Ministry of Labor and Asocial Issues of the Republic of Armenia

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

for

Social Protection Administration Project 2

November 2013

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PART A:

INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE

Country Republic of Аrmenia

Project title Social Protection Administration Project 2

Scope of site-specific

activity Site specific activity is the refurbishment of the fifth floor of an existing building

that includes: replacement of the damaged metal sheet roofing, construction of

new partition walls, replacing of floor, partial replacement of doors, installation of

external doors, and plastering and painting of the entire interior.

Institutional

arrangements (WB)

Task Team Leader:

Ivan Drabek

Safeguards Specialist:

Darejan Kapanadze

Implementation

arrangements (RoA)

Implementing entity:

Ministry of Labor and

Social Affairs (MLSA)

Works supervisor:

Asya Osipova,

Consultant, MLSI

Works contractor:

tbd

SITE DESCRIPTION

Name of institution

whose premises are to be

rehabilitated

State Employment Service Agency (SESA)

Address and site location

of institution whose

premises are to be

rehabilitated

Yerevan, Kanaqer-Zeytun, Ulnetsu ave. 68

The 5th (top) floor of a five level building

Who owns the land?

Who uses the land

(formal/informal)?

Total area of the land plot allocated for the building No. 68 in Ulnetsu ave. makes

2,430.94 square meters. The plot is State owned.

Land use rights are registered with:

(i) Norq - Information Analytical Center, Closed Joint Stock Company (CJSC).

Cadastral book N 2636570 from 04.03.2009g

and

(ii) The National Institute of Labor and Social Surveys, State Non-Commercial

Organization (SNCO).

Cadastral book N 1003810 from 14.03.2003g

User rights to the 5th

floor of the building No. 68 in Ulnetsu ave. were granted to

SESA through the ruling of the Ministry of Social Assistance on December 23,

2003.

The total area of the 5th floor is 675.75 square meters.

Offices аrea - 464.10 square meters

Auxiliary area - 211.65 square meters

Description of physical

and natural environment

around the site

Building no. 68, Ulnetsu Ave. is located in Kanaker-Zeitun district, near the

center of Yerevan, in a densely populated part of the city. It is surrounded by

many tall residential buildings. A school, a kindergarten, and some private

businesses – shops, beauty parlor and a telephone station – are located in the

vicinity. Opposite to the SESA office building, there is a large park with children's

playgrounds.

SESA office is connected to the municipal supply of power, natural gas, water,

and waste water collection. Heating of the space is provided from an autonomous

boiler. The boiler house of 15.8 square meters is located on the building’s plot. An

electric substation of 13.7 square meters is also located on the plot.

The area around the SESA office building is permissive for parking of

construction vehicles and temporary storage of construction materials and waste.

Locations and distance

for material sourcing,

especially aggregates,

water, stones?

The necessary aggregates and other construction materials will be purchased from

vendors in Yerevan city.

Water required for construction works is available inside the building, provided

through the municipal service.

LEGISLATION

National & local

legislation & permits that

apply to project activity

The following Armenian legislation defines a legal framework applicable to

project activities:

- Law on Atmospheric Air Protection of RoA (1994).

The purpose of Law on Atmospheric Air Protection is to define main principles of

the RoA, directed to provision of purity of atmospheric air and improvement of air

quality, prevention and mitigation of the chemical, physical, biological and other

impacts on air quality and regulation of public relation.

According to this law contractor shall undertake repairs activities as well

as transportation and temporary storage of wastes the way to minimize dust

and other emissions to the air.

- Law on Waste of RoA (2004).

The law provides the legal and economic basis for collection, transportation,

disposal, treatment, re-use of wastes as well as prevention of negative impacts of

waste on natural resources, human life and health. The law defines the roles and

responsibilities of the state authorized bodies as well as of waste generator

organizations in waste management operations.

According to this law, the waste generated during renovation of the

building should be recycled as appropriate, or disposed of in designated

locations.

- Law on Environmental Impact Assessment of RoA (1995).

The law defines types of activities which are subject to environmental impact

assessment and ecological expertize.

According to this law, works for the rehabilitation of premises for the

Institute are not subject to the ecological expertize.

- Law on Urban Development of RoA (1998).

The law defines types of activities which are subject to construction permitting.

According to this law, works planned at Institute do not require obtaining

of the construction permit.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

When / where the public

consultation process will

take /took place

Present site-specific EMP was disclosed on the web site of the MLSA

(www.mss.am) and of the State Employment Service Agency

(www.emplyment.am). The public consultation meeting was held on January 14,

2014.

Brief information on the planned works, and contact information of contractor for

addressing questions and grievance will be placed at the work site and/or in its

immediate surroundings.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1: Site map/photo Attachment 2: Certificate of SESA’s user rights to the 5th floor at 68, Ulnetsu Avenue

Attachment 3: Minutes of public consultation meeting

PART B:

ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING

Will the site

activity

include/involve

any of the

following?

Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions

A. Building rehabilitation [] Yes [ ] No See Section A below

B. New construction [ ] Yes [] No See Section A below

C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [] No See Section B below

D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section C below

E. Acquisition of land1 [ ] Yes [] No See Section D below

F. Hazardous or toxic materials2 [ ] Yes [] No See Section E below

G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [] No See Section F below

H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [] No See Section G below

I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [] Yes [ ] No See Section H below

1 Land acquisitions includes displacement of people, change of livelihood encroachment on private property this is to land that is purchased/transferred and affects people who are

living and/or squatters and/or operate a business (kiosks) on land that is being acquired. 2 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc.

PART C:

ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST

0. General

Conditions

Notification and Worker

Safety

(a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of upcoming activities

(b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites

(including the site of the works)

(c) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation

(d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts

on neighboring residents and environment.

(e) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and

safety boots)

(f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow.

A. General

Rehabilitation and

/or Construction

Activities

Air Quality (a) During interior demolition debris-chutes shall be used above the first floor

(b) Demolition debris shall be kept in controlled area and sprayed with water mist to reduce debris dust

(c) During pneumatic drilling/wall destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen

enclosures at site

(d) The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust

(e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site

(f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites

Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit

(b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment shall be closed,

and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible

Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent

sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers.

Waste management (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and

construction activities.

(b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-

site sorting and stored in appropriate containers.

(c) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors

(d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed.

(e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos)

B. Individual

wastewater

treatment system

Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or reconstruction) must be approved

by the local authorities

(b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet

the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment

(c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out

(d) Construction vehicles and machinery will be washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water

bodies.

C. Historic

building(s)

Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district,

notification shall be made and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and

carried out in line with local and national legislation.

(b) It shall be ensured that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds” encountered in excavation or

construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for

such finds.

ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST

D. Acquisition of land Land Acquisition

Plan/Framework

(a) If expropriation of land was not expected but is required, or if loss of access to income of legal or illegal users of land

was not expected but may occur, that the Bank’s Task Team Leader shall be immediately consulted.

(b) The approved Land Acquisition Plan/Framework (if required by the project) will be implemented

E. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the project site, it shall be marked clearly as hazardous material

(b) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure

(c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust

(d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals

(e) If asbestos material is stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and

marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site.

(f) The removed asbestos will not be reused

Toxic / hazardous waste

management

(a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled with details of

composition, properties and handling information

(b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching

(c) The wastes shall be transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility.

(d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used

F. Affected forests, wetlands

and/or protected areas

Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity will not be

damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities.

(b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be

marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided

(c) Adjacent wetlands and streams shall be protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and

sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences

(d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas.

G. Disposal of medical waste Infrastructure for medical

waste management

(a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or rehabilitated health

care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited

to:

Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps”, and human tissue or

fluids) from other waste disposal; and

Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and

If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational

H Traffic and Pedestrian

Safety

Direct or indirect hazards to

public traffic and pedestrians

by construction

activities

(a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly secured and

construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to

Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the public warned of

all potential hazards

Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of

safe passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes.

Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours

or times of livestock movement

Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for

the public.

Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the

buildings stay open for the public.

PART D:

Activity

What

(Is the parameter to be

monitored?)

Where

(Is the parameter to be

monitored?)

How

(Is the parameter to

be monitored?)

When

(Define the frequency /

or continuous?)

Why

(Is the parameter being

monitored?)

Who

(Is responsible for

monitoring?)

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Provision of

reconstruction

materials

Purchase of reconstruction

materials from the

registered providers

Provider’s office or

warehouse

Verification of

labels of the

materials and/or

certificates if any

During conclusion of

supply contracts

Ensure reliability of

construction materials

and their safety for

human health

MLSI

Generation of

construction waste

- Temporary storage of

construction waste in

especially allocated areas

- Timely disposal of wastes

to the formally designated

locations

Work site Inspection

Periodically during

reconstruction and

upon its completion

- Prevent pollution of

territory

- avoid accidents at

construction site due to

scattered fragments of

construction materials

and debris

- retain esthetic

appearance of the

reconstruction site and

other floors

MLSI

Transportation of

construction

materials and waste

- Technical condition of

vehicles and machinery

- Confinement and

protection of truck loads

with lining

- Respect of the established

hours and routes of

transportation

- Construction site

- Routes of

transportation of

construction materials

and wastes

Inspection of roads

adjacent to the

construction object

in the direction of

the movement route

Selective inspections

during work hours

- Limit pollution of soil

and air from emissions;

- Limit nuisance to

local communities

from noise and

vibration; - Minimize

traffic disruption.

Traffic Police

Workers’ health and

safety

- Provision of constructors

with working clothes and

PPE

- Strict compliance with the

rules of construction

equipment operation and

usage of PPE

- Presence of fire

extinguishing and medical

aid kits at work site

Work site Inspection of

activities Entire period of works

Reduce probability of

traumas and accidents MLSI

OPERATION PHASE

Operational waste

management

- Organized collection of

household waste generated

during office operation

inside SESA office

- Arrangements in place and

operational for removal of

household waste from

SESA office

SESA office space Inspection of office

area

Entire period of office

operation

Ensure sanitary safety

and favorable

conditions for SESA

staff

SESA administration

Maintenance of

internal

communication

systems

Electric wiring and

water/waste water pipes

maintained in good

operation condition

SESA office space Inspection of office

area

Entire period of office

operation

Exclude risks of

electric shocks, short

circuits, and leakage of

pipes

SESA administration

Attachment 1. Site plan and

photo documentation on the status of premises before repair

Plan of the 5th floor of the building

The total area of the 5th floor Offices аrea Auxiliary area

675.75 sqm. 464.10 sqm 211.65 sqm

Plan of Land Plot

Building number Description

1 Administration building

2 Boiler house

3 Electric substation

4 Shed

5 Enclosure

6 Auxiliary construction

Photo documentation on the status of premises before repair

Attachment 2. Certificate of SESA’s user rights to the 5th floor at 68, Ulnetsu Avenue

REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

CHIEF OF STAFF

23/12/2003 N 3/3/15-2934

Head of State Employment Service Agency of RA

Mrs. S. Harutyunyan

Dear Mrs. Harutyunyan

We have discussed with you the issue of moving the State Employment Service Agency of the RA

to the administrative building belonging to the National Institute of Labor and Social Surveys, located

in 68, Ulnetsu Avenue.

The Ministry has allocated funds for the renovation for premises in the 5th floor and after completion

of renovation works, the State Employment Service Agency of the RA will move into the 5th floor

at 68 Ulnetsu Avenue.

Sincerely (signature) Dz. Margaryan

Attachment III

Minutes of the Public Consultation Meeting

Date: January 14, 2014

Venue: Meeting hall of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MLSA) of the Republic

of Armenia (RA)

Time: 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Agenda

1. Brief presentation of the SPAP-2 being prepared by the MLSA of the RA with the

support of the World Bank

Speaker – Mr. Artak Sargsyan

Social Expert,

Member of the SPAP-2 preparation

team

2. Presentation and discussion of the Environmental and Social Management

Framework (ESMF) and the Environmental Management Plans for the renovation

of the State Employment Service Agency (SESA) and the Agency for Medico-

Social Expertise (AMSE) drafted for SPAP-2.

Speaker – Ms. Asya Osipova

Consultant of the Social Investment

Fund of Armenia

3. Presentation and discussion of the Resettlement Policy Framework

Speaker – Mr. Artak Sargsyan

Social Expert,

Member of the SPAP-2 preparation

team

4. Q&A

The meeting started at 3.00 p.m. with participation of 18 persons. Representatives of the

Social Assistance Department, International Relations and Development Programmes

Department, Public Relations Division, and Economic Division of the MLSA, Advisors to

the Minister, representatives of the State Social Security Service, State Employment

Service Agency, Agency of Medico-Social Expertise, Foreign Financial Projects

Management Centre, the World Bank, Social Investment Fund of Armenia, as well as

several NGOs, experts and specialists of social and construction spheres were present in

the meeting.

1. Mr. A. Sargsyan briefly presented achievements of the Social Protection

Administration Project (SPAP) during 2004-2013 and the objectives, components,

activities and expected results of the SPAP-2. The importance of the reforms being

implemented in the social protection sphere in the RA and the necessity to

support their implementation were emphasized. Importance of involvement of

various State bodies, local self-governing bodies and civil society organizations was

mentioned. The steps being taken towards introduction of the integrated social

services, pension reforms, employment sphere reforms and improvement of the

systems of social assistance, monitoring and evaluation having great impact on the

citizens of Armenia were specially highlighted, which the Government will focus

during the coming 4-5 years.

After the presentation Mr. Sargsyan answered the raised questions:

- Mr. Sasun Nersisyan, President of the NGO Social Integration and

Development, was interested in the activities envisaged for introducing service

of social workers.

- Mr. A. Sargsyan introduced the works carried out at present by the MLSA of

the RA, particularly on the professional and educational requirements towards

social workers, system of case management introduced at the Centers of the

Integrated Social Services.

- A question was raised on the process of introduction of the final model on

integrated social services, integration of information systems, and involvement

of civil society.

- Mr. A. Sargsyan noted that the MLSA of the RA has submitted to the

Government a package on the amendments of the relevant legislation. It was

mentioned that in the framework of the SPAP-2, subsystems of rendering

electronic services will be created, which will provide an opportunity for

people and civil society to be actively involved in the processes related to the

polices and services.

2. Ms. A. Osipova presented the draft ESMF prepared for SPAP-2. Purpose,

objectives, and the main principles of ESMF were explained. EMPs for SESA and

AMSE were also covered to demonstrate how site-specific EMP for all individual

investments will be developed under the SPAP-2.

The participants welcomed the draft ESMF document and the EMPs for the

renovation of the SESA and AMSE and suggested to accept them. A question was

raised on the way in which the local residents affected by the Project will be

informed about works to be undertaken and how will they be able to voice their

concerns, if any. The speaker noted that the answer to this question can be found

in Chapter 8 of the present ESMF. Namely, Chapter 8 says that the site-specific

EMPs will be published on the website of the MLSA, and the hard copies will be

available at the offices of the relevant local self-governing bodies. Consultations on

EMPs developed for each individual activity under the Project will be held in the

locations suitable for project affected people.

3. Mr. A. Sargsyan presented the draft RPF, outlining its purpose, objectives, and the

main principles.

Meeting participants welcomed the draft RPF and suggested to accept it after some

improvements. Particularly, the request was made to enhance the role of civil

society in monitoring adherence to the RPF. The speaker answered that

participatory mechanisms are already included in the RPF, section 5.3.

Particularly, RPF calls for NGO participation in local grievance commissions.

Furthermore, regulations for the operation of those commissions will be worked

out in cooperation with NGOs. Generally, RPF establishes the principle of

maximum transparency and participation at all stages of the Project cycle.