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REPUBLIC OF IRAQ
MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION AND HOUSING
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY
(ESIA)
OF
THE REHABILITATION OF EXPRESSWAY NO. 1 IN IRAQ
(ERRP.CON.SSS.ESIA EW-1)
DRAFT FINAL REPORT
August 19, 2013
Partners in building an emerging world
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ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
Final ESIA Report S-i Consolidated Consultants
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. INTRODUCTION S-1
2. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK S-1
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION S-2
4. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITIONS S-4
5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION S-5
6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ANALYSIS S-6
7. MITIGATION MEASURES S-7
8. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) S-8
9. MONITORING AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING S-9
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Final Revised ESIA Report S-1 Consolidated Consultants
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. INTRODUCTION
This executive summary aims at presenting the main findings of the Environmental and Social
Impact Assessment (ESIA) conducted for the Rehabilitation of the Expressway no.1. The objective
of the environmental and social assessment is to examine the environmental, and social impacts of
the project (both construction and maintenance phase), and to propose mitigation measures, as well
as providing the management plan of the proposed project.
This specific project activity is mandated by Iraqi Environmental Law and its guidelines for ESIA
preparation. The Transport Corridors Project is categorized as an A, requiring an environmental and
social assessment in accordance with the World Bank's Operational Policy on Environmental
Assessment (OP 4.01) and Involuntary Resettlement Policy (OP4.12).
The document consists of the following chapters: legal and administrative framework, project
description, environmental and social baseline conditions, public consultation, environmental and
social impact analysis, mitigation measures, monitoring, and environmental and social management
plan.
2. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
A desk study was carried out by the study team to assess and prepare the most applicable legal and
administrative framework to the proposed project. The assessment has taken into consideration, both
the potential Iraqi environmental laws and those policies and procedures of the World Bank related
to the subject project.
Iraqi Environmental Laws
Regulations no. 2 for the year 2001: Preservation of Water Resources
Law no. 27 for the year 2009: Protection and Improvement of Environment
Law no. 37 for the year 2008: The Ministry of Environment
Law no. 55 for the year 2002: The Law of Antiquities and Heritage
World Bank's Policies and Procedures
The World Bank has 10 current Operational Policies and Procedures:
- Pest Management (OP/BP 4.09)
- Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01)
- Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04)
- Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37)
- Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50)
- Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60)
- Forests (OP/BP 4.36)
- Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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- Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10)
- Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11)
The policies that apply and are triggered for this project are:
- Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01).
- Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12).
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
One of the Components proposed under the Iraq Transport Corridors Project is the rehabilitation of
Sections 7, 8 and 9 of Expressway No. 1 (See Table 1). The investments under this Component will
cover the installation of guardrails, signage, road marking, chain link fence and patching and paving
as needed along the 3 sections. However, it was agreed that the World Bank Safeguard Policies will
apply to all other sections to be rehabilitated in parallel irrespective of the source of funding;
therefore they are included in this ESIA. Table I gives the details of all sections of Expressway I to
be rehabilitated. All the project activities are within the right of way of existing road alignments and
there is no land acquisition involved of any kind.
Table I: Expressway 1 Sections
Section Part Length [km]
R4: Baghdad West – Hilla Southern 105
R5: Hilla – Diwaniya Southern 77
R6: Diwaniya-Nasiria Southern 145
R7: Nasiria – Rumaila Southern 145
R8A: Rumaila – Basra
R8B: Rumaila – Safwan
Southern
Southern
31
81
R9A: Baghdad West – Habbaniya
R9B: Habbaniya – Hit
Western
Western
63
61
R10: Hit – Tullaha Western 134
R11: Tullaha – Rutba Western 137
R12: Rutba - Jordanian border Western 129
R13: Jordanian junction-Syrian border Western 76
The Expressway is more than twenty years old. The length of the Southern Part of the road (from
Baghdad to Safwan-Basra interchange) is about 510 km of 3x3 lanes with standing lane (15.5m
width), then the road splits into a 51 km 2X2 lane heading to Basra, and 64 km 2X2 lane heading to
Safwan. The southern part includes a section from Diwaniya to Nasiriya (R6) that is 145 km long
and under construction with funding from the Government of Iraq. There is no ESIA and ESMP
done for this section, it has been in construction on and off for several years.
The Government of Iraq has committed to applying the World Bank Safeguards Policies to the
entire Expressway 1. This includes the segments of Expressway 1 that are not supported by the
World Bank and under rehabilitation or construction. As such the environmental and social due
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Final Revised ESIA Report S-3 Consolidated Consultants
diligence of these road segments will include the preparation of environmental audits and
resettlement audits prior to the end of the appraisal period of the World Bank funded road segments.
These environmental and social audits will assess the non-Bank funded road segments compliance
with the safeguards policies, identify any gaps in terms of environmental and social management
and develop corrective action plans, if needed.
Whereas, the Western Part of the road starting from Bagdad to Rutbah is a 455 km 3X3 lane with
standing lane (15.5m width), splitting into two 2X2 lane roads, from Rutbah to Tribel ( Jordanian
Border), and Rutbah to Al Walid ( Syrian Border). Figure A below shows the Expressway path
(both western and southern). The expressway passes through several governorates of Iraq such as Al
Anbar, Baghdad, Babel, Al Qadisiya, Al Muthanna, Dhi Qar and Basra.
The existing features of Expressway No. 1 include:
Length (including interchanges length): 1250 km
6-lane sections: 800 km (except for the Diwaniya – Nasiriya section that is currently under
construction)
4-lane sections: 450 km
Number of interchanges: 25
Number of expressway branches: 3
80 expressway bridges with total length: 9230 m
117 road overpasses with total length: 6820 m
Number of rest areas with fuel station: 18
Number of parking areas: 200
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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Figure A: Map of Iraq showing the path of Expressway No. 1
The proposed Project works will include the following road maintenance/rehabilitation type of
activities:
Road marking
Installation of guardrails between both sides and on sides where necessary
Installation of signs and road furniture
Installation of a chain link fence on both sides of the road
Rehabilitation of the asphalt as needed
Other rehabilitation works as determined necessary by the technical assessment
4. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITIONS
The expressway spans most of the western, central and southern territories of Iraq. It crosses flat
land, primarily desert and semi-desert. The western section of the road crosses sparsely populated
area; the central and southern part crosses more densely populated agricultural land. Most of the
expressway passes through agricultural land within 6 governorates and 17 population centres. The
total population of the urban centres affected by the project is approximately 5.6 million inhabitants.
The present road conditions ranges from good to moderate. There is effectively no road signage and
road furniture. Lighting is available on very limited stretches. There is no currently fence on either
side or in the middle of the expressway as major parts of the fences have been demolished by the
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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Final Revised ESIA Report S-5 Consolidated Consultants
occupation forces and others by inhabitants.
The western section of the expressway crosses Mesopotamian shrub desert, while the southern
section crosses the Arabian Desert and shrublands. The most southern section of the road runs
parallel to the Tigris-Euphrates Alluvial Salt Marshes. The road is occasionally crossed by wild
mammals as there is currently no fencing. The road passes 2km from the boundary of the Important
Bird Area (IBA) of Habbaniya.
The land use along expressway consists of sparsely populated or exploited plains, agricultural lands,
and some urbanized areas. The predominant land use is agriculture. Some sections of the
expressway are close to protected ecosystems, in particular areas designated as IBAs by the World
Wildlife Fund and Birdlife International. Prominent among these IBAs in terms of birds and
diversity of species is the Haur Al-Hammar critical wetlands. Industrial land use is rare or almost
non-existent. The establishments are mainly public administration (governorate offices, formal army
and police posts); farms; shops and services; licensed retail including small kiosks and restaurants;
and small and informal businesses and vendors that sometimes encroach on the ROW (tire shops,
car washers etc.).
Considerable encroachment on the Expressway ROW has occurred over the years. An inventory of
the encroaching entities was undertaken in August 2012 and was augmented in June, 2013. These
inventories informed the Baseline Census conducted for the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) which
identifies PAPs adversely affected by the project and details mitigation and compensation measures.
The RAP Baseline Census identified 151 entities encroached on the Expressway ROW. None of
these were dwellings. Almost all are small businesses serving passing traffic, some of which appear
to operate only on a seasonal basis. Twenty six of the entities are public, including police stations,
check points and other public services such as fuel stations. Hence, a total of 125 entities
encroached on the Expressway will need to be relocated. Relocation of these entities will be
handled under the RAP.
No site specific Environmental data along the road alignment have been collected but monitoring
data collected by the Ministry of Environment from Bagdad and Al-Zubair stations have been
presented. The noise levels are elevated when heavy trucks are located.
5. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
Extensive public consultations were undertaken along the full length of the alignment and with a
wide array of stakeholders including, public sector officials at the community and local government
level; owners and workers in licenced establishments operating along the roadway including gas
stations, restaurants, shops, vehicle workshops, and vendors; operators of unlicensed and
encroaching entities (larger- and smaller-scale) along the Expressway including tire repair shops,
vendors, food services, etc.; farmers and herders; and individual community members, including
.men, women and youth.
Public consultations occurred through two modes. One method used was one-on-one or small group
discussions and interviews. Annex 1 lists the 25 points along the Expressway where these
interviews were held. The second method of consultation was via larger town hall-type meetings.
Two such meetings were held, one towards the western end of the Expressway and one towards the
eastern end. Direct and open invitations were issued to these meetings and transportation to the
venues were facilitated for those wishing to participate. Over 60 participants participated in each of
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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the town halls.
Annex 2 contains detailed information about the town hall consultations.
The consultations revealed that there was widespread support for the improvement and upgrading of
Expressway 1. PAPs acknowledged the danger presented to both travellers and roadside entities by
the poor road quality and fast moving traffic. PAPs were also strongly supportive of the proposed
relocation of roadside business entities to conglomerates on lay-bys which would have new services
and be clustered around gas stations; they felt that this would significantly improve their business
opportunities, plus it would provide them with access to new, important facilities such as WCs and
waste disposal. No concerns were expressed about movement of facilities to the new lay-bys or to
daily travel to the new lay-by sites since the relocation sites will be in close proximity to their
existing concerns and will, in many cases, assist the entities in improving the standard of their
structures. PAPs working in smaller, unlicensed concerns which have encroached on the ROW were
very supportive of the relocation since their facilities would be upgraded and they would be
allocated a formal site on which to operate. Stakeholders were also very supportive of road work
opportunities being provided to local residents given the prevailing high unemployment rate.
The consultations highlighted a number of concerns and interests of PAPs which are being acted
upon by the MOCH. These included: the need for establishment of formal parking areas adjacent to
the new lay-bys for vehicles, and particularly freight trucks, to ensure order and safety; the
relocation of police and security centres along the Expressway as their current inappropriate
locations are widely considered to cause accidents; provision of lighting at the lay-bys for security
and safety; provision of adequate numbers of overpasses to serve community members who need to
cross the road; rehabilitation of underpasses for agricultural and herding enterprises along the road;
reduce the opportunities for vehicles to make u-turns since this is causing accidents; and need for
improved signage and traffic control (including for speeding) on the road.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
The environmental and social impact assessment started with the scoping analysis where the key
potential impacts were identified followed by more details impact analysis. The negative
environmental and social impacts of the construction activities of the project are expected to be
relatively minor and short-term. None of the identified negative impacts of individual construction
activities was scored as particularly significant.
The project activities with the highest number of identified negative impacts are:
- relocation of small businesses which have encroached on the ROW;
- traffic diversion and construction of access points;
- installation of fence on both sides of the road;
- restoration of road surface;
- rehabilitation of bridges and underpasses;
- generation and disposal of construction waste; and
- operation of the workers camps.
Predicted negative environmental impacts:
Physical aspects mostly affected by the construction phase are: noise level and air quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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The most sensitive physical and ecological aspects of the receiving environment are found to
be noise emission and ecosystem fragmentation.
The ecological aspects mostly affected by the construction phase include impacts of fencing
and rehabilitation (resulting in very temporary closures) of underpasses on grassland and
desert ecosystems.
The potential impact that might affect the IBA is noise during the construction activities.
However, the distance to the IBA is sufficient to render the noise impact minor. Thus, the
impact level is considered “low”.
Predicted negative social impacts:
Negative social impacts of the construction phase of the project are related primarily to
relocation of small businesses which have encroached on the ROW, road and labour safety,
and operation of the labour camps.
The social aspects related to encroachers on the ROW will be addressed through the
implementation of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
The relocation of small businesses on the ROW is planned to be undertaken only after
completion of alternative dedicated lay-bys which will provide vending areas, easy access
for passing traffic with parking, and provision of basic services. The provision of completed
lay-bys before relocation is being done to minimize livelihood losses by small businesses
during the actual relocation.
The most sensitive social aspects of the project are: relocation of small business located on
the ROW, provision of local employment on the road works, maintenance of integrity of the
local community, and clearing of the existing underpasses for farmers and farm equipment,
herders and livestock, and other persons to facilitate easy access from one side of the
Expressway to the other.
Predicted combined negative impacts:
The most significant negative impacts – which are still of relatively minor significant –
resulting from the combination of impact significance, weight of the construction activities,
and sensitivity of the receiving environment and social context are: impact of road fencing
on agricultural activities spread across both sides of the Expressway, relocation of small
businesses encroaching on the ROW, impact of road resurfacing on noise levels, and impacts
of labour camps operation on the integrity of the local communities.
Predicted positive impacts:
The single positive impacts of the project construction phase relate primarily to generation
of local employment.
The most significant positive impacts of the construction phase of the project resulting from
the combined effect of impact significance, weight of the construction activities, and
sensitivity of the receiving environment and social context are: the safety impacts of road
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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fencing and safety barriers, the positive effects of improved signage and road furniture, the
improved, dedicated, and much safer facilities provided for small businesses originally
located on the ROW, road resurfacing and labour camps on local employment; the labour
opportunities created by road rehabilitation works.
The short-term, negative impacts of the construction phase will be offset by long term
positive impacts after completion of the works, including from relocation of small
businesses encroaching on the ROW.
One of the positive impacts of the project during operation is improved road safety due to
the installation of side and median guardrails, signs and road furniture, installation of fence
on both sides of the road, and provision of dedicated vendor lay-bys off the ROW. All these
features are protective measures and will reduce the projected number of fatalities and
injuries despite the growth in traffic and increase in vehicle operating speed.
7. MITIGATION MEASURES
The mitigation section addressed the key environmental and social impacts identified. The key
mitigation measures for the construction phase of the project include:
Avoid noisy operations at the night.
Minimise noisy operations in road sections that are located close to the IBAs. In such sections noise machines should be replaced by manual workers wherever practicable.
Apply road watering during construction works and after heavy movements.
Maintain vehicles and machinery in good condition in order to minimize gas emissions and noise.
Avoid bitumen melting activities in open spaces.
Ensure that construction preparations are located away from populated areas.
Confining vehicle maintenance and refuelling to areas in construction camps designed to contain spilled lubricants and fuels.
Animal crossing structures should be regularly maintained to avoid closure.
Monitoring and maintaining paths and underpasses to ensure safety and ease of movement
for wildlife and livestock.
Minimizing waste generation.
General waste must be collected and transported to local council approved disposal sites.
Refuse containers must be located at each worksite.
Where practical, waste must be segregated and reused / recycled (e.g. scrap metal).
Provision of alternative, safer, dedicated lay-bys for small businesses currently encroaching
on the ROW and, as necessary, compensation for any losses in income/livelihoods incurred
during the relocation (although measures are planned to minimize the chances of any such
losses occurring).
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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Clearing of underpasses to accommodate movement of farmers and farming equipment,
herders and livestock, and other persons from one side of the Expressway to the other.
Personal protection equipment such as eyeglasses, gloves, hard heads and safety belts must
be supplied.
Road maintenance is associated with relatively minor negative impacts, most of which are of a
temporary nature and can be alleviated with good practice. Contractors are responsible for adhering
to these mitigation measures and implementing them throughout the duration of their contracts. The
relocation of vendors and small businesses currently located on the ROW is the responsibility of the
Government.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)
The following table summarizes the expected impacts, their mitigation measures, monitoring plan,
and the responsible authority to follow up the action plan for each monitoring activity.
The measures in the ESMP are based on the assessment of potential impacts as stated in this ESIA
document and are summarized in the Table A and Table B below. Majority of the cost of
implementing the ESMP will be integrated into the contactor’s cost for each section; however the
project envisages that about US$ 7,152,900 will be needed to cover the following: ESMP
construction phase; monitoring (construction and operation phases) and capacity building and
institutional aspects of the ESMP.
9. MONITORING & INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING
The monitoring activities will ensure the proper implementation of the environmental and social
mitigation measures. The monitoring program will focus on noise impact and air quality, water
quality, and relocation and re-establishment of small businesses and vendors within the project area.
The monitoring activities will rely on the supervising consultant of all environmental and social
impacts to determine contractor and government entity compliance or otherwise with the ESMP.
The consultant will monitor the application of environmental and social mitigation measures and the
result of monitoring activities shall be reflected on the monthly report. See Tables C, D & E.
Institutional strengthening and Training Implantation are presented in Table F.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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Table A: ESMP during the Construction Phase
Project
Activity
Potential
Environmental
and Social
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation
Measures
Frequency
of
Measurement
Institutional
Responsibilities
(Incl. Enforcement &
Coordination)
Cost
Estimates
Comments
(E.G.
Secondary
Impacts)
Traffic Diversion And
Construction Site Access
Points
* Air Quality And
Noise
* Reduce Working Night Shifts
As Much As Possible In
Populated Areas.
* Apply The Iraqi Regulation For
Ambient Noise Levels During
This Phase As A Major Tool In
Designing The Construction
Activities Schedule.
*Apply Road Watering After
Heavy Movements
Continuous
Weekly
* The Project
Contractor
In Coordination
With The
Supervision
Consultant.
* MoCH in close
coordination with
MoI
*Included
Within
Contractor's
Fees
*This will be
incorporated
in the lump
sum of
$150,000 for
air quality
monitoring
Road and labour
safety
* Use Personal Protective Gear
by workers, and make first aid
available onsite.
*provide warning signs at
suitable distance around
working areas
*Continuous
during
construction
* The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervision
Consultant / TBD
*Included
within
contractor's
fees
Relocation of small businesses
encroaching on ROW
Economic loss and
hardship
* Establishment of dedicated rest
areas outside the ROW with
services provided. Completion
of rest areas will be done
before relocation of small
businesses to minimize loss of
income during relocation.
* Compensation will be provided
for loss of income resulting
from relocation
Once for each
road segment MoCH/SCRP
US$
6,192,900
for the whole
road
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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Project
Activity
Potential
Environmental
and Social
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation
Measures
Frequency
of
Measurement
Institutional
Responsibilities
(Incl. Enforcement &
Coordination)
Cost
Estimates
Comments
(E.G.
Secondary
Impacts)
Installation of side, median
guardrails and fence on both
sides of the road
* Grassland and
desert ecosystems
* Mapping of home range of wild
life to enable establishment of
baseline and select locations
for underpasses
*Periodic cleaning and
maintenance of service culverts
used for wildlife passage
* Re-cultivating affected
vegetations to the extent
possible
* Final design
documents
* After
construction
* The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
* Included
within
contractor's fees
* Varies with
sub-projects
depending on
its
characteristic
Relocation
after
completion
of work
Relocation of small
businesses
Provide access road to the new
rest areas
Once at the
beginning of
the project
MoCH/SCRP Included within
contractors fee
Delivery of construction
materials
Air Quality and
Noise
* Covering of delivered
materials.
* Proper storage of construction
materials
* Avoid noisy operations at night
* Apply road watering after
heavy movements
Continuous
during
construction
* The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
* Included
within
contractor's
fees
Very short
term
Road and labour
safety
*Limit speed of the vehicles
*Avoid working near populated
centres
*Proper warning system within
delivery sites
*Provide Personal safety devices
for workers
Continuous
during
construction
The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
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Project
Activity
Potential
Environmental
and Social
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation
Measures
Frequency
of
Measurement
Institutional
Responsibilities
(Incl. Enforcement &
Coordination)
Cost
Estimates
Comments
(E.G.
Secondary
Impacts)
Restoration of road surface
(including current paving of
the Diwaniya-Nasiriya section)
Air Quality and
Noise
*Avoid bitumen melting
activities in open spaces
*Ensure that construction
preparations are located away
from populated areas
*Maintain vehicles and
machinery in good condition in
order to minimize gas
emissions and noise
Continuous
during
construction
The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
Cumulative
Impacts
Road and Labour
safety
*Limit speed of the vehicles
*Proper warning system within
delivery sites
*Provide Personal safety devices
for workers
Rehabilitation of bridges and
Underpasses
Noise Level
*Avoid working at night
*Maintain vehicles and
machinery in good condition in
order to minimize gas
emissions and noise
Continuous
during
construction
The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
Long term
positive
Grassland / desert
Eco System
*Mapping of home range of wild
life to enable establishment of
baseline and select locations
for underpasses
*Periodic cleaning and
maintenance of service culverts
used for wildlife passage
* Ensure crossing structures
located appropriately to
minimize movement barrier
effect. Suitable habitats are
Quarterly
The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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Project
Activity
Potential
Environmental
and Social
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation
Measures
Frequency
of
Measurement
Institutional
Responsibilities
(Incl. Enforcement &
Coordination)
Cost
Estimates
Comments
(E.G.
Secondary
Impacts)
covered by associated
vegetation cover and where
crossed by the fenced road
should be connected via
crossing structures to ensure
habitat continuity
*Ensure underpasses are cleared
to facilitate movement of
farmers, herders, and other
persons needing ready access to
the other side of the Expressway.
* Re-cultivating affected
vegetations to the extent
possible
Road and labour
Safety
* Limit speed of the vehicles
* Proper warning system within
delivery sites
* Provide Personal safety devices
for workers
Continuous
during
construction
The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
Generation and disposal of
construction wastes
Agricultural soil
Confining vehicle maintenance and refuelling
to areas in construction
camps designed to contain
spilled lubricants and fuels,
- Using special containers with complete labelling,
- Using second containment tanks for oil
collection and handling,
Collecting, storing and
Continuous
during
construction
The Project
Contractor
in coordination with
the Supervising
Consultant / TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
Assume
good
Practice * Air Quality and
Noise
* Landscape value
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Project
Activity
Potential
Environmental
and Social
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation
Measures
Frequency
of
Measurement
Institutional
Responsibilities
(Incl. Enforcement &
Coordination)
Cost
Estimates
Comments
(E.G.
Secondary
Impacts)
disposing to approved
disposal sites, according to
MOE requirements, and,
To the extent possible, reusing, recycling and
properly disposing of all
construction materials
Collecting rehabilitation material and transferring it to
a licensed dumping site. It is
recommended managing the
rehabilitation materials for
further utilization in the road
construction.
Labour camps
Agricultural soil Avoid camp construction over
agricultural land
Once / before
construction
The Project Contractor
in coordination with the
Supervising Consultant /
TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
Location
specific Landscape value
Avoid waste disposal in
unspecified areas Continuous
The Project Contractor
in coordination with the
Supervising Consultant /
TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
Integrity of the
Local Community
Ensure local employment and
ensure labour camps are not
located inside communities
Continuous
The Project Contractor
in coordination with the
Supervising Consultant /
TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
Combined Activities Noise
Avoid noisy parallel construction
activities, especially near to IBA.
Replace noise equipment by
manual work near IBAs.
Continuous
The Project Contractor
in coordination with the
Supervising Consultant /
TBD
Included within
contractor's fees
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Table B: ESMP during Maintenance Phase
Project
Activity
Potential Environmental
and Social Impacts
Proposed Mitigation
Measures
Frequency
of
Measurement
Institutional
Responsibilities
(incl. enforcement
& coordination)
Cost
Estimates
Comments
(e.g.
secondary
impacts)
Road Marking
Road Safety
Air Quality and Noise
Waste Management
Use proper warning signs at
suitable distance
during
maintenance
MoCH
As needed /
per unit
Only in
maintenance
areas
Maintenance of side and
median guardrails Avoid working at night
during
maintenance
Repair of fence Proper collection of waste in
working areas.
during
maintenance
Maintenance of road surface Avoid bitumen melting activities
in open spaces
during
maintenance
Maintenance of bridges and
cleaning of underpasses
Regular Cleaning of underpasses
and culverts Winter season
Maintenance of service areas
for relocated small businesses Waste Management
Periodic cleaning and
maintaining services areas Quarterly
Municipality As needed
Only in lay-
bys
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Table C: Monitoring During Construction
Parameters
To Be
Monitored
Proposed
Mitigation
Measure
Location
Measurements
(Incl. Methods &
Equipment)
Frequency
Of
Measurement
Responsibilities
(Incl. Review And
Reporting)
Cost Of
(Equipment &
Individuals)
Air Quality
* Concentrations of
Particulate Matter (PM10,
PM2.5), NOx, SOx, and
VOCs
* Apply (spray) water to
the construction surface
and other piled
materials such as sand
as much as needed.
* Perform periodical
check and maintenance
for the construction
machinery
* Monitor/measure
concentrations of
particulate matter
Along the Road,
especially near
intersections with
population
centres
In cities and
governorates with
fixed and mobile
air quality
monitoring
stations close to
the expressway 1
* Site inspection
* Measuring
concentrations of
air pollutants using
monitoring
equipment and
appropriate
monitoring methods
Daily
Weekly
* Included in
Contractors
offer
*Contractor/Supervising
Consultant in
coordination with
dedicated engineer
* MocH/MOE staff
using existing fixed and
mobile air quality
stations
*Third party
monitoring
by trained
MOE staff.
Cost: Lump
sum of
$ 150,000 to
cover
allowances,
transport and
equipment
maintenance
and
calibration
Noise Level
* Hearing
* Reduce working night
shifts as much as
possible in populated
areas.
* Apply the Iraqi
Regulation for ambient
noise levels during this
phase as a major tool in
designing the
construction activities
schedule.
Along the Road,
especially near
intersections with
population
centres
* Site inspection
* Measuring of noise
levels using
monitoring
equipment and
appropriate
monitoring methods
Daily
* Contractor
* Included in
Contractors
offer
*Supervising
Consultant / TBD in
coordination with
dedicated engineer
*Equivalent of
one full time
environmenta
l monitoring
specialist
who shall
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Parameters
To Be
Monitored
Proposed
Mitigation
Measure
Location
Measurements
(Incl. Methods &
Equipment)
Frequency
Of
Measurement
Responsibilities
(Incl. Review And
Reporting)
Cost Of
(Equipment &
Individuals)
report to
Supervising
Consultant /
Included in
the rate
above
Biodiversity
Site clearance-vegetation
removal and habitat
disturbance
Good site management
practices to be observed
to ensure minimal
disturbance of habitats
and sites
Along the Road,
especially near
intersections with
population
centres, base
camps and
borrow sites
Site inspection During
construction
* Contractor
* Supervising
Consultant / TBD in
coordination with
dedicated engineer
* Included in
Contractors
offer
Waterways
Contamination of waterways
due to spillages and disposal
of liquid wastes
Maintenance of well-kept
construction site and no
discharge of effluents into
waterways
Waterways/water
bodies close to
work sites and
base camp
Visual inspection During
construction
* Contractor
* Supervising
Consultant / TBD in
coordination with
dedicated engineer
* Included in
Contractors
offer
Drainage System
* Readiness of ditches and
culverts for rainy season
* Periodic cleaning and
maintenance of ditches
and culverts
* Periodic inspection for
solid waste disposal in
culverts
culverts across
the road
* Site inspection
* Enforcing waste
disposal regulations
During
construction
* Contractor
* Supervising
Consultant / TBD in
coordination with
dedicated engineer
*Included in
Contractors
offer
* equivalent of
one full time
environmental
monitoring
engineer /
specialist who
shall
coordinate
and report to
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Parameters
To Be
Monitored
Proposed
Mitigation
Measure
Location
Measurements
(Incl. Methods &
Equipment)
Frequency
Of
Measurement
Responsibilities
(Incl. Review And
Reporting)
Cost Of
(Equipment &
Individuals)
Supervising
Consultant /
Included in
the rate above
Relocation of small
businesses currently located
on ROW
Relocation to new
designated lay-bys
provided with services
and off the ROW
Near intersections
and overpasses
Site Inspection and
interviews;
Grievance redress
mechanism and ex-
post relocation audit
During
construction MoCH/SCRB
Included in
contractor’s
offer
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Table D: Monitoring during Maintenance
Parameters
To Be
Monitored
Proposed
Mitigation
Measure
Location
Measurements
(Incl. Methods &
Equipment)
Frequency
Of
Measurement
Responsibilities
(Incl. Review And
Reporting)
Cost Of
(Equipment
&
Individuals)
Air Quality
* Apply (spray) water to
the construction surface
as needed.
* Perform periodical check
and maintenance for the
construction machinery
* Monitor/measure
concentrations of
particulate matter
Along the
maintained section
of the road
especially near
population centres
In Cities and
governorates with
fixed and portable
air quality
monitoring
stations close to
expressway 1
* Visual Site
inspection
*periodic check
During
maintenance
Weekly
* MoCH/MOE staff
using existing fixed
and mobile air
quality stations
* MoCH
staff and
equipment
* Lump sum
of
$250,000
to cover
allowances
, transport
and
equipment
maintenan
ce and
calibration
Noise Level
* No night shifts as much
as possible in populated
areas.
Along the
maintained section
of the road
especially near
population centres
* Site inspection
During
maintenance
* MoCH
* MoCH
staff and
equipment
Biodiversity
* Good site management
practices to be observed
Along the Road, in
particular near
intersections with
population centres,
base camps and
borrow sites
* Site inspection During
maintenance
* MoCH * MoCH
staff and
equipment
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Waterways
* No discharge of used
oils/effluents into
waterways
Waterways/water
bodies close to
work sites and
base camp
* Site inspection During
maintenance
* MoCH * MoCH
staff and
equipment
Drainage System
* Periodic cleaning and
maintenance of ditches and
culverts
* Periodic inspection for
solid waste disposal in
culverts
culverts across the
road
* Site inspection
* Enforcing waste
disposal regulations
During
maintenance
* MoCH
* MoCH
staff and
equipment
Maintenance of new vendor
lay-bys and associated
services
Periodic maintenance and
waste management New lay-bys Visual inspection Quarterly Municipality
Municipality
staff and
equipment
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Table E: Scheduling and Reporting
Activity
Year 1 Year 2 Subsequent years
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Mitigation Measure
Air Quality
Noise Level
Waterways
Biodiversity
Socio-economy
Monitoring
Air Quality
Noise Level
Waterways
Biodiversity
Socio-economy
Institutional Strengthening
Mitigation
Monitoring
Training
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Table F: Institutional Strengthening and Training for Implementation
Institutional
Strengthening
Activity
Position(s)
(institutions, contractors, construction
supervision consultant)
Scheduling Responsibilities Cost Estimates
ESIA and
requirements of
OP4.01 and
OP4.12
Project owner (Iraqi Ministry of
Construction and Housing and involved
governorates: Anbar, Babel, Al-
Qadisiya, Al-Muthanna, Dhi-Qar, and
Al-Basra)
Throughout
project
implementation
and first year of
operation
Project owner 5,000 USD for once + 5,000 USD first
year of operation – per governorate
(Total budget is a multiplication for the
6 governorates)
Mitigation Project owner (Iraqi Ministry of
Construction and Housing and involved
governorates)
Throughout
project
implementation
and operation
Project owner 5,000 USD per year of construction +
5,000 USD per year of operation– per
governorate
(Total budget is a multiplication for the
6 governorates)
Construction Supervisor Throughout
construction
period
Consultant 5,000 USD per year of construction–
per governorate
(Total budget is a multiplication for the
6 governorates)
Contractor Throughout
construction
period
Consultant 5,000 USD per year of construction–
per governorate
(Total budget is a multiplication for the
6 governorates)
Monitoring Project owner (Iraqi Ministry of
Construction and Housing and involved
governorates)
Throughout
project
implementation
and operation
Project owner 5,000 USD per year of construction +
5,000 USD per year of operation– per
governorate
(Total budget is a multiplication for the
6 governorates)
Construction Supervisor Throughout
construction
period
Consultant 5,000 USD per year of construction–
per governorate
(Total budget is a multiplication for the
6 governorates)
Contractor Throughout construction
period
Consultant 5,000 USD per year of construction– per governorate
(Total budget is a multiplication for the
6 governorates)
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Institutional
Strengthening
Activity
Position(s)
(institutions, contractors, construction
supervision consultant)
Scheduling Responsibilities Cost Estimates
Training Participants Types of
Training
Contents Scheduling Cost Estimates
Consultation
sessions -
preparation and
management.
* Staff of the 6 involved governorates:
Anbar, Babel, Al-Qadisiya, Al-
Muthanna, Dhi-Qar, and Al-Basra
* Staff of Iraqi Ministry of Construction
and Housing
* On-the-job
training
workshops
* Preparing for a
consultation session
* Audience
nomination (focus
groups)
* Consultation
communication skills
* Effective
management of
consultation output
During real time
conduction of
scoping session
and public
disclosure session
1,000 USD per
trainee
(Total budget is a
multiplication for
nominated
trainees from the
6 involved
governorates)
* ESIA
Implementation
* ESMP
Implementation
* Staff of the 6 involved governorates:
Anbar, Babel, Al-Qadisiya, Al-
Muthanna, Dhi-Qar, and Al-Basra
* Staff of Iraqi Ministry of Construction
and Housing
* Off-the-job
training
workshops
* Core value of
implementing a ESIA
* Key elements of
ESIA and systematic
approach
* Regulatory
framework and
literature review
* Identifying target
groups and valued
environmental and
social components
* Analyzing impacts
and putting pollution
prevention measures
* Key elements of
environmental and
social management
plans
* Effective monitoring
plan (approaches and
fund resources)
Twice a year
during construction
and operation
35,000 USD to
50,000 USD
depending upon
number of
trainees from the
Ministry and
from the 6
involved
governorates +
venue expenses
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FINAL ESIA REPORT (MAIN REPORT)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Table of Contents i
List of Tables iv
List of Figures iv
List of Abbreviations vi
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY S-1
1. Introduction S-1
2. Legal and Administrative Framework S-1
3. Project Description S-2
4. Environmental and social baseline conditions S-4
5. Public Consultations S-5
6. Environmental and social impact analysis S-6
7. Mitigation measures S-8
8. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) S-9
9. Monitoring & Institutional Strengthening S-9
FINAL ESIA REPORT (MAIN REPORT)
1.2 Objectives of the ESIA 1
2.1 Introduction 3
2.2 World Bank's Policies and Procedures 3
2.2.1 Environmental Policies 4
2.2.2 Social Policies 5
2.2.3 Mandatory Bank Procedures 6
2.2.4 WB Safeguard Guidelines 7
2.3 Environmental International and Regional Conventions and Treaties 7
2.4 Iraqi Environmental Laws 9
3.1 Background and Project Rationale 12
3.2 Project Description 12
3.3 Project Works 23
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3.4 Construction Activities 28
4.1 Project Setting 29
4.2 Land Use 31
4.3 Population Centres 33
4.3.1 Demography 36
4.4 Present conditions of Expressway No. 1 37
4.4.1 Road Condition 37
4.4.2 Safety Devices 39
4.4.3 Water Crossings 41
4.4.4 Structures, Establishments and Commercial Activities along Alignment 41
4.5 Physical Environment 42
4.5.1 Air Quality and Noise 42
4.5.2 Surface Water Resources 44
4.6 Ecological and Biological Resources 46
4.6.1 Biogeography 46
4.6.2 Biodiversity of the Terrestrial Ecosystems along Expressway No. 1 47
4.6.2.2 Arabian Desert and East Saharo-Arabian Xeric Shrublands 50
5.1 Public Consultations Process 55
5.2 Results of consultations carried out along the Expressway No. 1 63
5.3 Results of Public Consultation Sessions 64
5.3.1 Western Consultation Session 64
5.3.2 Southern Consultation Session 65
5.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism 66
6.1 Introduction 67
6.3 Environmental and Social Impacts during the Construction Phase of the Project 70
6.3.1 Introduction 70
6.3.2 Physical Aspects 71
6.3.3 Ecological Aspects 76
6.3.4 Social Aspects 77
6.3.5`Combined impacts of parallel construction activities 82
6.4 Maintenance Phase 83
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6.4.1 Physical Aspects 84
6.4.2 Ecosystem Aspects 84
7.2 Construction Phase 85
7.2.1 Physical Aspects 85
7.2.2 Ecological Aspects 87
7.2.3 Social Aspects 87
7.3 Maintenance Phase 89
7.3.1 Physical 89
Introduction 117
1 Western Part: Public Consultation at Al Anbar Governorate-Ramadi 117
1.1 Workshop Participants 117
1.2 Workshop Components and Presentations Outline 117
1.3 Summary of Session Findings 119
2 Southern Part: Public Consultation held in Babel Governorate 119
2.1 Workshop Participants 120
2.2 Workshop Components and Presentations Outline 120
2.3 Summery of Session Findings 121
Annex 3 – Full Inventory 112
Annex 4 – Proposed Lay-bys for PAPs along Expressway No.1 263
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Summary of the relevant World Bank Safeguard Policies ..................................................... 7 Table 2: Existing Iraqi Environment-related Legislation ................................................................... 10 Table 3: Recent Iraqi Environmental legislation ................................................................................ 11 Table 4: Location of Main Cities along the Expressway and Relevant Distances ............................. 14 Table 5: The Expressway No.1 Contract Documents and its Updates ............................................... 23 Table 6: Carriageway Marking Quantities ......................................................................................... 24 Table 7: Interchanges Ramps Marking Quantities ............................................................................. 25 Table 8: Access Roads Marking Quantities ....................................................................................... 26 Table 9: Guardrails Quantities Estimation ......................................................................................... 27 Table 10: Fencing Quantities Estimation ........................................................................................... 27 Table 11: Area of Land Use ............................................................................................................... 33 Table 12: Population Information over Governorate ......................................................................... 34 Table 13: Relative Distances and Population of Localities in the Project Area ................................. 34 Table 14: Age group Distribution ...................................................................................................... 36 Table 15: Family Sizes According to Districts................................................................................... 36 Table 16: TSP Data- Baghdad 3 Stations (2009) ............................................................................... 42 Table 17: TSP Data - Al-Basra (2009) ............................................................................................... 43 Table 18: Air Quality Data collected from Al-Basra Station ............................................................. 43 Table 19Air Quality Data from Al-Zubair Station ............................................................................. 44 Table 20: Survey and Consultation Points along the Road ................................................................ 56 Table 21: Impact Scoping Matrix for the Construction Phase of the Expressway No. 1 ................... 69 Table 22 USEPA Emission Factors for Construction Works ............................................................. 72 Table 23 Cut and Cut and Filling Volume during Construction ........................................................ 72 Table 24 Daily traffic volumes: 2012 and 2032 (prediction) - Vehicle/Day...................................... 73 Table 25: Total vehicular emissions from Expressway No. 1 according to the HDM-IV - model. (Tonnes over
2013 -2034 period) ..................................................................................................................... 75 Table 26: Expected Numbers of Employment during Construction .................................................. 81 Table 27: ESMP for Construction Phase ............................................................................................ 91 Table 28: ESMP for Maintenance Phase ............................................................................................ 96 Table 29 : Environmental and Social Management Plan Cost Estimate ............................................ 98 Table 30: Monitoring Plan during Construction ................................................................................ 99 Table 31: Monitoring Plan during Maintenance .............................................................................. 102 Table 32: Institutional Strengthening and Training for Implementation .......................................... 104 Table 33: Scheduling and Reporting ................................................................................................ 107
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Map of Iraq showing the path of Expressway No. 1 ........................................................... 13
Figure 2: Al Anbar Governorate - Ar Rutba ...................................................................................... 15
Figure 3: Al Anbar Governorate - Ramadi ......................................................................................... 16
Figure 4: Al Anbar Governorate - Fallujah ........................................................................................ 17
Figure 5: Baghdad Governorate - Abu Ghraib ................................................................................... 18
Figure 6: Babylon Governorate - Hillah ............................................................................................. 19
Figure 7: Al Qadisiyyah Governorate - Al Diwaniyah ...................................................................... 20
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Figure 8: Dhi Qar Governorate - Nasiriyah ........................................................................................ 21
Figure 9: Basra Governorate – Basra ................................................................................................. 22
Figure 10: Topography of Iraq ........................................................................................................... 29
Figure 11: Historical image of an overpass bridge of the newly build Expressway No. 1. ............... 30
Figure 12: Historical image of the newly built Expressway No.1 ..................................................... 30
Figure 13: Mapping Vegetation Cover Percentages ........................................................................... 31
Figure 14: Distribution of Land Use (part I) ...................................................................................... 32
Figure 15: Distribution of Land Use (part II) ..................................................................................... 33
Figure 16: Distribution of Population Centres along the Road .......................................................... 33
Figure 17: Age Distribution ............................................................................................................... 36
Figure 18: Road Conditions ............................................................................................................... 38
Figure 19: Missing Single Guardrails ................................................................................................ 39
Figure 20: Missing Double Guardrails ............................................................................................... 39
Figure 21: Missing Fence and Ordinary Post ..................................................................................... 40
Figure 22: Missing Fence ................................................................................................................... 40
Figure 23: Expressway Crossing Waterways ..................................................................................... 41
Figure 24: Expressway Intersection with Euphrates River near Ramadi ........................................... 45
Figure 25: Expressway Intersection with Irrigation Channel near Diwaniyah .................................. 45
Figure 26: Expressway Intersection with Euphrates River near Nasiriyah ........................................ 46
Figure 27: Terrestrial Ecoregions recognized in Iraq ......................................................................... 47
Figure 28: Consultation Points (1-23) ................................................................................................ 59
Figure 29: Consultation points (24 – 35) ............................................................................................ 60
Figure 30: Consultation points (36 – 39) ............................................................................................ 60
Figure 31: Consultation points (40 – 53) ............................................................................................ 61
Figure 32: Consultation points (54 – 74) ............................................................................................ 61
Figure 33: Consultation Points (75-86) .............................................................................................. 62
Figure 34: Consultation with owners of affected People ................................................................... 62
Figure 35: Buildings, shops and services along the Expressway ....................................................... 63
Figure 36: Entities along the Iraq Expressway 1 ................................................................................ 78
Figure 37: Entities along the Iraq Expressway 1 ................................................................................ 78
Figure 38: Entities along the Iraq Expressway 1 ................................................................................ 79
Figure 39: Entities along the Iraq Expressway 1 ................................................................................ 79
Figure 40: Entities along the Iraq Expressway 1 ................................................................................ 80
Figure 41: Entities along the Iraq Expressway 1 ................................................................................ 80
Figure 42: Sample pictures during Consultation session at Al Ramadi ........................................... 118
Figure 43: Sample pictures during Consultation session at Babel ................................................... 121
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List of Abbreviations
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study
BP Bank Policy Bank Procedure
CC Consolidated Consultants Engineering and Environment
ESCWA Economic Commission for Western Asia
EC European Countries
IBAs Important Birds Areas
IPM Integrated Pest Management
IFC International Finance Corporation
MoCH Ministry of Construction and Housing
MoE Ministry of Environment
MoI Ministry of Interior
NGOs Non Governmental Organization
NA Not Available
OP Operational Policy
PM Particulate matter
PCR Physical Cultural Resources
PPAH Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook
ROW Right of Way
TOR Terms of Reference
TSP Total Suspended Particulates
USD United States Dollars
USA United States of America
WB Word Bank
WHO World Health Organization
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1. INTRODUCTION
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is a process where the potential future
environmental and social consequences of a proposed project or undertaking are identified and
mitigated before irrevocable decisions are made. A well-constructed ESIA provides the basis for
responsible corporate decision-making that is forward-looking and globally participatory. Potential
issues are identified as early in the process as possible and solutions are developed to maximize
project benefit while minimizing both front-end and downstream to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate
negative impacts.
Consolidated Consultants Engineering and Environment (CC) services have been retained for the
preparation of Terms of References (TOR) Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for
the rehabilitation of an existing road "Expressway No.1", and a team of experienced practitioners
has been assembled to prepare a high quality TOR and ESIA for the proposed project.
The rehabilitation of the road will include:
1. Road marking.
2. Installation of guardrails between both sides and on sides where necessary.
3. Installation of signs and road furniture.
4. Installation of a chain link fence on both sides of the road.
5. Rehabilitation of the asphalt as needed.
6. Other rehabilitation works as determined necessary by the technical assessment.
This specific project activity is mandated by Iraqi Environmental Law and its guidelines for ESIA
preparation. The Transport Corridors project is categorized as an A, requiring an environmental and
social assessment in accordance with the World Bank's Operational Policy on Environmental
Assessment (OP 4.01) and Involuntary Resettlement Policy (OP4.12).
The Government of Iraq has committed to applying the World Bank Safeguards Policies to the
entire Expressway 1. This includes the segments of Expressway 1 that are not supported by the
World Bank and are under rehabilitation or construction. As such the environmental and social due
diligence of these road segments will include the preparation of environmental audits and
resettlement audits prior to the end of the appraisal period of the World Bank funded road segments.
These environmental and social audits will assess the non-Bank funded road segments compliance
with the safeguards policies, identify any gaps in terms of environmental and social management
and develop corrective action plans, if needed.
1.2 Objectives of the ESIA
The overall purpose is to prepare an ESIA in compliance with the applicable regulations, policies
and guidelines. The specific objectives of the ESIA are:
a. Ensuring that potential significant positive and adverse environmental and social impacts are identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) EXPRESSWAY NO.1
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b. Capitalize on positive aspects and benefits, mitigate negative impacts and avoid serious and irreversible damage to the environment and people.
c. Prepare environmental and social management and monitoring plan to be abided by the proposed project to help ensure the stated above.
d. Ensuring that environmental and social factors are considered in the decision-making process of the proposed road upgrade including through effective consultation with potentially affected
persons and stakeholders.
e. Where necessary, provide guidelines for Project Design to ensure its fulfillment with the compliance and mitigation measures to help ensure good environmental performance.
f. Informing the public about the proposed project and ensuring effective participation and involvement by all related stakeholders.
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2 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
A desk study was carried out by the study team to assess and present the most applicable legal and
administrative framework to the proposed project. The study has taken into consideration, both the
potential Iraqi environmental laws and those policies and procedures of the World Bank introduced
in the project's TOR. Additionally, the foreseen legal and administrative framework by the TOR has
been further enriched and narrowed to suit the requirements of the Valued Environmental
Components arose from the public consultation. This chapter aims at providing a register for the
most applicable legal and administrative regulations that mandates and governs the conduction of
ESIA for the proposed project. The register overviews and encompasses the following:
Requirements of the Funding Agency (World Bank Policies and Procedures).
Related Environmental International and Regional Conventions and Treaties.
Laws and Regulations/by-laws for Iraq.
The legal framework described in this chapter spans the whole project cycle:
The planning and design process itself is conducted in accordance with the environmental and social legal and regulatory guidelines.
Design complies with the environmental and social legal and regulatory requirements.
Construction planned in a way to adhere to the requirements.
The ESIA fulfils the requirements in terms of imposed mitigation and environmental social management measures.
The following sections provide a description of the applicable laws and regulations.
2.2 World Bank's Policies and Procedures
The World Bank has 10 current Operational Policies and Procedures:
- Pest Management (OP/BP 4.09)
- Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01)
- Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04)
- Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37)
- Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50)
- Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60)
- Forests (OP/BP 4.36)
- Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)
- Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10)
- Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11)
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The policies that apply and are triggered for this project are:
- Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01).
- Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12).
2.2.1 Environmental Policies
OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment
OP 4.01 is the key Operational Policy describing the environmental assessment procedure. The
Bank requires environmental assessment of projects proposed for Bank financing. The objectives of
the EA are to:
Ensure that projects proposed for Bank financing are environmentally and socially sound and sustainable.
Inform decision makers of the nature of environmental and social risks.
Increase transparency and participation of stakeholders in the decision-making process
Role of Bank and Borrower
Roles of both Bank and Borrowers stated by this operational policy are summarized as follows:
A. Bank:
Screens and sets Environmental Assessment Category
Advises Borrower on the Banks Environmental Assessment requirements
Reviews and determines adequacy of Environmental Assessment reports
Makes report available in Info-shop
Supervises implementation of Environmental Assessment/Environment Management Plan
B. Borrower:
Assists the bank in proper screening
Responsible for carrying out Environmental Assessment under Bank rules and national laws
Consults project-affected groups and local NGOs
Discloses draft/final documents
Responds to Bank and public
Supervises under Bank rules
Ensures compliance under national laws
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Environmental Screening
The policy includes a classification for the proposed project into four categories, depending on the
type, location, sensitivity and nature of environmental impacts. The four categories include:
Category A: Significant adverse environmental impacts, board, irreversible, major resettlement or habitat. The subject project is included in this category "New construction or major upgrading
of expressways or rural roads"
Category B: its impacts are less adverse than those of Category A projects
Category C: likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts
Category FI: when it involves investments through a financial intermediary, in subprojects undefined by appraisal with adverse impacts.
OP 4.04 Natural Habitats
The Operational Policy addresses the following main principles:
Safeguarding natural habitats and their biodiversity; avoiding significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats
Ensuring sustainability for services and products which natural habitats provide to human society.
2.2.2 Social Policies
OP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources
This Operational Procedure is regulated by the World Bank to be implemented as an element of the
Environmental Assessment; it is regulated in order to:
Ensure that Physical Cultural Resources (PCR) are identifies and protected in World Bank financed projects
Ensure that National laws governing the protection of physical cultural property are complied with
Ensure that PRC includes archaeological and historical sites, historic urban areas, scared sites, graveyards, burial sites, unique natural values
OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement
The World Bank’s Involuntary Resettlement Policy (IRP) Operational Policy (OP) 4.12 requires that
environmental and social impacts of all projects it supports, be mitigated according to operational
polices that spell out the principles and planning methods for mitigation work. The Word Bank’s
IRP applies whenever property must be acquired, or its use modified, for a project, and that
acquisition or modification results in the loss of income, residence or access to resources, either
permanent or temporary and whether the occupation is legal or illegal. Resettlement of project
affected persons (PAPs) in the project site will therefore be carried out in accordance with laws,
regulations and guidelines for Resettlement/Land Acquisition Policy Framework of the Republic of
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Iraq and World Bank’s Operational Policy (O.P) 4.12, which has resulted in the preparation of a full
resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
World Bank OP 4.12 highlighted three major principles:
Involuntary resettlement is avoided wherever feasible, or minimized, exploring all viable alternative project designs;
Where it is not feasible to avoid involuntary resettlement, activities are conceived and executed as sustainable development programs. Displaced persons are to be meaningfully
consulted and have opportunities to participate in the planning and implementing of
resettlement programs affecting them; and
Displaced persons are assisted in their efforts to improve their livelihoods and standards of living, or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or to levels
prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher. The
mechanism of assisting displaced persons is based on full and prior mitigation and
compensation for loss of assets or livelihoods.
OP 4.12 applies whenever, in a Bank-financed project, land is acquired involuntarily or access is
restricted in legally designated parks or protected areas. If resettlement for the project begins before
initial discussions with the Bank and the acquisition of the area is directly linked to the Bank project,
then the substantive aspects of OP 4.12 apply retroactively. In other words, if an area is being
cleared in anticipation of, or preparation for, a project, OP 4.12 would apply.
Grievance redress/ Public Complaints Centre
The Bank requires that RPs specify grievance procedures available to displaced persons (DPs). A
checklist of issues to be considered in design of grievance procedures includes the following:
An inventory of any reliable conflict mediation organizations or procedures in the project area and an assessment to determine if any can be used instead of having to create new ones.
A review of grievance redresses mechanisms for simplicity, accessibility, affordability, and accountability. Good practice is to ensure that DPs can apply orally and in the local language
and to impose explicit time limits for addressing grievances. Appeal procedures need to be
specified, and that information needs to be made available to the DPs.
Any new committee created to address grievances will need to be given the authority to resolve complaints. Such committees normally include representatives of DPs or NGOs, as well as
project officials and staff from other agencies with a substantial role in resettlement activities.
2.2.3 Mandatory Bank Procedures
BP 17.50 Bank Disclosure Policies
This mandatory Bank Procedure (BP) supports decision making through the Borrower and Bank by
allowing the public access to information on environmental and social aspects of projects.
It is mandated by six safeguard policies that have specific requirements for disclosure.
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In country: before project appraisal in local language and in English
Wold Bank INFO-Shop: before project appraisal in English (documents can be in draft but must meet World Bank standards)
2.2.4 WB Safeguard Guidelines
Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) General Guidelines
Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines – IFC
Environmental Assessment Sourcebook (and updates)
WB Participation Sourcebook
Electronic Resettlement Guidebook
Safeguard Policy Basics – Redbook
Table 1 summarises the applicable World Bank Safeguard Policies.
Table 1: Summary of the relevant World Bank Safeguard Policies Safeguard Policies
OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment
OP 4.04 Natural Habitats
OP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources
OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement
BP 17.50 Bank Disclosure Policy
WB Safeguard Guidelines
Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook – PPAH
Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines – IFC
Environmental Assessment Sourcebook (and updates)
WB Participation Sourcebook
Electronic Resettlement Guidebook
Safeguard Policy Basics – Redbook
2.3 Environmental International and Regional Conventions and Treaties
Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and
Their Disposal
The convention sets out the baseline guidance towards governing and managing hazardous waste
moving across international boundaries. Applicability of this international convention to the subject
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projects emerges from the possibility of affecting the environment through a variety of hazardous
waste materials generated from construction and operational phases. According to the Convention, it
is prohibited by any means the movement/export/import of hazardous waste through a boundary
country, boundary movements. Reduction of hazardous waste generation should be ensured to the
minimum, taking into account social, technological and economic aspects.
With regard to hazardous waste management, countries involved should take practical steps, to the
extent possible, to provide adequate facilitations, for the environmentally sound management of
hazardous waste and other wastes. Furthermore, prevention measures and practical steps should be
ensured by the involved workers while managing wastes and hazardous wastes, this would also
include minimization of consequences affecting human health and environment.
Climate Convention and Kyoto Protocol