NON -TECHNICAL E S · the channel Covered section of the channel Figure 1.1-3: General layout of...

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL AUDIT AND ASSESSMENT REPORT

SUPPLEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT FOR

VARNA INTEGRATED URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT & VARNA FLOOD CONTROL

CHANNELS REHABILITATION PROJECT

NON-TECHNICAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

November 2016

Supplementary environmental and social assessment for Varna integrated urban transport project &

Varna flood control channels rehabilitation project - Non-Technical Executive Summary

2016 i

Contents

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND ................................................................................ 3

2.0 COMPARISON OF IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE DO-

NOTHING ALTERNATIVE ............................................................................................................................... 7

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS ......................................... 9

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS, ADVERSE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ........ 10

3.1 AIR EMISSIONS AND NOISE ...................................................................................................................... 10

3.1.1 AIR EMISSIONS ................................................................................................................................... 10

3.1.2 NOISE ................................................................................................................................................. 10

3.2 BIOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES (FAUNA, FLORA, BIODIVERSITY, PROTECTED SPECIES,

CRITICAL HABITATS, ECOSYSTEMS) .................................................................................................................. 11

3.2.1 FAUNA................................................................................................................................................ 11

3.2.2 FLORA ................................................................................................................................................ 11

3.2.3 BIODIVERSITY .................................................................................................................................... 12

3.2.4 PROTECTED SPECIES ........................................................................................................................... 12

3.2.5 CRITICAL HABITATS ........................................................................................................................... 12

3.2.6 ECOSYSTEMS ...................................................................................................................................... 12

3.3 CLIMATIC FACTORS AND CLIMATE CHANGE ............................................................................................ 13

3.4 CULTURAL HERITAGE, INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE ........................ 13

3.5 GEOMORPHOLOGY AND GEOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 13

3.6 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASPECTS .......................................................................................................... 14

3.7 MATERIAL ASSETS .................................................................................................................................. 14

3.9 WATER (ACCESSIBILITY, QUANTITY AND QUALITY, SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER) AND WASTE WATER

MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 15

3.10 WORKER AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY ....................................................................................... 16

3.11 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS, MITIGATION MEASURES AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES .. 16

3.11.1 DURING CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................ 17

3.11.2 DURING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................... 17

4.0 SOCIAL BENEFITS, ADVERSE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ............................. 17

4.1 LAND USE ................................................................................................................................................ 17

4.1.1 BASELINE ........................................................................................................................................... 17

4.1.2 EXPROPRIATION PROCEDURE.............................................................................................................. 18

4.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE LOCAL POPULATION AND OTHER SOCIAL ISSUES ................................ 20

4.2.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ASPARUHOVO DISTRICT ................................................................... 20

4.2.2 FIELD SURVEY ON SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT ................................... 21

4.2.3 SOCIAL ASSISTANCE .......................................................................................................................... 23

4.2.4 OTHER ISSUES OF RELEVANCE – GENDER EQUALITY ........................................................................... 24

4.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PRACTICES ............................................................................................... 25

4.3.1 CURRENT PRACTICES FOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT FOR VARNA FLOOD CONTROL CHANNELS

REHABILITATION PROJECT ............................................................................................................................... 25

4.3.2 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................... 27

4.4 SOCIAL IMPACTS ..................................................................................................................................... 27

4.4.1 IMPACTS AT NATIONAL LEVEL ............................................................................................................ 27

4.4.2 IMPACTS AT LOCAL LEVEL .................................................................................................................. 27

4.5 SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLANS, MITIGATION MEASURES AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES ...................... 28

4.5.1 DURING CONSTRUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 28

4.5.2 DURING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................... 29

5.0 MONITORING OF IMPACTS ............................................................................................................... 31

5.1 MONITORING DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE .................................................................................. 31

5.2 MONITORING DURING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................... 33



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Abbreviations

BSS Bulgarian State Standard

DCM Decree of Council of Ministers

EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

EHS Environment Protection & Health and Safety

ISO International Organization for Standardization

MoEW Ministry of Environment and Waters

PPE Personal Protection Equipment

REWI Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate

SG State Gazette

VOC Volatile Organic Compounds



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1.0 Project Description and Background

In October 2013 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD” or the

“Bank”) and the City of Varna (the “City” or “Varna”) signed a loan agreement intended to

support the City’s public transport improvement programme through co-financing two EU

grant funded projects as follows:

• Varna Integrated Urban Transport Project (financed under Operational Programme

Regional Development 2007-2013), and

• Varna Trolleybus Renewal Project (financed under Operational Programme

Environment 2007 – 2013)

Following the completion of the public procurement process for the above projects, it became

apparent that the City will realize savings due to achieving lower procurement contract prices

than initially budgeted. The City of Varna has requested to use the loan savings to co-finance

the rehabilitation of two flood control channels in the residential neighbourhood of

Aspruhovo (the “Project”). In 2014 the neighbourhood was hit by heavy floods causing loss

of life and severe damages to the infrastructure. The Project will be majority financed with

grants from the EU Solidarity Fund, whereas the City is required to co-finance approximately

30 per cent of the total cost. The Bank’s financing will be used by Varna to secure its

required contribution to the Project. As the City aims not just to rehabilitate the effects of the

2014 flood, but also to improve the urban environment and provide better public amenities

along the channels, there are activities foreseen in the overall project, which are not eligible

for financing under the EU Solidarity Fund. These very activities will be financed by the

EBRD loan and include:

• Covering of the rehabilitated flood control channels (Eastern and Western channel) in

the residential neighbourhood of Asparuhovo in Varna;

• Rehabilitation of existing underground infrastructure (cables, sewage, pipelines);

• Rehabilitation of over-ground infrastructure (pavements, bridges, subway, guardrails,

green areas) along the channels;

• Rehabilitation of park lanes, playgrounds and other recreational facilities located in

the immediate vicinity of the flood control channels.

In accordance with the Environmental and Social Policy of the Bank (2014) and in order to

secure the financing from the EBRD, POVVIK EAD prepared this Environmental and Social

Assessment of the proposed project.

The overall project for rehabilitation of the flood control channels is structured in the

following two phases:

• Phase I will be financed by the EU Solidarity Fund and includes the actual

construction/reconstruction works for the rehabilitation of the two flood protection

channels (i.e. preparation of the construction sites, demolition of existing structures,

excavation works, re-enforcements/re-construction of the channel walls, etc.).

• Phase II will be financed by the EBRD loan and comprises improvements to the

infrastructure located on or immediately next to the flood control channels. This

generally includes covering of the flood control channels, rehabilitation of existing

underground infrastructure, development of pedestrian underpasses and overpasses,

development of playgrounds/green recreational areas over/around the flood protection

channels and supply of equipment (benches, alcoves, children playground equipment



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and protective equipment, etc.). Phase II is intended to improve the urban mobility

and the quality of living in the Asparuhovo neighbourhood.

The two phases above will be contracted under the same contracts, but will be implemented

sequentially (one after the other) and financed from different sources. Phase I with a total

estimated budget of EUR 5.4 M will be 100% financed by the EU Solidarity Fund. Phase II

with total estimated budget of EUR 2.1 M will be financed entirely by the City of Varna with

the proceeds of the Bank’s loan (if approved). The EBRD’s loan will not be used to finance

any activities under Phase I.

An overview of the project location is provided in Figure 1.1-1 below.

Gabrovo

Stara Zagora

Plovdiv

SOFIA

Burgas

Varna

RuseDobrich

Silistra

Razgrad

Shumen

Vidin

Montana

Vratsa

Pleven

Lovech

Veliko Tarnovo

Targovishte

Pernik

Kyustendil

Blagoevgrad

Pazardzhik

Smolyan

Kardzhali

Haskovo

Sliven

Yambol

Sofia Region

Asparuhovo neighbourhood

VARNA

Eastern flood control channel

Western flood control channel

Figure 1.1-1: Overview of the project location



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General layout of the rehabilitated Eastern flood control channel is provided in Figure 1.1-2

below.

Asparuhov Park

Open section of

the channel

Covered section of the channel

Figure 1.1-2: General layout of the rehabilitated Eastern flood control channel

General layout of the rehabilitated Western flood control channel is provided in Figure 1.1-3

below.



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Sea canal connecting Black Sea and varna Lake

Open section of

the channel

Covered section of the channel

Figure 1.1-3: General layout of the rehabilitated Western flood control channel

The City has developed technical designs for the rehabilitation of the channels. These

technical designs formed part of the Tender Documents for the public procurement procedure

for selection of contractor for engineering (detailed design and construction) of the channels

rehabilitation project. At the time of writing of this report, the engineering contractor has

already been selected following the public procurement procedure. The technical designs of

the Eastern and Western flood control channels foresee construction of silt traps (reinforced

concrete chambers that will retain any silt, sand, debris, etc.) at the beginning (the uppermost

part) of each channel. These silt traps will also include access ramps from which machines

will have access for cleaning and inspection of channels interior. Two more access ramps will

be constructed in the middle and at the end of the covered section of each channel.

Utility lines that will be affected by the rehabilitation of the channels will be rehabilitated and

relocated to dedicated ducts inside the rehabilitated flood control channels.

The routes of both channels were designed to follow the existing routes of the

channels/ditches, to be located as much as possible on municipal land and affect as low as

possible private properties.

Dimensioning of the cross sections and vertical alignments of channels has been based on

modelling of the anticipated water flow rate of a one in one thousand years flood event.

Open sections of the channels will be provided with guardrails to prevent falling into the

channels.



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Rehabilitation works will be performed in sections in order to minimise nuisance to people

and traffic. Temporary bridges above the excavation trenches will be installed to provide

means for safe crossing. The technical designs also include adequate planning of temporary

organisation of the traffic and traffic safety.

As required by the Bulgarian legislation, the technical designs also include a Health and

Safety Plan for the rehabilitation of each of the channels. These Plans foresee temporary

fencing of each section of the channels where rehabilitation will be taking place. Workers

will be provided with amenities in mobile premises, including chemical toilets. Following

completion of the works in one section, all temporary facilities will be moved to the next

section of the channel and the area will be reinstated. Prior to commencement of the

rehabilitation works, the Contractor will coordinate the works with the relevant owners and

operators of underground and above ground utilities, coordinate with the Municipality the

appropriate locations for dumping of the excavated soil and construction waste, coordinate

the appropriate routes for movement of construction machines and transportation of materials

and waste. The Health and Safety Plans also describe specific appropriate measures to be

taken during activities related to the rehabilitation works and relevant legislation to be

followed by the Contractor. As the above Health and Safety Plans are part of the Technical

Design, they rather provide general guidance and specify the requirements to be followed.

Development and implementation of Detailed Health and Safety Plans for the rehabilitation

works will be obligation of the Contractor.

The technical designs of the Eastern and Western flood control channels also include Plans

for management of construction waste, as required by the Bulgarian legislation. These Plans

describe the applicable legislative documents and specific requirements for management of

construction waste, as well as the types and quantities of anticipated waste and the percentage

of generated waste that will be utilized.

2.0 Comparison of impacts associated with alternatives, including the do-

nothing alternative

As the Municipality is considering only one alternative for development, i.e. rehabilitation of

the flood control channels in subject, this alternative has been compared here with the do-

nothing alternative, where these channels are not rehabilitated. A comparison of the expected

impact from the two alternatives is provided below in Table 1.2.1:

• Alternative 1 – Rehabilitation of the flood control channels

• Alternative 2 – Do-Nothing alternative

Table 1.2.1 Comparison of the impact from the considered alternatives

EHS Factor Alternative 1: Rehabilitation of the

flood control channels

Alternative 2: Do-Nothing alternative

Air Quality Increased air pollution during

construction works associated with

rehabilitation of the flood control

channels

(medium negative)

No pollution from the rehabilitated

Smell and dust from the garbage

dumped at the existing open

channels/ditches

(medium negative)



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and covered flood control channels

(major positive)

Water

Quality

Insignificant effects during

construction

Significant reduction of the

potential for contamination of the

water flowing through the

rehabilitated channels as they will

be covered in the densely populated

areas. This will also reduce the load

of pollutants going into the Black

Sea (the final water recipient )

(medium positive)

Continuous increase of the potential

for contamination of the water

flowing through the open

channels/ditches by the garbage

dumped in them.

(medium negative)

Soil Quality Soil disturbance and compacting

during construction works.

(minor negative)

Significant reduction of the

potential for contamination of soil

along the channels as the channels

will be covered in the densely

populated areas and the water will

flow in watertight channels during

the operation phase

(medium positive)

Continuous increase of the potential

for contamination of soil along the

open channels/ditches by the garbage

dumped in them.

(medium negative)

Biological

Diversity

Temporary disturbance of species

during the construction phase

(minor negative)

Risk of reoccurrence of flood.

(medium negative)

Natura 2000

and other

protected

sites

The Project will not impact

nationally designated sites and is

unlikely to impact Natura 2000

species.

(no impact)

Risk of reoccurrence of flood.

(medium negative)

Landscape Disturbed urban landscape during

the rehabilitation works

(minor negative)

Project implementation will result

in harmonised urban landscape and

environment along the channels.

(major positive)

Continuing unpleasant look of the

urban landscape and environment

along the channels, due to their poor

structural and visual condition.

(medium negative)

Health and

Safety

Increased health and safety risk

during the rehabilitation works

(medium negative)

Significant reduction of risks from

Risk of reoccurrence of the

disastrous 2014 flood.

(major negative)

Risk for people to fall into open



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potential flooding during operation

and creation of much healthier and

safer urban environment.

(major positive)

unprotected sections of the channels.

(medium negative)

Risks associated with garbage

dumped into the channels/ditches

(minor negative)

Noise and

vibrations

Increased noise and vibrations

during the rehabilitation works

(major negative)

Insignificant effects during

operation

Insignificant effects

Social

Aspects

Demolition of small parts of some

houses along the route of the

Western channel prior to the

rehabilitation works

(major negative)

Improvement of the urban

environment and creation of

healthier and safer living conditions

(major positive)

Insignificant effects on the present

way of living for the people along the

channels, but remaining risk for them

to be affected by the next flood.

(medium negative)

Overall, it is clear that from an environmental and social standpoint the choice of Alternative

1 will lead to significant positive impact after the rehabilitation of the channels, while the do-

nothing alternative will result in continuous increase of the health, safety and environmental

risk and especially the risk for reoccurring of the disastrous 2014 flood. For sure Alternative

1 will have some negative environmental and social impacts during rehabilitation works.

However, these impacts will be temporary and can be reduced to acceptable levels by

implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. Special attention shall be paid to

relocation of people, acquisition of property and demolition of structures. This should happen

on the basis of implementation of adequately developed plan aiming to provide appropriate

communication, support and compensation to the affected people.

In conclusion it can be stated that from an environmental and social standpoint the choice of

Alternative 1 will bring significant positive and long-term effects, while the do-nothing

alternative will lead to continuing worsening of the negative environmental and social

impacts.

3.0 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process

According to national regulations in force, the project is subject to the screening stage of the

EIA procedure (harmonised with the EU EIA Directive). The relevant Regional Environment

and Water Inspectorate (Varna) has been officially notified for the project. The notification

consists of a standard descriptive brief presentation of the works involved by the project and

of how these may interact with the environmental aspects (social aspects are not addressed

according to the applicable regulations). Regional Environment and Water Inspectorate

Varna reviewed the notification and issued an official statement that the project is not subject



2016 10

to EIA and/or Appropriate Assessment. The required environmental approval is granted

based on screening phase evaluation made by authorities and the project may proceed to

obtaining the construction permit and further to implementation. This reflects the EU EIA

Directive and is in line with the EBRD PR1.

Although not legally required, public discussions have been held with Asparuhovo residents

that will be potentially affected by the Project and the majority of the residents is fully aware

of the necessity of Project’s realization and has not raised any objections. According to the

social mediators, there are only two Roma families living in the first two of the seven illegal

houses that still have their doubts about the Project. However, one more public meeting will

be organized before the commencement of the construction works at which the mediators will

try among others to assure these two families of the urgency of the Project.

3.0 Environmental Benefits, Adverse Impacts and Mitigation Measures

3.1 AIR EMISSIONS AND NOISE

3.1.1 AIR EMISSIONS

Varna Municipality has elaborated a programme for improvement of air quality in order to

achieve the legislatively set requirements. The programme is periodically updated according

to the requirements of the environmental legislation in Bulgaria.

Adverse climatic conditions

The breeze circulation, which is typical for the coastal zones, contributes for repeatedly

passing and accumulation of pollutants in the air. In days with breeze the typical for the flat

areas midday decrease of concentrations of pollutants in the lowest atmospheric layer is not

observed. On the contrary, air pollutants concentrations in the afternoon remain high, which

leads to higher average daily concentrations.

Predominant for Varna Municipality wind directions, with different frequency in the

respective seasons, combined with well-defined negative relief forms are unfavourable for

diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere. The typical for the region moderate and strong

winds are favourable for dispelling the pollutants in the air.

Assessment of air pollution with PM10

The performed analyses and assessments in terms of air quality in Varna indicate that the

main problems result from the excessive concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) - the

recorded exceedances of the norms for this parameter are the most frequent in comparison

with all other monitored pollutants.

Air Quality will be negatively impacted on local level during the construction, due to the

increased emissions of dust and exhaust gases from the machines during construction works

associated with rehabilitation of the flood control channels. These impacts will stop with the

completion of construction works and the rehabilitated and covered flood control channels

will cause no air pollution during the operational phase.

3.1.2 NOISE

Noise pollution is one of the most serious environmental concerns for large and congested

urban settlements such as the city of Varna. Noise from transport is particularly prevalent in



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Varna, which is the intersection of several national and international transit corridors and

routes.

A Strategic Noise Map for Varna agglomeration has been developed in September 2008

according to EU Directive 2002/49 and officially approved by the Municipal Council. Data

collected for the noise levels in the city proves that the main source of noise to which the

population is exposed is the road traffic, which forms nearly 80% of the noise pollution in the

town. Varna has developed and implemented an Action Plan related to the Strategic Noise

Map from 2008, including a set of 23 measures for the reduction of unwanted abnormal noise

pollution in urban areas with an emphasis on problem areas, accounting for the highest noise

levels.

According to data from Strategic Noise Map for Varna agglomeration and the Action Plan

related to the Strategic Noise Map, people living in Asparuhovo district are not affected by

noise levels exceeding the norms.

Noise and vibrations will be increased during the channels rehabilitation works. The impact

is expected to be significant for the local residents due to the close proximity to residential

buildings. However, the duration of these nuisances for any individual location will be short

and after the completion of the Project there will be no or only insignificant noise and

vibrations effects during the operational phase.

3.2 BIOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES (FAUNA, FLORA, BIODIVERSITY,

PROTECTED SPECIES, CRITICAL HABITATS, ECOSYSTEMS)

The biological and ecological resources pertaining to the Project area are typical for

urbanised environment.

3.2.1 FAUNA

In terms of zoogeography, the territory of Varna Municipality belongs to the Northern

Zoogeographical Subregion, Black Sea Region (Georgiev, 1982). The dominant animal

species are terrestrial animals that are common for Central and Northern Europe. Taking into

account that the Project concerns exclusively urban environment, it can be inferred that the

animal species affected by the Project are the ones typically inhabiting such areas.

Key factors for the formation of bird species composition in the residential areas are

considered to be the anthropogenic transformation and the vegetation development. The two

factors have opposing effects – the high degree of urbanization has a negative impact on the

diversity of birds, while the well-developed tree and shrub vegetation maintains rich

biodiversity. Contingent on these two factors, the number of the nesting birds varies between

9 (in industrial areas and newly built neighbourhoods) and 39 (in Varna’s Sea Garden).

In general, the animal species in the Project area are synanthropes, used to inhabiting

urbanised environment. No domesticated animals are bred in the living quarters.

3.2.2 FLORA

The predominant tree species in Asparuhovo district is the populus that causes problems in

many locations and has to be systematically replaced. Commonly occurring tree species are

ash (Fraxinus), hackberries (Celtis), Platanus, Aesculus, Cercis, Styphnolobium japonicum,

Robinia pseudacacia, Gleditsia triacanthos, Norway maple (Acer platanoides), Catalpa

bignonioides and others.

A major public place in the region is the park called “Asparuhov Park”. The other green areas

are relatively small and dispersed across the whole region, mainly around Narodni Buditeli



2016 12

Blvd. There is a large share of woodland surrounding Asparuhovo, incl. the Southern road

junction, which is part of the administrative region.

Actively maintained green spaces in the region are the green strips along Narodni Buditeli

Blvd. and the Southern road junction, as well as the Asparuhov Park. The other green spaces

are poorly maintained. The vegetation in Asparuhov Park is also in poor condition as a result

of long-term bad maintenance in the past.

3.2.3 BIODIVERSITY

The following numbers and percentages of vertebrate species are reported occurring within

the territory of Varna Municipality as compared to the national level:

• Birds – 233 species out of 383 at a national level or 61%;

• Amphibians – 6 species out of 16 at a national level or 37.5%;

• Reptiles – 18 species out of 36 at a national level or 50%;

• Mammals – 37 species out of 101 at a national level or 36.6%.

The high bird diversity is attributed to the relatively close contact of the city with the

surrounding natural biotopes and the availability of wetlands (particularly the sea and the

Varna Lake).

3.2.4 PROTECTED SPECIES

Since the Project is taking place on an urban territory, it is not expected to affect directly any

rare or endangered plant or animal species.

Nonetheless, one of planned routes of the channels passes through a Natura 2000 site

designated as SPA under the Birds Directive (SPA Galata BG0002060), and both channels

mouth into SPA Varna-Beloslav Lake BG0000191.

Therefore, the possible impacts of the Project on the bird species under protection in these

protected areas have to be taken into account.

3.2.5 CRITICAL HABITATS

There are no critical habitats within the Project area.

3.2.6 ECOSYSTEMS

The ecosystems in the urban environment have anthropogenic origin and include the green

systems described above.

The impacts on Biodiversity are likely to be insignificant, related with temporary disturbance

of species during construction works. The animal species in the Project area are

synanthropes, used to inhabiting urbanised environment. No domesticated animals are bred in

the living quarters. The vegetation is typical for urban area and does not include protected or

flagship species, even along the planned route of the Eastern channel in the Asparuhov Park.

There are small patches of land (flower-beds or vine strips) in the yards to the houses to be

affected by the construction, but these can be reinstated and are likely to restore quickly. The



2016 13

Project area is not within the boundaries of any SCIs and will not impact any habitats

protected therein. It is also unlikely to affect Natura 2000 species, as there are none breeding

in the Project area; the region offers a lot of alternative feeding and resting sites which can be

used by the species.

3.3 CLIMATIC FACTORS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The specific climatic factors of Varna Municipality are micro-relief features of territory and

climate-forming role of the Black Sea which form the climate of Varna Lake, the channel

"Lake-Sea", as well the slopes of “Frangensko” and “Avrensko” plateau.

Areas along the Black Sea coast have a sea climate, while the plateau areas have moderate-

continental climate. The average annual temperature in the near-coast areas is 11.8 ºC. The

absolute maximal temperature in the near-coast areas is measured in July - 41.4 ºC. The

lowest temperature is measured in January-February and it is -24 ºC.

Summers in Varna are warm, but sometimes they can be unusually hot. Winters are mild, but

there were short periods of temperatures below zero in recent years. End of winter and the

begging of spring are the periods with the most sudden temperature changes. Spring is short

and colder, while autumn is warm, mild and long.

The area of Varna has lower precipitation than the average for Bulgaria - 498 l/m2 and has

summer and autumn maximum. Precipitation is predominantly in the form of rains, but in

winter they may also fall as snow.

Industries operating in the area of Varna, air, road and sea traffic are sources of greenhouse

gas emissions and respectively have their share in climate change processes.

The project will have no impacts on the climate.

3.4 CULTURAL HERITAGE, INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL

HERITAGE

The flood control channels do not pass through or affect any cultural heritage sites on the

territory of Asparuhovo district.

No known cultural heritage sites will be affected by any means by the reconstruction of the

flood control channels in Asparuhovo district.

3.5 GEOMORPHOLOGY AND GEOLOGY

A geological survey for the both channels in Asparuhovo district has been performed in 2014.

The survey area covers Western and Eastern channel areas.

According to the survey, the area of Western and Eastern channel geology consists of

Neogene varieties represented of Galatska Formation (gN1t-s). It is characterized with the

prevalence of yellowish and whitish sands with green marl and sandy clays bands and spaces,

more rarely lenses and layers of sandstone, sand and detritus limestone occurred to the

southeast with an inclination about 10°. The channel is filled with quaternary sandy-loam

materials of alluvual-proluvial character. In the coastal zone are established residual materials

from marine terraced deposits.

During the surveys of the Western channel groundwater was found in all boreholes at depth

1.5 to 4.0 m (in the upper part of the channel) and 6-7 m (downstream). In the lowest part

groundwater was found at depth of 2-3 m. The groundwater forms one common aquifer. Its

feeding is mainly by infiltration and from the adjacent slopes of Avren Plateau.



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During the surveys of the Eastern channel underground water was found in all boreholes at

depth of 2 to 3m (in the upper part of the channel) and 5-6 m (on the middle part of the

channel). In the lowest part groundwater was found at depth of 2-3 m. The groundwater

forms one common aquifer into the Quaternary deposits. Its feeding is mainly by infiltration

and from the adjacent slopes of Avren Plateau.

The area of both channels is characterized with 7-th degree of seismic activity according to

Medvedev-Shopenhoier-Karnik scale. The seismic coefficient is Кс=0,10.

Implementation of the Project will improve slope stability in the upper section of the Western

channel.

3.6 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASPECTS

The main orographic parameters of the Eastern flood channel are:

• Water catchment area – 4.767 km2;

• location - average 131.6 m above sea level;

• average gradient of the catchment area – 11.6%;

• afforestation – the channel is covered with low and medium-high vegetation (mainly

deciduous forests);

• soil – the predominant soils on the slopes are gray forest and

sandy clay and loamy sands on the bottom.

The main orographic parameters of the Eastern flood channel are:

• Water catchment area – 3.555 km2;

• location - average 126.2 m above sea level;

• average gradient of the catchment area – 9%;

• afforestation – the channel is covered with low and medium-high vegetation (mainly

deciduous forests, mixed forests and natural vegetation);

• soil – the predominant soils on the slopes are gray forest and

sandy clay and loamy sands on the bottom.

Impacts on Landscape will include some disturbances of urban landscape during the

rehabilitation works. However, Project implementation will result in harmonised urban

landscape and environment along the channels during the operational phase.

3.7 MATERIAL ASSETS

The main material assets related with the Project are the existing flood control

channels/ditches. They have suffered from the 2014 flood and proved to be not capable to

conduct the high water flow and various materials brought by the flood. After the 2014 flood,

the flood control channels/ditches have been cleaned and cleared from any debris and

structures blocking the channels cross section. At the moment they are in poor structural and

visual condition and urgently need to be rehabilitated in order to avoid reoccurring of the

flood. The main purpose of the Project is to rehabilitate the channels utilizing better design

and allowing for higher water flow rates than before. Apart of that, Municipality of Varna has

gone beyond these purely structural and safety considerations and has further developed the

design of the channels to cover them and develop new public amenities on top of them. Thus

significantly improving the urban environment and providing additional safety for the public.



2016 15

3.8 SOIL (ORGANIC MATTER, EROSION, COMPACTION, SEALING)

Almost the whole territory of the city of Varna is covered with anthropogenic soils.

The Western channel is with southwest to northeast direction and leads rainwater flowing

into it from adjacent slopes of Avren plateau. In its upper part the channel is 120 m wide with

U-shaped profile, and forms two slopes with 20-22 m high and gradient of 20-25°. These

slopes are affected by old landslide processes (from the side of Rozova dolina str.), and from

contemporary landslide (from the side of Kalach str), due to intense rainfall. Downstream the

channel gradually narrowing its profile to 4-6 m with depth up to 1.5-2.0 m, and in it at the

lowest lower part spills to the terrain.

Based on the information from the exploration boreholes, the uppermost soil layer at both

channels comprises of embankments with diverse composition – from sandy clays to clay

sands with inclusions of fine gravels and construction waste, as well as gravel fundamentals

of pavements. This layer is underlain by clays with inclusions of single gravels.

Soil Quality will be negatively impacted due to compacting and soil structure disturbance

during construction works. Significant reduction of the potential for contamination of soil

along the channels is expected during the operational phase as the channels will be covered in

the densely populated areas and the water will flow in watertight channels.

3.9 WATER (ACCESSIBILITY, QUANTITY AND QUALITY, SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER)

AND WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT

Public water supply in Varna Municipality is secured mostly from water sources located

outside the municipal territory. The water amounts provided from these sources are sufficient

for the mid term, but might not be enough for the long term. The share of water losses in the

water supply system are also is quite high. Water consumption significantly increases in

summer especially in the recreational and touristic zones. Consumption is increasing through

the years because of the expansion of the settlements and construction of new buildings

sometimes in areas where the existing water supply systems are not capable of coping with

the additional water demand. Generally, drinking water in the territory of Varna municipality

complies with the applicable water quality standards.

About 90% of properties in Varna are connected to the sewerage system. Some of the sewer

pipelines need rehabilitation due to their age, poor condition and insufficient capacity. Varna

has a municipal wastewater treatment plant which treats significant part of wastewaters

collected in the sewer system.

Besides the underground sewer pipelines, the area of Varna also utilizes open ditches and

flood protection canals, which are deigned to convey surface waters to the sea. These surface

water structures require regular maintenance in order to secure their water conductivity.

However, there are problems with dumping of garbage, natural accumulation of materials,

natural grow of vegetation, construction of houses and other structures inside the canals, etc.

which result in reduction or even complete blocking of the water flow that can be conveyed

by the canals, resulting in floods and demolition of nearby buildings and structures.

Groundwater aquifers, located close to the surface are negatively impacted by anthropogenic

activities. They are unsuitable for drinking or irrigation purposes, construction or industrial

needs. Problematic groundwater parameters in the Area of Asparuhovo include ammonia,

nitrites, nitrates, total phosphorus and oxidisability. Pollutants penetrate groundwaters due to



2016 16

the shallow location of the aquifers, thin clay cover, the relatively even terrain with low

inclinations and limited number of creeks. These factors result in slow water exchange and

maintenance of relatively constant concentrations of pollutants. Some of the sources of

groundwater pollution in Varna municipality include infiltration of precipitation through

agricultural land, villa areas to the south of Varna Lake, irrigated areas, farms and lands

treated with fertilizers and leaks from the sewerage systems.

Insignificant effects are expected on Water Quality during construction as the channels are

normally dry. Significant reduction of the potential for contamination of the water flowing

through the rehabilitated is expected during the operational phase as the channels will be

covered in the densely populated areas. The load of pollutants going into the Black Sea (the

final water recipient) will also be reduced.

3.10 WORKER AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

According to the Technical Design each construction section of the channels will be

surrounded by a temporary fence, workers will be provided with mobile living premises and

chemical toilets. Each construction section of the channels will be also provided with a

dedicated place for parking of construction machines. The area will be also provided with

temporary road signs and other warning and information signs. All the above mentioned

elements will be removed upon the completion of construction works at the section and

moved to the next section. The section will be reinstated after completion of the works at the

section.

All workers will be provided with adequate personal protective equipment as per the

requirements of Ordinance 3 on the minimal requirements for health and safety of workers

during use of personal protective equipment.

The temporary fence of the construction section will prevent the access of the citizens to the

construction sites. Where the access of the citizens to their homes or other premises will be

temporarily interrupted due to construction activities, safety overpasses will be installed to

prevent the loss of access for the period of construction. The supervisor of the construction

will be in charge to observe also any citizens walking around the construction and to prevent

accidents to happen. It won’t be allowed unaccompanied children to pass near the

construction area, nor to play in dangerous proximity. These restrictions will apply with

special attention in the Roma neighbourhood, where the control over the children by their

parents is usually lower.

Health and Safety risks will be increased risk during the channels rehabilitation works due

to excavations and operation of machines in urban environment in close proximity to

residential buildings. However, Project implementation will result in significant reduction of

risks from potential flooding during operation and creation of much healthier and safer urban

environment.

3.11 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS, MITIGATION MEASURES AND

COMPENSATORY MEASURES

In order to address issues identified during this Environmental and Social Assessment, an

Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) was developed as a separate document. The

ESAP is focused on those issues that are required to bring the operations into compliance

with the EBRD’s requirements, best practice and the applicable legal requirements.



2016 17

3.11.1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

In order to avoid or minimize the potential negative impacts and issues during construction,

Consultants propose the following additional mitigation measures to be implemented during

the construction phase:

• The construction works should be undertaken outside the breeding season of the majority

of the animal species, which is from April to June, in order to minimise their disturbance.

Most appropriate would be if the construction works commence early in the spring

(February – March) or in the autumn (September – October), when the birds and the rest

of the animals have not yet occupied nesting or breeding areas.

• Construction works should be undertaken only during the day in order to avoid potential

disturbance of species from the bat fauna.

• Project-generated construction, domestic and food waste should be properly treated and

regularly removed from construction sites.

• Any spills of fuels and lubricating materials from the construction machines should be

prevented.

• Biodiversity:

• Following the Black Sea Basin Management Directorate instructions set out in comm. ref.

05-09-12 (2), contemporary technologies and materials shall be applied in the course of

the Project implementation to ensure positive effect for preserving the habitats and to

create habitats for species.

3.11.2 DURING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Some measures aiming to reduce negative impacts and issues have already been included in

the designing phase of the Project. Examples of such include:

• Regular cleaning of the covered part of the channels from sludge, constriction and

municipal waste, in order to achieve maximum throughput of the rehabilitated channels;

• Regular cleaning and maintenance of the silt traps at the beginning (the uppermost part)

of each channel;

• Regular cleaning of the rainwater collection pipelines/channels discharging in the

rehabilitated flood control channels.

No other environmental mitigation measures are considered necessary during operation and

maintenance.

4.0 Social Benefits, Adverse Impacts and Mitigation Measures

4.1 LAND USE

4.1.1 BASELINE

According to the Detailed Spatial Development plan of Varna Municipality, the Western

flood control channel would affect 18 private land plots situated near its route. These plots

will need to undergo a procedure of expropriation. However, among these only one land plot

will be fully expropriated (according to the Municipality). The rest of the plots will be

partially expropriated (with less than 1/3 of the plot area). There are 7 illegally built houses

along channel’s route located in the Roma neighbourhood that will be, similarly, only



2016 18

partially affected. As concerns the municipal land plots, the Western channel will pass

through 19 of them.

The Eastern flood control channel, in its turn, will affect 18 private land plots, all of them

only partially. It will also pass through 22 municipal and 2 state-owned land plots. There are

no illegally constructed houses in these plots and there is no need for any demolition

activities. No existing residential or business buildings are located on the route of the Eastern

channel.

4.1.2 EXPROPRIATION PROCEDURE

The land plots and buildings affected by the Project are subject to expropriation in

accordance with the Municipal Property Act Chapter III, promulgated on 01.06.1996. The

expropriation procedures follow strictly the requirements of the Municipal Property Act. The

Municipality has no separate plan or guidance for conducting expropriation procedure as the

legislation is detailed enough.

The expropriation procedures could be started only if there is an approved and enacted

Detailed Spatial Development Plan (that means that all required procedures, incl. public

hearings related to land/plots designation, have passed successfully and the Detailed Spatial

Development Plan (DSDP) has come into force). All land plots designated for acquisition for

the purposes of Varna Flood Control Channels Rehabilitation Project already have an

approved DSDP.

Complying with the Municipal Property Act Chapter III, Para 22, the Municipality is required

to appoint an independent licensed appraiser to estimate the market value of the land plots

subject to expropriations. The Municipality has approved 34 independent licensed appraisers

selected through a competitive procurement procedure. The qualification requirements of the

independent appraisers are set in the Law for independent appraisers (i.e. to be members of

the National Chamber of Independent evaluators and to have an official certificate for this

activity issued by the Chamber). The Municipality signs individual contracts with them for

each particular task. Currently, the Municipality is in process of contacting independent

licensed appraisers for estimating the market value of the legal land plots under expropriation

for the channels rehabilitation project. Compensation for the affected residential structures

(e.g. a room or other structures attached to the house which will be removed due to the

Project), can be offered in the form of developing comparable structures (in terms of size,

condition, purpose and value) to the ones that have been removed. The costs for developing

the comparable structures will be borne by the Municipality. This is the only viable approach

due to the illegal status of the structures, which makes Municipal Property Act Chapter III

inapplicable.

To assess the fair market value of the legal land plots subject to expropriation, the

Municipality will contract four independent licensed appraisers. The expected working period

for the preparation of independent market appraisals shall be approximately two weeks. Once

the appraisals of the market value of the land plots are submitted to the Municipality, the

Municipality must notify officially all owners for its intent to conduct land expropriation

procedure. Official notifications (the “Notification”) are also uploaded on the Municipality’s

website (www.varna.bg) for a period of at least 14 days. They also have to be published on

the website of the local administrative region (The Administrative Region of Asparuhovo).

Finally, the notifications have to be published in two daily newspapers on central (national)



2016 19

level and in one local newspaper (MPA Chapter III, Para 25). The usual practice of the

Municipal employees dealing with the expropriation procedures is to contact the owners by

phone or in person.

One calendar month after the official Notification, the Mayor of Varna issues the Orders for

expropriation of the land plots, which stipulate the compensation for each land plot. Each

Order is published on the Municipality’s website and on the website of the local regional

administration (Asparuhovo). A certified copy of the Order is also delivered to all concerned

stakeholders, which in the case of the Flood Control Channels Rehabilitation Project are the

private owners of the land plots. Employees from the Municipality expropriation department

have to visit in person and deliver the Order to each owner. If, after several visits, the owner

is not found at the address, the Order has to be published in the National State Gazette.

Each Order indicates that the owners have a grievance period of 14 days after receipt or

publication in the State gazette of the respective Expropriation Order (MPA Chapter III, Para

27). The compensation could be appealed before the Administrative Court. The

Administrative Court will decide on the need for conducting a second independent appraisal

of the market price of the plots. Should such be required, the independent evaluators

appointed by the Court will conduct the evaluation. According to representatives of the

Municipal Property Department, based on the existing legal practice, the assessments

performed by appraisers of the City and the Court may differ but the difference is not

significant (up to 15%). In case of appeals, the final value of the land plots and hence the

final compensation will be the one determined by the appraisers appointed by the

Administrative Court.

If, after the expiry of the 14-day appeal period, there are no appeals filed, the Order of the

Mayor enters into force. The Municipality transfers the amount via bank transfer to a bank

account indicated by land plot’s owner. The Bank transfer should be made no later than one

month after the 14-day appeal period has expired. The ownership title on the land plots passes

to the Municipality only after the bank accounts of the exiting owners are credited.

The ownership title of the Municipality is evidenced through the issuance of a Deed for

Municipal Property, issued by a Notary. All administrative and other expenses associated

with the ownership transfer are paid for by the Municipality. The Municipality is considered

as an owner of the plot and could enter into possession of the property immediately after the

issuance of the Deed for Municipal Property.

Should the expropriated property be the only property of the private owner, he/she has the

right to use the expropriated property for the period of three months after receiving the

payment and after the issuance of the Deed for Municipal Property (MPA Chapter III Para

29(5)). If there are other specifics related with harvesting or other activities conducted on the

plot, the Municipality has to give the right of the previous owner to benefit/collect the crops

or to fulfill the activities for its own benefit (not relevant in the case of this Project). In case

that the previous owner has difficulties to relocate from the property, the Municipality shall

provide assistance on its own expenses. The Social Activities Directorate is required to

organize the relocation of the owner and its movable property, as well as provide other

necessary assistance.



2016 20

4.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE LOCAL POPULATION AND OTHER SOCIAL ISSUES

4.2.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ASPARUHOVO DISTRICT

The District of Asparuhovo has a population of roughly 27,000 people according to estimates

of district’s officials (no official statistics is available) making it a medium-density urban

area. It is located immediately south and east of the Asparuhovo Bridge that strategically

connects Varna Municipality with Asparuhovo district. Administratively, Asparuhovo

encompasses the suburban areas Galata, Zelenika, Priboy, Fichoza, Rakitnika and Borovets.

Several public institutions will be affected to a certain extent by the Project. The Eastern

flood control channel will pass through in a close vicinity of a kindergarten called “Valentina

Tereshkova” (10 m) and a primary school called “Hristo Botev” (100 m). The Western flood

control channel will pass through near a kindergarten called “Morski svyat” (200 m), a

kindergarten called “Gorska Prikazka” (150 m) and the Varna Maritime High School “Sv.

Nikolay Chudotvoretz” (250 m).

The population of Varna Region and Municipality has remained almost constant over the past

5 years in contrast to the overall population of Bulgaria which has been steadily declining.

This implies the favourable living conditions in the area, which is confirmed by the relative

high average net income and low unemployment in comparison to the national level.

Unfortunately, there is no official economic data for Asparuhovo district. In 2015, the

average net income per capita in Varna Region is 5,150 BGN compared to 4,886 BGN in

Bulgaria, while the average net income per household in Varna Region is 12,399 BGN

compared to 11,723 BGN in Bulgaria. These figures also enjoyed a solid increase between

2011 and 2015. Yet it has to be noted that they remain way below the EU average net income

level.

The employment opportunities in Varna Region seem to be also better than on a nation level.

As of 2015, the unemployment in Varna was only 5.7% or about 3.5% lower than the average

unemployment rate in Bulgaria. It also dropped by almost 5% in the course of the last five

years which indicates the increasing supply of jobs in the region. It is worth mentioning,

however, that in Varna women unemployment is slightly higher than men unemployment,

while on a national level the situation is reversed.

Although there is no research data available on the reasons for the discrepancy between

unemployed men and women in Varna, a possible explanation could be the fact that as a

maritime city a significant share of the male population works as sailors or boat mechanics.

These men tend to earn well and be the only revenue source for their families and

housewives. Another argument could be the unequal gender composition of Varna’s

population. There are about 10,000 more women than men living in Varna Region and Varna

Municipality. This men-women ratio has remained constant over the past couple of years.

The higher number of women implies that there is a more fierce competition among women

on the labour market, which might leave some of them unemployed. This argument, however,

does not hold when the gender composition of the labour force in Varna is taken into

consideration. As of 2015, 113,477 men are economically active compared to only 106,267

women.

In terms of age, the population of Varna Region can be defined as middle-aged.



2016 21

In terms of ethnicity, according to a national census conducted in 2011, Bulgarians represent

93.4% of Varna’s population, while Turks comprise 3.6% and Roma 1.1%. On a national

level Bulgarians make up 84.8% of the total population with Turks being 8.8% and Roma

being 4.9%. The remainder consists mainly of small minorities such as Armenians,

Macedonians, Russians and Greeks. As for Asparuhovo district, there is once again no

official data but, according to field surveys conducted by the mayoralty, the Roma residents

are about 4,200 people and comprise about 15% of the population.

According to estimates of district’s authorities, the Project is expected to affect some 500

Asparuhovo residents with 250 of them being of Roma descent. The Roma people in

Asparuhovo are well integrated and have a decent standard of living, as no more than 20 of

them are registered as unemployed in the mayoralty. The rest either relies on remittances sent

by relatives working abroad1

or are employed as casual labourers in industry sectors such as

construction works, professional cleaning, tourism, boat maintenance and others. The Roma

neighborhood offers relatively good living conditions, as all its residents live in one, two or

three storey houses (albeit damaged by the 2014 flood), rather than in some shacks. Since the

majority of Roma people in Asparuhovo are part of the labour force and provide for

themselves, they are not dependent on social benefits. All Roma children attend public

schools and kindergartens. Given that Roma families usually have a number of children,

Roma women are less inclined to work than men. Often, they remain housewives taking care

of the household and children, while men work and earn money. Yet men and women have

equal access to employment and financing opportunities. It is also worth mentioning that the

Roma people in Asparuhovo define themselves as Turks and get offended when called Roma.

They tend to relate this denomination to negative associations. Since the Project (in

particular, the Western flood control channel) directly affects properties and parts of houses

(mostly illegal ones) in the Roma neighbourhood in Asparuhovo, the needs and peculiarities

of the local community have to be taken into considerations.

4.2.2 FIELD SURVEY ON SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT

To identify the current social baseline and attitude towards the Project of the Roma minority

living in illegal houses (preliminary reported as houses for demolition) in the immediate

vicinity of the Western channel, the Povvik team conducted a field survey as requested by the

EBRD. The field survey also addressed issues such as (1) households and overall number of

Roma residents affected by the Project; (2) characteristics of the land plots and properties

along the Eastern and Western channels (legal/illegal status; properties for expropriation); (3)

need for conducting physical or economic resettlement; (4) mechanisms of the expropriation

procedure (steps, stakeholders, grievance mechanism); (5) expected timeline for

implementation; and (6) current practices for stakeholder engagement by the Municipality.

The field survey was carried out in the period 29-30 June 2016. The Povvik team conducted

personal interviews with the affected Roma families, gathered visual materials such as photos

and videos, as well as prepared maps of the areas affected by the Project:

• Western channel – the section with higher population density and a number of illegal

houses populated by members of the Roma minority;

• Eastern channel – the section where no illegal land plots or houses are affected.

1 According to estimates of district’s authorities, more than 2,000 Roma people from Asparuhovo work abroad

and send remittances back home



2016 22

During the field survey the Povvik team was supported by representatives of the

Municipality.

The field survey reached the conclusion that there are a total of 7 illegally constructed houses

with yards in the immediate vicinity of the Western flood control channel (which, however,

would be affected only peripherally with no need to be demolished. The construction of the

Western channel will require the expropriation of some yard space belonging to four of these

seven properties. The following structures of the informal properties have to be demolished

or removed:

o All fences along Grivitsa street (the street along the Western channel);

o One laundry room shall be partially demolished;

o 3 external stairs shall be partially demolished;

o 2 summer kitchens attached to the main house shall be demolished;

o One storeroom attached to the main house shall be demolished;

o One wooden shelter shall be removed;

o One ramshackle shall be removed.

As these structures constitute mainly additional servicing shelters and the main buildings

(one, two or three storey houses) are not affected, no forced resettlement is required. The

families have enough living space/rooms so that they can stay in their houses during

construction and operation periods. Since the channels will be cemented and closed as part of

phase II of the Project, the yards (currently covered with concrete) would be available again

after the end of the construction works. However, it should be noted that all the fences of the

respective informal properties along the channel route will have to be removed.

There are no official records regarding the construction date of the informal properties.

According to the municipal authorities, most illegal properties have been constructed before

1989 (i.e. during the time of Socialism). After the democratic reforms in the earlier 1990s, no

steps have been taken by the municipal authorities to remove the illegal properties and

relocate the people, mainly due to budget constraints and a shortage of long-term social

housing where people can be relocated to. Priority for resettlement has been given to people

living in very poor or life-threatening conditions. The local authorities have not recognized

the living conditions in the Roma neighbourhood as such before the flood of June 2014 in

Asparuhovo.

Illegally-built houses along the Project route still exist (a total of 7 houses). In the past their

number used to be 9, however, 1 house was entirely demolished by the 2014 flood, while

another one became unfit to inhabit. The remaining 7 properties, on the other hand, suffered

serious damages. People that used to live in the demolished houses were immediately

relocated by the municipal authorities to temporary shelters (financing was provided by the

state budget). The other residents chose to continue living in their homes and gradually

repaired the damages on their own. The current residents of the 7 illegal houses are 132, as

two of the houses are uninhabited because their owners live and work abroad. At the present

moment, these 13 people appear to have recovered their houses to such an extent that they

live in decent conditions (i.e. they have access to electricity and potable water). They also

2 Allocated into 5 families of 2 to 4 people.



2016 23

have some income because they are either employed as full-time or occasional workers, or

rely on savings or transfers from their relatives who work abroad. No plantations are

cultivated or domesticated animals are bred in the 7 properties affected by the Project. Thus

there are no business activities going on in this area and hence no economic displacement is

required.

In order to identify the people and the assets that will be affected by land acquisition, and to

assess the compensation measures that will be required, a separate document called

Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) was developed as part of the Project’s activities.

4.2.3 SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

The representative of Varna Municipality in relation to the Project confirmed that the

rehabilitation and construction works as part of the Project will not prevent the direct access

of the neighboring residents to their respective properties. The selected construction company

will arrange for the deployment of safety overpasses to each house in order to ensure their

free accessibility for the period of construction (which is expected to be no longer than one

week per house). This measure is in line with the Bulgarian legislation under the supervision

of the Municipality.

The Municipality also takes over responsibility to assist, upon request, any residents who

indicate to experience disturbance due to the construction activities, by providing them with

temporary social accommodations. However, such requests are unlikely, due to the short

period of construction (no more than a week around a single house, with different intensity of

noise, vibration and dust levels).

In addition, there are two Municipality agencies, one NGO and two Roma mediators

providing social assistance to the local population and facilitating the social acceptance of the

Project.

In regard to the Project and the people affected by the reconstruction of the flood control

channel, the Municipality will introduce a scheme of differentiated social compensation of

illegal owners as a one-off social aid, within the legally prescribed limits. The largest amount

of aid will be given to those who will lose some parts of their properties (rooms, fences and

yards). Additionally, the Municipality will replace on its own expenses the underground

infrastructure connecting the residents to water supply, sewerage or electricity. Some of the

informal houses, illegally connected so far, will be connected with the power supply grid and

Water City Utility. This will result in improved safety and access to services which were no

previously available to some of the residents.

The Municipality is prepared to support the informal residents as well by providing free

consultancy support to the informal residents to ensure that any replacement structures (stairs,

fences, toilets) are developed in compliance with the engineering and safety standards.

Moreover, the Municipality is prepared to deliver, free of charge, construction materials

(cement, sand, gravel) to the construction site, which the informal residents could use to

partially recover their lost properties (where physically possible).



2016 24

It should be noted that there are no disabled persons or individuals living in adverse social

conditions in the area of the Project who have applied for financial support.

There are also two local social mediators who actively work with the Roma population in

Asparuhovo to facilitate the communication between the local Roma people and the

municipality authorities. In relation to the Project, they set out to acquaint the Roma

neighborhood with the details and potential impacts of the reconstruction of the flood control

channels. The two mediators even participated in the measurement of the canal servitude and

respectively the extent to which the illegal land plots would be affected by the Western

channel. Furthermore, the mediators have an office in the Roma neighborhood where they

receive and brief the local residents about the ongoing Project. Layouts of the Project design

are displayed in the office, illustrating the Project route and the plans for rehabilitation of the

area.

Public discussions have been held and the majority of the residents is fully aware of the

necessity of Project’s realization and has not raised any objections. According to the

mediators, there are only two Roma families living in the first two of the seven illegal houses

that still have their doubts about the Project. However, one more public meeting will be

organized before the commencement of the construction works at which the mediators will

try among others to assure these two families of the urgency of the Project.

In conclusion, this socio-economic analysis serves to facilitate the understanding of the social

and economic context in Varna Municipality and Asparuhovo district where the Project will

take place. The section also aims to aid the assessment of possible Project’s impacts on the

local residents, their living conditions and livelihood.

4.2.4 OTHER ISSUES OF RELEVANCE – GENDER EQUALITY

Bulgaria ranks among the five most gender-balanced countries worldwide according to a

recent global research of The Peterson Institute for International Economics and Ernst &

Young on women participation in business and corporate leadership. The study comprises

about 22 thousand companies in 91 countries. Although Bulgaria has not reached full gender

parity yet, it has exhibited an ever increasing number of women in important decision-making

roles over the past couple of years.

These positive results indicate the low degree of gender inequality in Bulgaria, which is in

compliance with the Constitution and national legislation stipulating the equal rights of men

and women in all spheres of public life. The fact that Bulgaria is one of the most gender-

balanced countries in the world can be attributed to the consistent national policies focused

on encouraging gender equality.

According to Eurostat Labour Force Survey, secondary education attainment of Bulgarian

women (77.1%) is considerably above the EU-27 average (70.9%). Furthermore, tertiary

education attainment of women has increased to 25.2% and is now close to the EU-27

average (25.8%). According to the National Statistical Institute (NSI) of Bulgaria, in 2015 the

unemployment rate of Bulgarian women was at 8.4%, which is 1.4% lower than the male

unemployment rate. The female unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing over the

past couple of years.



2016 25

This data at national level implies that male and female residents of Asparuhovo affected by

the Project will have equal access to social assistance, trainings, financing and job

opportunities that might mitigate any negative short-term impacts on the local population

resulting from the Project. Gender inequality is not considered to be an issue for the

realization of the Project.

4.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PRACTICES

Varna Municipality works actively with different stakeholder groups such as public

authorities (at national, regional or local level), NGOs, business organizations, local

communities and individuals in relation to the Project.

The usual approach while working with authority stakeholders is through official letters,

formal meetings or roundtables. The results of the engagement activities are always recorded

in protocols (Minutes of Meeting) signed by all participants.

Each Municipal decision or Mayor’s order, concerning different stakeholder groups is

published on the Municipal website, together with the respective official documents (project

specific information, maps, announcements, protocols, technical descriptions or others). The

specific information of importance for the different stakeholder groups is also required to be

published on the websites of the District Administrations (e.g. Asparuhovo district

administration). The information disclosure goes also through national and local media

(newspapers are the preferred communication channel).

As for the Project, Municipality approaches different stakeholders through information letters

and disclosure of project information. As mentioned above, stakeholders could be NGOs

from environmental sector, business organizations, pensioner clubs or other relevant

institutions. In case of seeking feedback from particular stakeholders, Municipality is dealing

proactively organizing meetings, roundtables or public hearings.

As per the EBRD requirements, a Stakeholder Engagement Plant (SEP) was developed for

the Project.

4.3.1 CURRENT PRACTICES FOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT FOR VARNA FLOOD

CONTROL CHANNELS REHABILITATION PROJECT

Varna Municipality has established a structural approach for information disclosure and

stakeholder engagement for infrastructure development projects, including this for flood

control channels rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the City of Varna established Expert Council consisting of different institutions

(at central and local level) and organizations representing the interest of public and private

sectors.

At the session of the Expert Council held on December 22, 2015, the Project was presented to

the experts from the Chief Architect of the Municipality of Varna and was approved by the

Council.

On January 19, 2016 Varna Municipality sent officially the approval decision for public

disclosure in the State Gazette, and it was promulgated on Jan 26, 2016. On the date of



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issuance of the public announcement in the State Gazette, the Municipality disclosed

information about the Project on the Municipal billboard, on the billboard of Asparuhovo

district administration office and on the websites of the Municipality and Asparuhovo district

administration. On the same date the announcement was sent for publication in one of the

biggest national daily newspapers – “24 chasa”, where it was published on Jan 28.

On April 5, 2016 the Mayor of Varna – Ivan Portnih, presented the Project to the Municipal

Council (the highest decision making body of the City). The Project was approved at the

session of the Municipal Council held on April 20, 2016.

The Decision of the Municipal Council was published in the State Gazette N 38/May 20,

2016. On May 10, 2016 the Project for flood control channels rehabilitation was submitted in

the local administrative district office of Asparuhovo, where it is still publicly available.



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4.3.2 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

The Municipality has no written procedure for grievance. On Municipality’s website, there is

an e-mail address specifically dedicated for grievances, questions, complaints or statements

from the citizens, directed to City management or administration. Each individual can submit

a grievance officially or anonymously. If the submitting party would wish to receive an

answer, then it is mandatory to indicate his or her name, address, phone or mail, along with

clear explanation of the subject of the grievance.

The complaint is directed to the office of the respective vice-Mayor who distributes the

complaints to the respective officers for appropriate action. Usually, the Municipality takes

immediate actions addressing each feedback or complaint from citizens, depending, however,

on the subject of complaint (sometimes it may take more time to respond to the complaint, if,

for example, there is documentation to be investigated or surveys to be conducted).

Each complaint is recorded, registered and followed through. There is two–level recording

system:

• Record of the complaint to the Mayor’s administration office;

• Record of the complaint at the office of the emergency team of Varna Municipality.

In both offices the complaints are recorded and their proceedings are under control.

As per the EBRD requirements, a Stakeholder Engagement Plant (SEP) was developed for

the Project. The SEP includes a grievance procedure that will be implemented by the

Municipality.

4.4 SOCIAL IMPACTS

4.4.1 IMPACTS AT NATIONAL LEVEL

At national level the Project can potentially relieve the State Treasury of large expenditures

for emergency assistance to the local population resulting from recurring natural disasters in

Asparuhovo district such as the flood in 2014. To alleviate the consequences of the

devastating flood, the State provided more than BGN 240,000 in the form of financial aid and

subsidies for a period of 5 months between June and November 2014. The Rehabilitation of

the Eastern and Western flood control channels will prevent a repetition of the 2014 disaster,

as well as the subsequent need for financial assistance by the State. This would have long-

term positive effect at national level.

4.4.2 IMPACTS AT LOCAL LEVEL

At local level the Project will have both positive and negative (rather short-term) impacts on

the social context in Asparuhovo district.

In terms of negative effects, the construction activities related to Project implementation will

cause short-term discomfort and nuisance to the local population living in close vicinity to the

routes of both channels. As a result of the construction works there might be also limited

access to some public facilities and infrastructure. Nonetheless, this negative impact is

considered to be rather minor. On top of that, however, the residents of the 7 informal

properties affected by the Western channel will have to concede some temporary losses of

living space. One storage room, two summer kitchens and several secondary structures will

be partially or completely demolished, which would inevitably cause further discomfort to



2016 28

the informal residents. However, after the finish of channel’s construction works, the

Municipality will provide assistance to the informal owners to re-build where physically

possible or to compensate in form of one-off social aid the most affected residents. Therefore,

this short-term impact can be assessed as medium.

The Project is expected to have many more positive social impacts in the long-run on

Asparuhovo district. First, the rehabilitation of the two flood control channels will lead to

improvement of the infrastructure, safety connections and access to City utility services like

sewage and waste water treatment and creation of healthier and safer living conditions. The

urban environment will be also made more aesthetic and pleasing through the construction of

new recreational public amenities. Therefore, the Project is expected to result in major

positive effects on the health, safety and overall well-being of the local population. In

addition, it will also have a positive impact on the job supply in the area. The construction

and consequent need for maintenance of the Eastern and Western flood control channels will

create new job opportunities for the Asparuhovo residents and thus will improve the standard

of living in the district. Since the routes of both channels do not affect properties used for

economic activities, the Project will have no negative effect on residents’ livelihood but, on

the contrary, only positive effect. The aforementioned changes in the social context in

Asparuhovo district are considered to have a major positive impact on the local population in

the long run.

4.5 SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLANS, MITIGATION MEASURES AND COMPENSATORY

MEASURES

In order to address issues identified during this Environmental and Social Assessment, an

Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) was developed as a separate document. The

ESAP is focused on those issues that are required to bring the operations into compliance

with the EBRD’s requirements, best practice and legal requirements.

4.5.1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

The impacts related with Social Environment during the construction could be split on three

main groups:

• Mitigation measures for impacts related to partial loss of premises/shelters/yard space

from the informal owners of houses in the Western channel right-of way:

� Disclosure of preliminary information to the concerned households. Explanations

and clarifications of the process of construction and construction stages.

Explanation of the level of impacts to the concerned citizens;

� Presence of representatives from the Social Department of the Municipality of

Varna, together with representatives of the local NGOs and mediators during the

construction. The mediators and the representatives of the local NGOs may

provide assistance in the communication between the local residents and the

construction workers. The representative of Social department will have the right

to intervene in case some issues / risks arise from the construction.

� Temporary suspension of construction activities in case of serious and

unanticipated impacts (i.e. impacts under the integrity of the main buildings/

houses in the yard, emergency accidents with the local residents or other);

� Restoration of the dismantled structures to their state prior to the Project, where

feasible.



2016 29

� Providing temporary accommodation upon request by the local citizens during the

construction period, due to disturbance caused by the construction works (noise

levels, dust, vibrations). It is expected the construction to take no more than one

week in the nearest vicinity of one house.

� Provision of adequate construction site signage and fencing securing the living

conditions of the informal residents during the construction works;

� Provision of financial compensation in form of social aid to the residents with

most affected properties from the construction;

� Provision of free consultancy support to the informal residents to ensure that any

replacement structures (stairs, fences, toilets) are developed in compliance with

the engineering and safety standards;

� Delivery, free of charge, of construction materials (cement, sand, gravel) to the

construction site, which the informal residents could use to partially recover their

lost properties (where physically possible).

• Mitigation measures for impacts related to the expropriation of private land plots

(with formal ownership rights):

� Disclose information at the earliest possible stage and to enter in direct contacts

with the owners for disclosure of relevant information in their concern;

� Disclose information for the applicable grievance procedure according to the

applicable legislation (Municipal Property Act);

� Providing any other assistance in relation with difficulties encountered by the

owners in the process of expropriation – e.g. assistance with the opening of a bank

account for receiving the compensation amount in case no such account is in

place, or other of relevance.

• Mitigation measures for general impact from the construction activities on the

population inhabiting the project area of influence:

� Early information disclosure prior to the start of the construction activities. The

information should contain more details and clarification about the construction

schedule, construction areas, responsible persons from the Municipality,

Construction Contractor and Construction supervisor (together with their contact

details).

� Instalment of safety overpasses to secure the access to houses or buildings during

the construction;

� Providing strict independent monitoring during the construction and in case of

need, prohibition of the access in the vicinity of construction sites for minors,

elderly and/or disadvantaged individuals that may be put in risk during the

construction works.

4.5.2 DURING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

The impacts on the Social Environment during the operation and maintenance phase are

strongly positive, due to newly built public amenities, instalment of sport and recreational

facilities and improvement of green areas for relaxation. Thus, the efforts should address

mainly the enhancement of the positive impacts in the long-run. The measures in this regard

should be:

• Adequate and systematic maintenance of the recreational and relaxing facilities and green

spaces through hiring of local labour force;

• The Social activities department of Varna Municipality or the local district administration

of Asparuhovo can organize different events related with the newly-built facilities: sport

competitions, happenings, tournaments for the local children;



2016 30

• Provision of trainings/public lectures by the local authorities for children and adolescents

about the importance of the green systems for the urban development, flood prevention,

aesthetics of the environment and others.



2016 31

5.0 Monitoring of Impacts

The environmental and social monitoring plan is important for the preservation of the natural

and social environment during the implementation and operation phases of the investment

project. The environmental and social monitoring plan must facilitate the measurement and

evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative changes in environmental indicators, as well as

the social aspects during the project implementation. It must ensure that appropriate measures

and mechanisms are in place for quick response and reduction of the risks to human health,

and social and environmental well-being

5.1 MONITORING DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

The environmental components, which should be monitored during the construction works,

include air quality, waste and noise. Table 5.1-1 lists the components of an environmental

monitoring schedule that could be implemented during the construction phase.

Table 5.1-1. Proposed monitoring schedule for channels reconstruction activities in

Asparuhovo during the construction phase Environmental/

Social

component

Monitoring method and

indicators

Timing of sampling Objectives and interpretation

Atmospheric air

quality

Sampling Method:

Bulgarian State Standard

- BSS EN ISO

14956:2004; BSS EN

ISO 9169:2006 and BSS

ISO 4226:1999

Monitoring and

measurement for

pollutants:

- total dust emissions

(BSS 17.2.4.20:1983)

-PM10 emissions (BSS

EN 12341:2004)

Automated monitoring

can be carried out by an

automatic air quality

measurement system or

periodic measurements

can be taken manually by

the regional laboratory of

environmental authorities

during working hours at

the construction phase

when dust and particulate

matter are most likely to

be generated.

Measuring air pollution from

non-organized sources in the

vicinity of the construction sites

- mostly dust from construction

activities.

Noise Sampling Method:

BSS ISO 1996:2005

-Environmental Noise

BSS ISO 1996-1:2005

BSS ISO 1996-2:2005

BSS ISO 1996-3:2005

Periodic monitoring may

be conducted during

noisy construction work

or upon signals received

from the population.

Noise monitoring should be

carried out to establish whether

any of the construction activities

have a significant effect on

environmental noise in the area

Waste Monitoring of types and

amounts of waste

generated during the

construction phase.

Sorting and weighing of

the construction waste.

Ensuring proper and safe

disposal of waste generated

during construction.

Biodiversity Monitoring of the

construction works

In the course of

construction works

To ensure that construction

works are carried out within the

designated RoW and do not

affect any vegetation beyond

these limits

Informal

residents

Supervision of

construction works by:

Independent constructor

Until the end of

construction works in the

vicinity of informal

Safety living conditions and low

levels of disturbance



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Environmental/

Social

component


indicators


supervisor;

Representatives of the

Municipality;

NGOs representatives

Mediators

Through verification of

the presence of crossings,

fences and signs

adequately indicating the

construction sites.

Number of submitted

applications for

temporary

accommodation due to

disturbance by the

construction works

Number of received

complaints by the local

residents

properties

Formal land-plot

owners



fences and signs


construction sites.

Number of received

complaints by the former

formal land-plot owners

Until the end of

construction works in the

vicinity of affected

properties



Local residents in

the area of project

influence

Information disclosure

prior the start of

construction works

(number of distributed

leaflets; signs at the

construction sites)



fences and signs


construction sites.

Number of received


population

Until the end of

construction works



Vulnerable

groups (children,

elderly,

disadvantaged

people)

Information disclosure

prior the start of

construction works

(number of distributed

leaflets; signs at the

construction sites)



fences and signs

Until the end of

construction works





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Environmental/

Social

component


indicators



construction sites.

Provision of social

assistance upon request

Number of received


population

In addition to the environmental monitoring schedule, outlined above, the contractor should

be compliant with the legislation requirements regarding construction activities. The

Municipality should pay particular attention to ensuring that all construction contractors and

suppliers observe the same standards and follow its requirements for safe and

environmentally friendly operation.

5.2 MONITORING DURING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Considering the nature of the Project, no complex plans or schedules for environmental

monitoring are necessary for this type of investment proposal, other than the general

monitoring currently carried out by the RIEW-Varna, which measures air quality, noise levels

and controls waste management practices. Effects from the project operation will be

identified by the existing systems for monitoring of air quality and noise levels established on

the territory of Varna.

Table 5.2-1 below proposes some monitoring measures related to biodiversity and social

aspects during the operation and maintenance phase.

Table 5.2-1. Proposed monitoring schedule for channels reconstruction activities in

Asparuhovo during the operation and maintenance phase Environmental/

Social

component


indicators


Biodiversity Monitoring of

environmental

reinstatement and

biological remediation

works

In the course of Project

implementation and

maintenance

To ensure that environmental

reinstatement is carried out

according to the approved design

and biological remediation is

successfully implemented and

maintained

Informal

residents

Recovered

premises/shelters/fences/

servicing areas in the

same or better state as the

one prior to the Project,

where physically

possible

Recovered living area –

green areas and new

facilities

Improved living

conditions – connections

Immediately after the end

of construction works

and works related to the

improvement of the

urban environment

Confirmation of the living

conditions of the informal

residents (same or better as the

ones prior to the project)



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Environmental/

Social

component


indicators


to City utilities and

access to all services

provided by the Utility

companies

Local residents in

the area of project

influence

Job opportunities for the

local people

Access of the local

people to the newly built

recreational facilities

Long-term adequate

maintenance after the end



improvement of the

urban environment

Better living conditions

Vulnerable

groups (children,

elderly,

disadvantaged

people)

Access of the vulnerable

groups to the newly built

recreational facilities

Long-term adequate

maintenance after the end



improvement of the

urban environment

Better living conditions

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