environmental impacts are successfully mitigated; this is the responsibility of UWSCG.
229. KUT-01 project requires the crossing of Rioni River for the transmission line from
Mukhiani pumping station to the New East Reservoir.
230. The draft design envisages the conveyance of the raw potable water from the right
bank of the Rioni River, where Vartsikhe HPS dam is situated, upstream, about 6km, to the
left bank territory of the Rioni River adjacent to the water pumping station, through a water
supply pipe, which presumable will be conducted through the aqueduct, which is
perpendicularly crossing the Rioni River course. It is envisaged that the several piles of the
aqueduct will be constructed directly into the course of the Rioni River.
231. To determine the extent of the impact of the construction of the aqueduct’s piles on
the fish species found in this very section of the Rioni River, Gama-Consulting carried out
ichthyologic survey of rioni River.
232. The mitigation measure for the aqueduct’s construction is that the aqueduct’s pile
construction process coincides with the period of the Rioni River’s shallowness, minimum yield
period (winter), when all the fish species found within the design section spend winter in that
deep places of the Vartsikhe HPS, which are located at the confluence points of the Kvirila
River (fairly rarely) and the Khanistskali River (mostly).
233. During the winter, the small number of the fish at the Kvirila River is conditioned by
the constantly high level of suspended solids concentration in the Kvirila River proper.
234. The optimal environmental conditions for the ichthyofaunal species dwelling in the
design section are created in the confluence point of the Khanistskali River and Vartsikhe HPS
water reservoirs. The water reservoir’s mentioned territory is actually a delta, with relatively
deep water, normal transparency, dense straws and reeds, which conditions the safe
cohabitation of the different species of fish with different ages during the winter months.
2. Conclusion
235. The environmental impacts of the proposed water supply subproject in Kutaisi were
assessed by the Initial Environmental Examination reported in this document. The impacts
are found to be limited to the construction phase.
236. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared and will be im-
plemented during the project implementation. The EMP identifies the potential environmental
impacts arising from the project along with a set of the mitigation measures to reduce the
impacts to acceptable levels. It also includes the institutional arrangements for implementing
the EMP to ensure its effectiveness.
58
237. The overall conclusion of the IEE is that provided the mitigation and enhancement
measures are implemented in full, there should be no significant negative environmental
impacts as a result of location, design, construction or operation of the subproject. There
should in fact be positive benefits through major improvements in quality of life and individual
and public health once the scheme is in operation.
238. The citizens of Kutaisi will benefit from continuous supply of good quality water. The
project will stimulate economic growth. Continuous water supply and drinking water of good
quality is prerequisite for tourism development. The standard of individual and public health
will improve as a result of the project. The project will generate new job opportunities.
239. Construction of the aqueduct over the Rioni River in winter period will have minor
impact on the ichthyofauna found within the design section.
59
Appendices
Appendix 1
Minutes of Meeting of Public Hearing on 16 th of July 2013
LCC “United Water Supply Company of Georgia”
Public Hearing Meeting

Improving the Water Supply System in Kutaisi
Initial Environmental Examination Report
Minutes
11:00 am
Kutaisi 16.07.2013
The following persons attended the meeting:
1. Beso Nibladze - "United Water Supply Company of Georgia, LLC", Head of Environ-
mental Protection and Resettlement Division;
2. Misha Tataradze - "United Water Supply Company of Georgia, LLC", Head of Kutaisi
Service Centre;
3. Ketevan Chomakhodze - "United Water Supply Company of Georgia, LLC", Environ- ment
Specialist;
The following residents of Kutaisi attended:
1. Leo Nutsubidze - local resident

2. Zaur Shalamberidze - local resident
3. Pridon Shalamberidze - local resident
4. Irakli Dangadze - local resident
5. Badri Chiteishvili - local resident
6. Bejan Dangadze - local resident
7. Gioiri Gaganidze - local resident
8. Malkhaz Pruidze - local resident
9. Leri Shalamberidze - local resident
10. Lasha Sasageishvili - local resident
Public Consultation
The public consultation meeting was held on July 16, 2013 in Kutaisi, at the Service Centre
of United Water Supply Company of Georgia, LLC. The consultative meeting was organized
with representatives from the local population of Kutaisi.
By giving advertisements in advance, attendance of a wide range of related people to the

meetings was encouraged. During the Public Consultation Meetings, citizens were informed
about the activities to be carried out within the scope of the project, environmental effects of
the project and measures to be taken against these effects. Opinions, ideas and suggestions
of the local residents and related people were received during the meeting.
60
Public Opinion
Consultation with affected population was undertaken
 to ensure their informed participation in the design, implementation and moni-

toring of the project measures and their impacts on the environment, as well
as the efforts to minimize and the mitigate impact when avoidance is not pos-
sible;
 to introduce the project benefits to the local population that accrue to them as
a result of project implementation;
 to incorporate all relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders into
decision making, such as project design, mitigation measures, the sharing of
development benefits and opportunities, and implementation issues.
The following topics were discussed during the meeting:
 project context and rationale

 expected start and end of the project
 benefits of the project to local population and to the country as a whole
 the environmental issues and mitigated measures related to the project
The public consultation showed a support for the Kutaisi subproject by the local pop-
ulation. The population recognizes the need to accept limited nuisances as a result
from the construction works, and understands that the implementation would fail
without a good cooperation between the local population, the contractor and
UWSCG. They were aware of the need to improve the water supply services. Resi-
dents also were of the view that the proposed project will improve the public health,
the environment, and the socio-economic development of the City.
The Following questions have been asked from the local population:
Questions from local resi- Answers from the

#
dents United Water Supply Company of Georgia
1 When will the project start? The project will start in 2014, not before the 3rd
Tranche is signed by the Government of Georgia and
ADB and a Construction Company has been selected
based on the 2 stage selection process.
2 Will the water provided to the Yes, water will be supplied for 24h to local residents
local population for 24hours and and water quality will be greatly improved.
will tap water quality improved?
3 Name of the employer of a Kuta- United Water Supply Company of Georgia, LLC
isi Water Supply System
4 What is the duration of the pro- 36 months.
ject?
5 What type of impact on envi- Environmental impacts that are associated with the
ronment is associated with the project are only site specific.
project? Impacts are mostly confined to the construction
stage of the project and are therefore temporary.
An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has
61
Questions from local resi- Answers from the
#
dents United Water Supply Company of Georgia
been prepared and will be implemented during the
project implementation. The EMP identifies the po-
tential environmental impacts arising from the project
along with a set of the mitigation measures to reduce
the impacts to acceptable levels
Impacts mainly arise from generation of dust from soil
excavation and refilling; and from the disturbance to
residents, traffic and important buildings by the
construction work. These are common impacts
associated with the construction processes, and there
are well developed methods for their mitigation.
6 What will be benefit for local The Project will have overall beneficial impacts on
population from the rehabilita- quality of life for the citizens of Kutaisi. It will stimu-
tion of the water supply system late economic growth by constant supply and good
in Kutaisi? quality of drinking water which is a prerequisite for
tourism development.
7 Will local population employed Yes. Contractor will ensure involvement of local
by contractor? population in construction works.
There were no other comments or/and opinions from local population.
It should be mentioned also that public hearing meeting for the first tranche of Kutaisi
project was held on May 10th, 2012, in Kutaisi at Kutaisi Opera House, were new
east reservoir was also discussed as a planned one should be constructed in the
next phase of the project.
Photos of the public consultation:
62
63
Appendix 2
64
65
66
Appendix 3: Hydro Biological –Ichthyological Survey of Rioni River/Project Area
Kutaisi Water Supply Project

(20.10.2017 )
(Hydro Biological –Ichthyological Survey)
Tbilisi 2017
67
Content
1 General Overview 68
1.1 Research Objectives 68
2. Study Methodology 69
2.1 Desk Research 69
2.2 Visual Audit 69
2.3 Field Survey 69
2.4 Stakeholder Consultations 70
2.5 Laboratory Study 70
3 Hydrological and Aquatic Biodiversity Background Conditions of the Project
Territory 70
3.1 Visual Audit 70
4. List of Fish Species within the River Rioni Basin (Head Race of Vartsikhe
HPP Dam and Source) 74
5 List of Fish Species Obtained in the Project Section 76
5.1 Crimean Barbel 76
5.2 European Chub 76
5.3 Stone Loach 77
5.4 Transcaucasian Spirlin 77
6. Stakeholder Consultations - Results of interviews with local fishermen and
other river users 78
7.Results of Field Research 79
7.1 Critical Points of the Project Section and Their Description 80
7.2 Ichthyological Survey Results 81
7.3 Hydro Chemical and Hydro Biological Survey Results 83
8. Description and Assessment of Possible Impact on Fish Fauna in Rioni
Riverbed during Construction of Aqueduct Piers 85
9. Mitigation Measures for Impact on Fish Fauna Expected during Construction
and Operation of Aqueduct Piers 86
9.1. Invertebrates Protection Strategy 89
9.1.1. Impact on Invertebrates 89
10. General Conclusions 89
References 91
GAMMA CONSULTING LTD

68
1 General Overview
a. Project Background Information
In the framework of “Urban Service Improvement Investment Program” (tranche 3) financed by
the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a project on Kutaisi Water Supply System Improvement
project is being carried out (Kut-01, phase 2).
The project considers delivery of drinking water from the riv. Rioni right bank adjacent territory,
upstream Vartsikhe HPP dam, on the distance of about 6 km, to the water pump located on the
left bank of the river. A pipe will be used for this purpose, which will most probably be located on
the aqueduct perpendicular of the Rioni riverbed. Several piers of the aqueduct will be constructed
within the Rioni riverbed.
It should be noted, that in the head race of the Vartsikhe HPP dam, riv. Rioni has two confluences:
Kvirila River and Khanistskali River. Between head race of Vartsikhe HPP to the amelioration dam
near the Poti street (Kutaisi), Rioni riverbed represents a half-closed reservation of Ichthyofauna,
where fish species of the rivers Kvirila and Khanistskali dominate.
Ichthyological studies of this section have already been conducted, which includes filed surveys
and analysis of literary sources by the Ichthyological team of “Gamma Consulting” Ltd.
To ensure implementation of the construction works for Kut-01 project, the ADB safety policy
requires a field survey and update of the preliminary environmental study report based on this
survey
The Ichthyological assessment must correspond the Safety Policy (2009) of the ADB and
instructions of Good Practices (2012).
1.1 Research Objectives

 Preparation of current condition of habitats within the project zone, including relevant
maps and analysis;
 Conduction of theoretical study and review of literary materials to identify the types and
status of Ichthyofauna;
 Definition of the mitigation, management, monitoring and, if necessary, conservation
measures, in order to comply with the SPS requirements;
 Identification of the critical points (if any);
 Description of possible impacts from construction of the piers of the aqueduct;
 Implementation of mitigation measures with consideration of the impact factors.
Activity 1: Scoping and Literature Review

 Research of the existing environment, scientific literature or any other type of assessment
of biodiversity within the project area;
 Existing conservation programs or initiatives in the zone and its adjacent territories (e.g.
WWF sturgeon conservation plan);
 Determination of any invasive species using existing data on the project area.
Activity 2: Stakeholder Consultation

 Consultations with the local fishermen and other users of the river, in order to identify the
main locations of the species.
Activity 3: Determination of the Critical Habitat

 A process carried out in a table format where every potential specie is listed and described
in accordance with its characteristics (i.e. endemism, IUCN status, etc.). Evidence of such
conclusion is also presented;
 Profile of each specie is presented, listing detailed information regarding ecology, life
history, habitat preference, protection status, conservation actions and etc. of the species,

69
which is similar to the IUCN species profile. It was adapted to Georgia and the project
zone.
Activity 4: Recommended Mitigation and Management Plans

 Recommendation of the mitigation and management actions using hierarchy of mitigation
actions (avoidance, minimization, restoration and beginning). The actions must reflect the
project related risks and impact on biodiversity that can be expected within the project
zone. Mitigation and management measures are constituted in a compliance with the
SPS;
 The recommendations also present information regarding implementation adequacy of
the mitigation and management measures.
The report has been prepared basing on studies of the literary sources and results of field surveys,
which have been carried out by the Ichthyological team of the “Gamma Consulting” Ltd. in 2017,
October 20. Information provided by the local population and amateur fishermen has been used
in the preparation of the report.
2. Study Methodology
In the head race of the Vartsikhe HPP dam, the project river has two confluences: rivers Kvirila
and Khanistskali. The Ichthyological studies of the rivers included desk researches, visual audit,
field surveys, consultation with stakeholders (interviews with local population and amateur
fishermen) and laboratory processing of the extracted material. Study methodology is in full
compliance with the methods of international practice.
Conditions of fish volume within different water bodies are often discussed according to: general
mass of the fish caught in recent years; quantitative ratio of age groups; first and massive maturity
of the population; direct influence of fish growth rate and maturity; effectiveness of the fishing
tools used and season of the fishing.
During field and laboratory researches Ichthyologists of the “Gamma Consulting” Ltd. used
commonly accepted methods described in the following sources:
1. Правдин И.Ф. - Руководство по изучению рыб (преимущественно пресноводных).
Издательство “Пищевая промышленность”, Москва 1966Г.
2. Константинов А.С. - Общая гидробиология. Издательство “Высшая школа”, Москва
1986Г.
2.1 Desk Research

For the project section, which included rivers Kvirila and Khanistskali, following works have been
conducted: field work plan was prepared, research route was defined, fishing and hydrochemical-
hydrobiological sampling points have been determined. A questionnaire was prepared to
interview the local population and amateur fishermen.
2.2 Visual Audit

Visual audit considers identification of habitat for single fish species (general survey of the
geomorphology of the riverbed, hydrological characteristics, habitat hypsometry, relief, benthic
hypsometry, visual and landscape background), based on which, species inhabiting within the
project rivers and their confluences (Rioni, Kvirila and Khanistskali) can be identified theoretically.
This method of the preliminary assessment is intensively used in many countries.
2.3 Field Survey

The field survey method involves the full biological analysis of obtained individuals (length, weight,
sex, maturity stage, labeling and storage of scales for laboratory examination – to determine age,

70
growth and growth rate) on the particular location; to study their food base, hydro flora and hydro
fauna; identification of macro invertebrates and insects suitable for feeding; to study the habitat-
environment of fish and invertebrates; to determine suspended sediment concentration in water
in mg/l; sampling in-situ, on a particular location and transportation to the laboratory for further
examination. Determination of dissolved oxygen (O2 mg/l) by using field Oximeter (Oxi
3300i/SET); Recording aquatic environment and air temperature; Water pH determination;
Assessment of species composition and living biomass of the lowest plants - periphyton on rocks
and boulders.
Field survey included control fishing conducted by cast net (weight 7,0 kg, hoop size 14 mm).
Fishing activities were implemented on the control points, within 50 and 100 m sections. Only
sport-amateur tools were used during fishing and accordingly, a special permit or license was not
required. Survey parameters include studying all biotic and abiotic determining factors, related to
fish ecological niche.
All fish individuals obtained by us using the small cast net are registered in a special field register,
indicating the external parameters and internal physiological conditions. The scale samples, they
are labeled and stored in a special polypropylene containers for further laboratory examinations.
2.4 Stakeholder Consultations

To fully illustrate the Ichthyofauna composition of the rivers Rioni, Kvirila and Khanistskali
interviews with amateur fishermen and other users of the rivers was conducted. Amateur
fishermen with fishing experience of 5-10 years have been selected for this purpose. The
questionnaire was constituted so, to minimize possibility of falsification of the facts by the
fishermen. Additionally, the information is found reliable if verified by three or more fishermen. In
total, 5 fishermen participated in the interviews. Results of consultations are presented in the table
6.1.
2.5 Laboratory Study

The part of findings obtained during the control fishing is returned alive into the environment
(Catch and Release Principle) and only the part is transported to the laboratory, where the
material is processed; in particular, sex and maturity stage, age, nutrition ratio, meristic and plastic
features, the digestive tract contents was also observed. Laboratory examination is conducted
using recognized standard methods (see chapter 2 – Study Methodology).
3 Hydrological and Aquatic Biodiversity Background Conditions of the Project

Territory
3.1 Visual Audit
Rioni River
Within the project area riverbed of Rioni is covered with cobble stones, in some places gravel and
rarely – silt. This results in creation of rapids, small waterfalls, pools, large and small islands. It
should be noted that the project section represents a half-reservoir zone for the Ichthyofauna,
namely on the section between irrigation system dam (Kutaisi, near Poti street) and Vartsikhe
HPP cascade dam. The flow in the downstream of the irrigation system dam is rapid, one-
channeled, after this section it braches and creates 40-60 m wide and 150-300 m long islands
within the project section; islands are located along three-row flow.

71
Picture3.1.1. A large island on the river Rioni
An insignificant inclination of the river banks was observed during the field works. The bottom is
full of 0.2 m diameter stones. Reinforced concrete castings with diameter of 1,5X0.40 m is
observed on the bottom of the Rioni River. Its objective is to protect the drinking water pipeline
located under the riverbed from damage.
Flow depth within the project section varies between 0.4 to 0.8 m, and the velocity is 1.5-2.0 m/s.
Despite intensive changes in the river depth, fish food of average volumes can still be found on
the bottom.
Two important confluences have been identified (rivers Kvirila and Khanistskali), that play a
significant role in water supple of the reservoir.

72
Picture 3.1.2. Confluences of the rivers Kvirila and Khanistskali
Kvirila River is a tributary of the Rioni River. It is to be noted, that small numbers of fish within the
mouth of the riv. Kvirila gathered for winter season is caused by high levels of suspended particles
concentration within the riv. Kvirila itself (569.0 mg/l was observed within the samples abstracted
during the expeditions).
The most optimal environment for wintering for the Ichthyofauna presented in the project section
is created on the connection between the riv. Khanistskali and Vartsikhe HPP reservoir. This
location is relatively deep, has normal transparency (34.2 mg/l was observed within the samples
abstracted during the expeditions), it is densely covered with reed mace and bulrush vegetation,
which contributes to the safe coexistence of fish of different age groups and species in the winter
season.
Picture 3.1.3. Khanistskali delta at Vartsikhe HPP reservoir

73
Table 3.1.1. Title of the control point; geographical coordinates, morphometric characteristics of the riverbed and physical and chemical characteristics
of the river
rapids, waterfalls
banks in degrees
Inclination of the
benchmark UTM
Aqueduct piers
temperature 0C
temperature 0C
River depth, m
Morphology of
Velocity of the
Flow essence,
particles, mg/l
Wet perimeter
Atmosphere
the riverbed
coordinates
width of the
Benchmark
Suspended
River water
river, m/s
Location
and etc.
river, m
O2 mg/l
pH
№
0
1 Aqueduct X=310139,065 Within the project 0,8-1,5 60-80 1,5- 22 11,2 64,6 6,5 10,85 50-75-85;
piers will be Y=4677782,911 area riverbed of 2,0
2 arranged here X=310171,383 Rioni is covered The flow in the
Y= 4677788,055 with cobble downstream of the
stones, in some irrigation system
3 X= 310204,022 places gravel and
Y= 4677793,250 dam is rapid, one-
rarely – silt. the channeled, after
4 X= 310236,661 project section this section it
Y= 4677798,446 represents a half- braches and
5 X= 310269,300 reservoir zone for creates 40-60 m
Y= 4677803,641 the Ichthyofauna, wide and 150-300
between m long islands
6 X= 310301,939 irrigation system within the project
Y= 4677808,836 dam (Kutaisi, section; islands
7 X= 310334,578 near Poti street) are located along
Y= 4677814,032 and Vartsikhe three-row flow.
HPP cascade Aqueduct piers will
8 X= 310367,218 dam
Y= 4677819,227 be arranged on
these islands.
9 X= 310399,857
Y= 4677824,423
10 X= 310432,496
Y=4677829,617
11 X= 310465,135
Y=4677834,813
12 X= 310497,453
Y= 4677839,958

74
4. List of Fish Species within the River Rioni Basin (Head Race of Vartsikhe HPP
Dam and Source)
Table 4.1.
Title Latin title Category Presence
evaluation within the
project impact
zone
( +; -)
Crimean barbel Barbus tauricus rionica Not evaluated +
Kamensky, 1899
Gudgeon Gobio lepidolaemus caucasica Not evaluated -
Kamensky, 1901
Transcaucasian spirlin Alburnoides fasciatus Nordmann, IUCN – not +
1840 evaluated (NE).
Colchis nase Chondrostoma colchicum IUCN – not -
Derjugin, 1899 evaluated (NE).
European chub Squalius cephalus Linnaeus, IUCN – least +
1758 concern (LC).
Stone loach Barbatula barbatula caucasicus Not evaluated +
Berg, 1899
Georgian bitterling Rhodeus colchicus Bogutskaya & IUCN – not -
Komlev, 2001 assessed (NE).

75
Diagram 4.1. Spawning and feeding migration periods of species within the project area
Species January February March April May June July August September October November December
Crimean barbel
Barbus
tauricus rionica
Kamensky,
1899
Transcaucasian
spirlin
Alburnoides
bipunctatus
fasciatus
(Nordmann,
1840)
Stone loach
Barbatula
barbatula
caucasicus
Berg, 1899
European chub
Squalius
cephalus
Linnaeus, 1758
Definition:
Spawning period
Active spawning period:
Upstream spawning migration:
Feeding migration downstream:

76
5 List of Fish Species Obtained in the Project Section

5.1 Crimean Barbel
Species: Crimean Barbel
Latin name: Barbus tauricus rionica Kamensky, 1899
Type: Freshwater fish
Way of living: Benthopelagic
Diet: Semi- predatory
Habitat: coastal rivers of Asia Minor, the Black sea. This species inhabit in the following Georgian
rivers: Chorokhi, Choloki, Kintrishi, Sufsa, Rioni, Khobi, Enguri, Kododri, Bzifi, Psou and their
tributaries. In Amtkeli lake, Tkibuli and Lajanuri reservoirs.
Length - 55 cm, weight - 1,5 kg, generally, smaller ones are found. It is benthopelagic freshwater
fish. It lives in stony-sandy places.
Habitat and behavior: In rivers it visits high elevation together with Khramulia within the habitats
of trout. This species prefers rivers with fast, fresh, sandy-stony bottoms. It migrates on small
distances due to feeding and breeding, it overwinters in riverbank caves and holes of the bottom.
Reproduction: Fish reaches maturity from the age of 3-4 years. It spawns two times; breeding
period is from May to August earlier in the lower reaches than in middle and upper reaches of the
river; they spawn in shallow waters, sandy-stony areas, where the water temperature is 12-180 C.
Fertility depends on the age and body weight. In rivers fertility of this fish is from 2000-15000
spawns, and in lakes – up to 30000. Young fries are hatched for a week.
Feeding features: this species eat benthos, mollusks, chironomids, Amphipoda, as well as
animal or plant detritus, crayfish, sometimes small fish and their spawn.
Due to the small number, fish does not have commercial significance.
5.2 European Chub

Species: European chub
Latin name: Squalius cephaus (Linnaeus, 1758) =Leuciscus cephalus orientalis Nordmann,
1840)
Diet: Semi-predatory
Its body is elongated, covered with thick scales; head is large, its length sometimes is longer than
the maximum height of the body; in some specimens it is equal – and in some of them – smaller.
Dorsal side is dark, lateral sides – dark grey, ventral side – whitish. There is usually dark spot
behind the gill cover. Length - 50 cm, weight - 1,5 kg, generally, small ones are found.
Habitat: Rivers: Mtkvari, Khrami, Aragvi, Alazani, Iori, Chorokhi, Kintrishi, Supsa, Natanebi, Rioni,
Khobi, Enguri, Kodori, Bzifi; Lakes: Jandari, Paravani, Saghamo, Bazaleti, Paliastomi, Bebesiri;
Reservoirs: Khrami, Tbilisi, Sioni.
Habitat and behavior: Freshwater fish, inhabit in stony-sandy rivers.
Diet: It feeds animal and vegetable food

77
Reproduction: It reaches sexual maturity from the age of 2-3 years; reproduces from May to
August, fertility reaches 15000-150000 spawns. It is freshwater fish, lives in stony and sandy
areas.
It does not have commercial significance.

IUCN - Least Concern (LC).
5.3 Stone Loach

Species: Stone loach
Latin name: Barbatula barbatula caucasicus Berg, 1899
Way of living: Benthophage
Diet: Pelagic
Length - 9 cm, weight - 5 g.
Habitat: It can be found in every reservoirs and rivers of Georgia.
Habitat and behavior: Freshwater fish. It inhabits in lakes and reservoirs, silt and stony-sandy
areas.
Diet: It feeds on plankton, benthos and algae.
Reproduction: It reproduces from June to September; fertility - 2000- 3000 spawns.

It is endemic species of Caucasus.
5.4 Transcaucasian Spirlin

Species: Transcaucasian Spirlin
Latin name: Alburnoides bipunctatus fasciatus (Nordmann, 1840)
Diet: Pelagic
Length - 13 cm, weight - 60 g, mainly inhabit in shallow, sluggish waters, in small branches, well
adapted to the lake conditions.
Its body is high, flattened from the sides, covered with easily removable scale. There is the bare
body part behind the caudal fin. Dorsal is dark greenish, sides are silver. Along the lateral line
double line follows, it may be dark or light color. Dark spots are scattered on the sides, especially
to the upper direction. Sometimes bottoms of pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are reddish.
Habitat: In Chorokhi River and in its tributaries (Tkhilnaristskali, Chanaristskali, Adjaristskali,

Machakhela); Rivers: Chakvistskali, Kintrishi, Supsa, Rioni, (entire length), Churia, Tkori, Enguri,
Tikori, Enguri, Ghalidzga, Timushi, Dghamishi, Mokvi, Okumi, Kodori (its tributaries), Gumista,
Tetritskaro, Shavtskala, Bzifi, Psou; Lakes: Paliastomi, Nabada, Amtkeli, Tkibuli reservoir;
Eastern Transcaucasia.
Reproduction: it reproduces from May to August, fertility - 2000-6000 spawns
Diet: it feeds on plankton, benthos and partly, algae.

It has no commercial meaning. It is the competitor in feeding the breeding areas.
78
IUCN – Not Evaluated (NE).
6. Stakeholder Consultations - Results of interviews with local fishermen and other river
users
5 fishermen were interviewed within the framework of biological environment baseline study for
the project section:
6. Abjandadze Badri;
7. Gvasalia Irakli;
8. Vekua Tamazi;
9. Kirkitadze Rezo;
10. Sulkhanishvili Jemali.
Table 6.1. Results of interview with local population and amateur fishermen
N Question Answer
I have been fishing since my childhood; I mainly
How old were you when you
1 fish at Khanistskali and Rioni Rivers, but
started fishing and where?
downstream of Vartsikhe reservoir.
Fishing on Kvirila River means bathing the
Have you ever fished on Kvirila earthworm pointlessly! In summer, during the
2 River? If yes, what fish have you fishing season, Khanistskali and Rioni river banks
caught? are full of fishers, but no one can be seen on Kvirila
River.
Fish jumps out of water at the waterfall, at the dam
Have you ever caught fish at the in summer, but the environmental inspection and
3 dam of irrigation system, near Poti the dam security guard prohibit us fishing. Small
street, in Kutaisi? fish is observed there, but I can’t name exactly the
species.
In those areas fish can’t be obtained at all. From
the upper dam the water flow is sometimes
Have you ever caught a fish at the increased and sometimes – decreased; it happens
islands in Rioni River, across for several times in a day and fish doesn’t stay
4
Nikea Street in winter and if yes, there. They enter Vartsikhe reservoir or
what species? Khanistskali River. There are favorable conditions
for the fish and food can be also easily obtained
there.
When is the fish more active on After spring floods, when water is relatively fresh;
this section? I mean the area from from the middle of May, or beginning of June; it
5
Vartsikhe HPPs dam to the dam at depends on weather conditions in mountains.
Poti Street.
Through the area, which you are interested in, no
fish can be observed. As for poaching,
Does poaching occur there?
6 considerable penalties are set in this regard, but we
Where and when?
have seen neither poachers, nor fishers on this
section.

79
7.Results of Field Research
North
Figure 7.1. Rioni River Section between the dams of Vartsikhe HPP and the irrigation system,
with the confluences of Kvirila and Khanistskali Rivers
N
Figure 7.2. Exact location of the aqueduct construction on Rioni River for Kutaisi water supply
project

80
7.1 Critical Points of the Project Section and Their Description

Critical points are those points, which are formed by boulders and woods accumulated during
various natural disasters, they create additional barriers on spawning and feeding migration
routes of fish species. Those points, which may be formed during the construction of the aqueduct
piers, are also considered as critical points.
3 critical points were detected as a result of visual audit of the project area, which are given below
(Table 7.1.1).
Table 7.1.1 Layout of critical points on the project section

Point №1 X=310160.86; Y=4677806.46; H=118 m. a.s.l
Variability of Rioni River water in the

short period of time is shown on the
given section. Variability of water level
causes destruction of the benthic
invertebrates that results in reduction
of fish feeding base.

81
Point №2 X=310482.71; Y=4680578.94; H=134 m a.s.l.
The headwork of the irrigation system

is shown on the section, from where
fish migrate downstream without any
hindrance, while during migrating in
the opposite direction, crossing the
relatively high waterfall coming from
the dam is insuperable obstacle for the
small fishes.
Point №3 X= 310933.44; Y= 4669299.05; H=85 m a.s.l.
In case of freshets and releasing of

considerable debit of water, lots of fish
can massively follow the water
supplied to the HPPs Cascade from
the upstream of Vartsikhe HPP dam.
7.2 Ichthyological Survey Results

Based on the interviews with locals and conducted test fishing, following species have been
identified: European chub - Squalius cephaus (Linnaeus, 1758) =Leuciscus cephalus orientalis
Nordmann, 1840), Colchis barbell - Barbus tauricus rionica Kamensky, 1899, Spirlin - Alburnoides
bipunctatus fasciatus (Nordmann, 1840), Stone loach - Barbatula babatula caucasicus Berg,
1899.

82
Picture 7.2.1. European chub Squalius cephaus (Linnaeus, 1758) =Leuciscus cephalus
orientalis Nordmann, 1840), Colchis barbel Barbus tauricus rionica Kamensky, 1899, Spirlin
Alburnoides bipunctatus fasciatus (Nordmann, 1840), stone loach Barbatula babatula
caucasicus Berg, 1899.
Photo 7.2.2. Fishing in the project section of Rioni River

83
Table 7.2.1. Detailed description of obtained specimen (age, length, weight, sex and maturity
stage, fishing coordinates)
maturity stage
№ of Fishing
coordinates
and nearby
Length, cm
territories
Weight, g
Location
Sex and
Species
Number
points
Date
Age
№1 X= Caucasian 5 17 49 3+
310160.86; chub Squalius 3
Y= cephaus
12 20 3+
4677806.46; (Linnaeus, 3
H=118m, 1758)
a.s.l. =Leuciscus 11 14 2+
cephalus 3
orientalis
11 18 2+
Nordmann, 3
1840)
11,5 15 2+
3
20.10.2017
Colchis barbel 1 8,5 6 2+

Barbus tauricus 2
rionica
Kamensky,
1899
Spirlin
Alburnoides 1 11 12 3+
bipunctatus 3
fasciatus
(Nordmann,
1840)
Stone loach 2 10 10 2+
Barbatula 2
babatula
10 12 2+
caucasicus 2
Berg, 1899
7.3 Hydro Chemical and Hydro Biological Survey Results
Table 7.3.1. Water sampling results of Rioni River project section:

Suspended particles 64,6 mg/l
Dissolved oxygen (O2) 10,85 mg/l
Hydrogen ion concentration (pH) 6,5
Water temperature +11,2 0 C
Ambient air temperature +22 0 C
We obtained specimen of stoneflies on the bottom of Rioni River through the project area. In
addition, colonies of invertebrates are also represented, which are optimal feeding base for fish;
but diversity and abundance of invertebrates indicates the scarcity of fish species and their
populations in this section.

84
Picture 7.3.1. Zoobenthos of Rioni River bed
Diagram 7.3.1 List of algae and benthic invertebrates of Rioni River
Algae
Rhizoclonium Ulotrix zonata Enteromorpha prolifera Cladophora sp
Benthic organisms
Gammaridae Oligoneuria sp Chironomidae

85
Picture7.3.2. Phytobenthos of Rioni River bottom
8. Description and Assessment of Possible Impact on Fish Fauna in Rioni Riverbed

during Construction of Aqueduct Piers
Construction process mainly cause negative impact on fish fauna. Following negative impacts,
described in Table 8.1., may take place during construction of several piers of aqueduct, planned
on Rioni River.
Table 8.1. Factors of Possible Impact during Construction of Aqueduct Piers
During Construction of Aqueduct Piers

Drying out of During construction of aqueduct piers, temporary drying out of the flow
the river (temporary changing of flow) on the construction site ‘dewatering’ of the
construction site) – impact on fish migration.
Water On construction phase during implementation of works loose soil may get
Turbulence into riverbed, causing siltation, which creates unfavorable conditions for
fish fauna.
Impact on fish food base due to riverine vegetation cleanup
Noise Using heavy machinery (loaders, excavators) will cause significant
noise, leading to negative impact on natural conditions of fish.
Chemical During and after construction pollution of water/riverbed with waste
Pollution and/or material (in case of improper management), fuel/oil; this can
impact fish and macro-invertebrates after restoration of water stream
within the project section.
Sediments accumulated near piers may create new, additional habitat for
macro-invertebrates – This can be deemed as positive impact in terms of
improvement of fish food base.
Impact on fish and macro-invertebrates during repair work

implementation near the river or in the riverbed.

86
9. Mitigation Measures for Impact on Fish Fauna Expected during Construction and Operation of Aqueduct Piers
Mitigation strategy is based on safety principles and covers adaptive management practice. Mitigation and management measures, which is compliant
with changes of circumstances and monitoring results during the project lifecycle, should be implemented in line with requirements of Asian Development
Bank (ADB). This considers determination of mitigation, management, monitoring and where required conservation measures, in order to ensure
compliance with SPS requirements. Need for each mitigation measure is determined for the period of construction and operation of aqueduct piers,
providing description of negative impact.
Table 9.1. Mitigation measures for possible negative impact factors, expected on construction and operation phases of aqueduct piers
Possible Negative Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility Location Monitoring
Construction Phase
Temporary flow diversion from  Work implementation during Riverbed from closing Observation of riverbed-
construction site (“dewatering” low-water period (in winter), section of the stream, determination of potential
of the construction site) – when fish is less active; downstream of the blockage and removal (on
impact on fish migration  Prohibition of waste/material crossing stream, till a daily basis).
throwing into riverbed in order active stream section.
to avoid blockage after water As it is not possible to drain
stream restoration (release) the whole area, there can
be holes with fish. It is
necessary to observe the
area in order to find fish,
remained in the riverbed
(note: it may be required to
move fish to active flow)
During and after construction  Works should be implemented Work site Inspection/visual control
pollution of water/riverbed with in the riverbed or near it (daily)
waste and/or material (in case according to preliminary
of improper management), developed methods/plan;
fuel/oil; this can impact fish and  Control over technical
macro-invertebrates after functionality of
restoration of water stream machinery/equipment;
within the project section. damaged
machinery/equipment are not
allowed to enter the site;

87
 Material should be stored in

not less than 50 m from active
riverbed;
 Prohibit fueling and/or
maintenance in the distance
not less than 50 m from active
riverbed;
 Prohibit discharge of
processed wastewater/
potentially polluted surface
runoff into the river;
 Regular cleaning of the site
and timely waste removal;
 Removal of excess material,
waste and temporary
structures and equipment
from the site after completion
of works;
 If there is fuel storage on the
site – in case of accidental
spillage avoid spreading in the
environment (measures
include – 110% of tank
capacity) presence of spill
trapping secondary storage
device; Tank should be
located in not less than 50 m
from active riverbed. Provide
absorbents; Train/inform
personnel on best practice of
work implementation and
environmental issues.

88
Impact on fish food base due to  Maximum preservation of River banks within the Visual control (during
riverine vegetation cleanup. riverine vegetation cover; project impact zone vegetation cover removal).
 Strict adherence to (work site).
construction site borders in
order to avoid impact on
vegetation cover outside the
borders of the work site;
 Instruct personnel on the need
of protection of riverine
vegetation cover.
Operation Phase
Sediments accumulated near  Implementation of mitigation Upstream and Monitoring during the first
piers may create new, measures is not required. downstream of year of operation – in June
additional habitat for macro- However it is recommended to structure (in 50 m on (after high-waters), at the
invertebrates – This can be monitoring over fish and each sides of the beginning of September
deemed as positive impact in macro-invertebrates in order structure). and in December.
terms of improvement of fish to identify any unfavorable
food base. impact (less expected)
Impact on fish and macro-  Carry out mitigation measures Works site (in 50 m Monitoring –is analogous to
invertebrates during repair determined for the from the structure) that considered for the
work implementation near the construction phase construction phase. Water
river or in the riverbed. quality control, if required
(based on the decision of
environmental officer of the
operator company).

89
9.1. Invertebrates Protection Strategy

9.1.1. Impact on Invertebrates
Large amount of soil mass may get into the river during construction within the project impact
area; it will result in siltation, accordingly, hydrobionts living on the bottom will not have
conditions, necessary for their living. So it is essential to carry out each stage of the
construction with maximum cautiousness.
Table 9.1.1.1. Impact Summary

Description of impact sources Impacts Impact characterization and
on assessment
receptors
Construction phase
Impact on fish fauna: Direct and indirect, negative,
Biological environment of
 Direct impact sources: temporary impact;
 River diversion for arrangement of Mortality of single units of fish
the aqueduct piers; species is expected. Impact on
Rioni River
 Indirect impact sources: habitat food base and
 Water pollution; temporary migration of fish.
 Pollution of bottom sediments. Significance: Low, considering
mitigation measures very low.
10. General Conclusions

According to draft project, it is considered to pump borehole water to the left bank of Rioni
River on about 6 km upstream of Vartsikhe HPP dam, in the vicinity of Rioni right river bank.
Pumping will be provided using pipes, which will supposedly be located on aqueduct,
crossing the Rioni riverbed perpendicularly. It is planned to arrange several piers of aqueduct
directly in the riverbed. The possible impact on certain fish species in the given section of
Rioni River due to construction of aqueduct piers will be discussed based on available literary
sources as well as information obtained from ichthyologic field surveys, conducted by our
group.
Directly upstream of Vartsikhe HPP dam rivers: Kvirila and Khanistskali join Rioni river.
Between upstream of Vartsikhe HPP dam and irrigation system headwork dam adjacent to
Poti street in Kutaisi city, Rioni river is semi-closed reservation of fish fauna, where fish
species, distributed in Kvirila and Khanistskali rivers mostly dominate. Based on literary
sources and ichthyologic survey results, we can conclude that fish fauna of Rioni River is
represented by following fish populations for autumn period:
9.1.1.2 List of Fish Species Obtained within the Project Section

Name Latin Name Assessment of Fish Distribution
Category within the Project
Section of Aqueduct
(+, -)
Transcaucasian Spirlin Alburnoides IUCN – Not Evaluated +
bipunctatus fasciatus (NE).
(Nordmann, 1840)
Crimean Barbel Barbus tauricus Not Evaluated +
rionica Kamensky,
1899
European chub Squalius cephaus IUCN – Least +
(Linnaeus, 1758) Concern (LC).
=Leuciscus cephalus

90
Stone loach Barbatula barbatula Not Evaluated +

caucasicus Berg,
1899
Out of 41 fish species, distributed in Rioni River, above-mentioned species, listed in the table
and verified can be found in autumn. As for fish representatives of sturgeon, distribution area
of this species locates outside the project borders.
The upper point of distribution area of sturgeon fish species is downstream of Vartsikhe HPP
dam, namely, from Rioni river confluence with the Black Sea till discharge location of
Vartsikhe HPP Cascade used water into Rioni River. The only hindrance for spawning
migration of sturgeons is the low environmental flow downstream of the dam. In order to
exclude this factor, in 1983, under “Sakshavzghvatevzmsheni”, fish farm for artificial
reproduction of sturgeon fish species was launched. This fish farm had to release grown fish
fries of sturgeons (several billion units) upstream of Vartsikhe HPP dam annually.
Above-mentioned works were carried out till the end of 80s, and from 90s fish farm was
destroyed and finally transferred to private ownership, with no obligation on provision of
above-mentioned specific activities.
As construction of aqueduct piers coincides with the low-water period of Rioni River, period
of minimum debit (winter), it can be deemed as mitigation measures for the impact. During
this period all fish species within the project section migrate to deep areas of Vartsikhe HPP
reservoir, which are located at the confluence of Kvirila (very rarely) and Khanistskali (mostly)
with the reservoir, in order to spend winter there.
During fish wintering at Kvirila river confluence, the low number of fish is stipulated also by
permanent high level of floated sediments in Kvirila River, as fish of all age and specie try to
avoid it.
The most optimal conditions to spend winter for fish species distributed within the project
section is Khanistskali-Vartsikhe HPP reservoir confluence area. This location of the reservoir
is actually delta, relatively deep, with normal transparence, covered with dense reed mace
and bulrush, which stipulates safe cohabitation of fish of various age and specie composition
during winter months.
Specific Conclusion:
Implementation of aqueduct construction works on Rioni river in winter, will have insignificant
impact on fish fauna, distributed within the project section

91
References
1. ნარგიზ ნინუა, ბელა ჯაფოშვილი, ვერა ბოჭორიშვილი, საქართველოს თევზები.
გამომცემლობა „წიგნი ერი“, საქართველო, თბილისი, 2013.
2. საქართველოს ცხოველთა სამყარო, IV. გამომცემლობა „მეცნიერება“, თბილისი,
1973.
3. რ. ელანიძე, საქართველოს შიდა წყალსატევების ჰიდრობიოლოგია და
იქთიოლოგია, მდინარე ბზიფის იქთიოფაუნა, ნაკვეთი II, რიწის ტბა,
გამომცემლობა „მეცნიერება“, თბილისი, 1965.
4. საქართველოს პრეზიდენტის ბრძანებულება №303; 2006 წლის 2 მაისი;
საქართველოს „წითელი ნუსხის“ დამტკიცების შესახებ.
5. Павлов Д.С., Скоробогатов М.А. Миграции рыб в зарегулированных реках. —
М.: Товарищество научных изданий КМК. 2014. 413 с.
6. Р. Ф. Эланидзе, Ихтиофауна рек и озер Грузиии. Академия наук Груинзской
ССР, «Мецниереба», Тбилиси, 1983.
7. Поддубный А. Г., Малинин Л. К., Терещенко В. Г. О точности оценки
абсолютной численности рыб во внутренных водоемах. Сб. « Оценка
погрешностей методов гидробиологических и ихтиологических исследований»;
тр. ин-та биологии внутренных вод. Рыбинск; АН СССР, 1982. Вып. 49(52). С.
83-102.
8. Ресурсы поверхностных вод СССР, гидрографические описания рек, озер
и водохранилищ. Том 9, закавказье и дагестан, выпуск I, западное
закавказье. Гидрометеоиздат. Ленинград, 1974. Стр. 219-233.
9. Правдин И. Ф. Руководство по изучению рыб (преимущественно
пресноводных) (4-е изд. ). М.: Пищевая промышленность , 1966 г.
10. Барач Г. П. Рыбы пресных вод. Акад. наук Груз. ССР. Зоол. Ин-т. Тбилиси :
Изд-во Акад. наук Груз. ССР, 1941. - 287
11. Правдин И.Ф. - Руководство по изучению рыб (преимущественно
пресноводных). Издательство “Пищевая промышленность”, Москва 1966Г.
12. Константинов А.С. - Общая гидробиология. Издательство “Высшая школа”,
Москва 1986Г.

92
Appendix 4: Map of Planned Aqueduct and all Sensitive Receptors along the Rioni River

93
Appendix 5: Letter to the MoENRP of Georgia regarding Rioni River Crossing

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Draft Initial Environmental Examination

GEO: Urban Services Improvement Investment

ADB - Asian Development Bank

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 4

1. Minutes of Meeting of Public Hearing on 10th of May 2012

Table 1: Other National Environmental Legislations and Applicability

Map 1: Location of project town

Fig. 1 Existing Water Supply at Kutaisi

4. The Kutaisi WS system improvement sub-project is relatively large in scale and

POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

9. Superseding the previous safeguard policies (the Involuntary Resettlement Policy,

11. The objective of environmental safeguards is to ensure the environmental sound-

 Provision and protection of human life and health;

25. Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (November 2010, EARF)

C. Licenses & Approvals Required

26. Environmental assessment of various activities and development projects in

Table 1: Other National Environmental Legislations and Applicability

Constitution of Georgia (as amended 04.10.2013)

Environmental Protection (as amended 26.12.2014)

2005 Licensing and Permitting (as amended 18.09.2014)

Environmental Impact Permit (as amended 26.12.2014)

Ecological Expertise (as amended 25.03.2013)

Regulation on EIA (as amended 15.05.2013 by the Decree

Specific Environmental Laws

Soil Protection (as amended 26.12.2014)

On Status of the Protected Areas (as amended 30.04.2014)

Waste Management Code 26.12.2014

Minerals (as amended 26.12.2014) Reg.

Wildlife (as amended 26.12.2014)

Water Protection (as amended 26.12.2014)

Pesticides and Agrochemicals as amended 08.05.2012)

Other Relevant Laws and Normative

30. Some of the International Treaties and Conventions Ratified or Signed by

 Short List of the Ratified or Signed Conventions:

ii. Administrative Structure in Georgia

31. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia (MoENRP).

 Issuing permits for project development (Environmental Impact Permit)

34. The Ministry of Economic and Sustainable Development as an administrative body

1. Type of the Project

37. The proposed Urban Services Improvement Investment Program is intended to

38. The Investment Program focuses on investments in improvement of basic urban

40. This IEE relates to the water supply subproject only.

45. Following ‘Environmental Considerations in ADB Operations’ of September 2009,

3. Need of the Project

Fig. 1 Existing Water Supply at Kutaisi

Map 3: Measures in Water Supply System Phase II

59. The following tables summarize the investment measures.

60. Table 2: Summary of Investment Measures

Table 3: New reservoirs and collector reservoirs

Centrifugal Pumps for Water Supply system

Table 4: Rehabilitation of pumping stations

Start of End of Existing New New Di-

Start of Transmission End of Transmission Diameter Length

PS Mukhnari New East reservoir DCI 500 4,180

New East reservoir Network DCI 500 4,800

Pipe Diameter Pipe Length Pipe Diameter Pipe Length

OD 50 2,454.50 OD 225 5,907.00

62. Construction practices of these works are described below:

64. Transportation routes. As illustrated in Map 3, transportation routes to the struc-