INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATASHEET
APPRAISAL STAGE
I. Basic Information
Date prepared/updated: 04/17/2007
Report No.: AC2575
Public Disclosure Authorized
1. Basic Project Data
Country: Europe and Central Asia
Project ID: P084608
Project Name: Neretva and Trebisnjica River Basin Management Project (BiH/Croatia)
Task Team Leader: Usaid I. El-Hanbali
GEF Focal Area: Multi-focal area
Global Supplemental ID:
Estimated Appraisal Date: November 16,
Estimated Board Date: June 26, 2007
2006
Managing Unit: ECSSD
Lending Instrument: Specific Investment
Loan
Sector: General water, sanitation and flood protection sector (100%)
Theme: Water resource management (P);Pollution management and environmental
health (P);Biodiversity (S);Land administration and management (S)
Public Disclosure Authorized
IBRD Amount (US$m.):
0.00
IDA Amount (US$m.):
0.00
GEF Amount (US$m.):
8.00
PCF Amount (US$m.):
0.00
Other financing amounts by source:
BORROWER/RECIPIENT
8.86
Bilateral
Agencies
(unidentified)
3.91
Local
Farmer
Organizations
0.50
13.27
Environmental Category: B - Partial Assessment
Simplified Processing
Simple []
Repeater []
Public Disclosure Authorized
Is this project processed under OP 8.50 (Emergency Recovery)
Yes [ ]
No [X]
2. Project Objectives
The objective of the project is to improve water resource management at the Neretva and
Trebisnjcia river basins and the transboundary level, providing mechanism for efficient
and equitable water allocation amongst the basins' users and for improved health of the
ecosystems and biodiversity in the basins. The project is consistent with the GEF
operation programs Coastal, Marine and Freshwater Ecosystem (OP#2), and Integrated
Land and Water Multiple Focal Area Operation Program, under the International
Waterways Operational Strategy (OP#9).
Key indicators:
Public Disclosure Authorized
Key indicators to measure project impact would include: (i)Increased inter-state
cooperation and capacity for transboundary water resource management; (ii) Reduction
of water pollution from municipal and industrial sources on selected municipalities in the
basins; (iii) Improved maintenance of environmental flows and improved ecosystem and
natural resources management in the basins; (iv) Design and implementation of a Pilot
Scheme in Neretva Delta to reduce salt water intrusion in the Neretva Delta, and provide
the Government of Croatia with a sample for any future development in that area.
3. Project Description
The proposed project would have the following components:
Component 1. Improved trans-boundary water resource management (US$6.46million
of which GEF US$2.32million) The objective of this component is to strengthen the
institutional capacity for the comprehensive management of the NTRB's water resources
and environment. It has three sub-components: (a) Institution and capacity building: (b)
Measurement, monitoring and information management; and (c) Preparation of a river
basin management planning.
Component 2 Improved management and use of wetlands ecosystems and biodiversity
(US$2.89million of which GEF US$1.95 million) The objective of this component is to
maintain and conserve water dependent ecosystems and their associated biodiversity in
the NTRB, according to requirements of the EU WFD. It has three sub-components: (a)
Improved wetlands management and a pilot scheme to address salt water intrusion in
Neretva Delta; (b) Small scale water management infrastructure; and (c) Improved
operation of reservoirs, HPPs and dams.
Component 3 High priority investments in water pollution control (US$9.42 million of
which GEF US$2.46 million) The objective of this component is to reduce water
pollution to the NTRB through high priority investments in low cost, appropriate
wastewater technology improvements in three municipalities and one industrial sector in
BiH. It has three sub-components: (a) Municipal wastewater treatment improvements in
Bileca, Konjic and Ljubuski municipalities (including improvements of wastewater
collection and treatment infrastructure in Nevesinje and Trebinje; (b) Industrial Pollution
Control in Konjic including the "SurTec Eurosjaj" and "Unisgal" companies; and (c)
Strengthening of water quality monitoring laboratories.
Component 4 Public participation and management of project implementation(US$2.50
million of which GEF US$1.27 million) The objective of this component is to increase
civil society participation in the decision making process for water resource management
and to establish an incentive mechanism for responsible, local level resource
management. It also finances project management. It has three sub-components: (a)
Scientific community involvement; (b) Civil society participation; and (c) Management
of project implementation.
4. Project Location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard
analysis
The project is located in the Neretva and Trebisjnica River Basin (NTRB)- a
transboundary basin between BiH and Croatia. The project comprises institutional
strengthening to the management of the NTRB's water resources and environment and
specific civil works for rehabilitation of wetlands ecosystems and and improvement of
water quality in the NTRB. Specific investments financed under Component 2 will focus
on improvement of water infrastructure (e.g., rehabilitation of gates, weirs, river banks,
and existing irrigation structures) and restoration of wetlands situated in the lower part of
the NTRB in both countries. Specifically, wetland improvements are envisaged in Hutavo
Blato Nature Park in BiH and in five protected areas in Croatia : Usce Neretve
(ichtyological and ornithological reserve), Modro Oko and Desne Lake (protected
landscape), Orepak, Pod Gredom, and Prud (ornithological reserves) and the Neretva
Delta. This component will also finance dam safety monitoring equipment to the
Alagovac dam, in Nevesinje municipality (RS),located in a seismically active area. The
priority investments for water pollution control financed under Component 3 are located
only in BiH repsectively in Bileca (RS), Konjic (FBiH), Ljubuski (FBiH), Nevesinje
(RS), and Trebinje (RS) municipalities and at two industrial factories in Konjic. Through
its activities the project intends to enhance the ecosystem in the Neretva Delta and to
reduce water pollution in the NTRB through improved water quality monitoring and
reduction of municipal-based pollution. All investments to be financed by this project
will apply BiH and Croatian environmental laws and regulations as well as the World
Bank guidelines for the selected safeguard policies.
5. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists
Ms Paula F. Lytle (ECSSD)
Ms Ruxandra Maria Floroiu (ECSSD)
6. Safeguard Policies Triggered
Yes No
Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01)
X
Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04)
X
Forests (OP/BP 4.36)
X
Pest Management (OP 4.09)
X
Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11)
X
Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10)
X
Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)
X
Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37)
X
Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50)
X
Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60)
X
II. Key Safeguard Policy Issues and Their Management
A. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues
1. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project.
Identify and describe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts:
The project has been proposed as environmental assessment category B and triggers the
following safeguard policies: OP/BPs 4.01 on Environmental Assessment, OP/BP 4.04
on Natural Habitats, OP/BP4.37 on Safety of Dams, and OP/BP7.50 on Projects on
International Waterways. The minor environmental impacts of the project are mostly
expected from the investments supporting specific improvement works to existing
municipal infrastructure (e.g., wastewater treatment systems) and to water management
infrastructure(e.g., rehabilitation of wetlands, gates, weirs, river banks, and irrigation
structures).
The OP 4.37 (para. 7) provides that the Bank may finance certain types of Projects that
do not include a new dam but which nevertheless rely on the performance of an existing
dam. In such cases, the Bank requires that the Borrower (Recipient) arranges for one or
more independent dam specialists to (a) inspect and evaluate the safety status of the
existing dam, its appurtanences and its performance history (b) review and evaluate the
owner's operation and maintenance procedures; and (c) provide a written report of
findings and recommendations for any remedial work or safety-related measures
necessary to upgrade the existing dam to an acceptable standard of safety (OP 4.37, para.
8). Two elements of OP 4.37 are relevant: (i) safety, e.g. environment would be
devastated in case of uncontrolled release of water from the reservoirs; and (ii) reliable
operation, e.g. if a management river flows framework is agreed upon, the physical
infrastructure should be capable of implementing it. The client has prepared a report
which describes the inspection and evaluation procedures used to monitor dam safety; the
current safety status of each dam; and makes recommendations for any remedial works or
safety related measures necessary to upgrade the existing dam to an acceptable standard
of safety. . This dam safety report found out that the Alagovac dam, Nevesinje
municipality (RS), is the only dam in the NTRB lacking equipment for dam safety
monitoring. This dam is located in a seismically active area. Installation of proper
equipment would allow adequate response upon registration of earthquakes in the area.
Accordingly, the project will finance the needed dam safety monitoring equipment.
The proposed project will provide a number of investments that will target improved
water resources management in the Neretva and Trebisnjica river basins which flow in
the Adriatic Sea, therefore triggering the World Bank OP 7.50 ? Projects on International
Waterways. However, because of the rehabilitation nature of the activities financed, the
Project falls under the exception to the notification requirement under paragraph 7(a) of
OP 7.50 (rehabilitation of an on-going scheme). On this basis, an exemption to the
notification of riparians has been prepared for and approved by the office of the ECA
Regional Vice President on March 29, 2007. Overall, the project does not negatively
impact the water quality or quantity in the Adriatic Sea and is implemented jointly by
both countries.
No land acquisition or relocation of people will be necessary for the infrastructure
improvements, therefore OP 4.12 on Involuntary Resettlement is not triggered.
The OP/BP 4.04 is triggered since planned activities will finance infrastructure to
regulate the water regime in the Krupa River within Hutovo Blato Nature Park in order to
restore natural wetlands in the Park. These investments will not intend to convert the
existing wetlands (protected under the Ramsar Convention) but rather to conserve their
habitat through prevention of salinity impact on the park environment. The EIA and
related EMP developed during the project preparation highlighted the mitigation
measures and monitoring activities necessary to be implemented during the development
of these investments.
2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future
activities in the project area:
The potential environmental and social implications of the physical investments to be
supported under the project are described in the EA and Environmental Management Plan
(EMP) developed by the Government during project preparation. The investments
supported are intended to improve water quality, agriculture efficiency and overal
ecosystem in the NTRB in order to enhance the quality of life of the people in the project
area while reducing the environmental degradation of the basin, and will be designed to
minimize adverse effects. No significant indirect or long-term environmental impacts are
expected.
3. Describe any project alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize
adverse impacts.
Not applied.
4. Describe measures taken by the borrower to address safeguard policy issues. Provide
an assessment of borrower capacity to plan and implement the measures described.
As part of project preparation, the Government has prepared the EIA reprot including
EMP, to address potential environmental impacts associated with the infrastructure
investments. This document meets the current legislation in Croatia and BiH as well as
the World Bank?s operation policy OP/BP4.01 on EA. Related to the OP/BP 4.37, the
client has prepared a report which describes the inspection and evaluation procedures
used to monitor dam safety; the current safety status of each dam in Neretva River Basin;
and makes recommendations for any remedial works or safety related measures necessary
to upgrade the existing Alagovac dam to an acceptable standard of safety. The project
will also support capacity building to the NTRB management in both countries and the
involved municipalities in BiH for further strengthening their environmental and water
resources management capacity to supervise affiliated investments, including provision
of transboundary management tools such as basin-wide measurements, monitoring,
modeling and database management system along with support training. Furthermore, the
project will also finance capacity building for monitoring and enforcement of industrial
wastewater effluents by upgrading the municipal water quality laboratory; developing
effluent standards; developing enforcements guidelines; and training. Finally, the civil
society participation in water resource management will be strengthen through financing
of increased dissemination of scientific findings and activities (e.g., civil participation in
competitive program for matching grants to support projects which demonstrate
innovative and low cost approaches to economic development and contribute to water
pollution control and/or conservation.
5. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and
disclosure on safeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people.
Key stakeholders of the project include the BiH State level Ministry of Foreign Trade and
Economic Relations (MOFTER), The two entity ministries (in RS and FBiH) of
Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the two entity ministries of Environment
(in RS and FBiH), the selected municipalities in BiH, the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Water Management (MAFWM) through Hrvatske Voda (HV) in Croatia as
well as the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction;
and Ministry of Culture in Croatia. The PMTs established in each country and will
monitor the project implementation in close coordination with the local authorities in the
selected municipalities. At the transboundary level, overall coordination of project
implementation will be the responsibility of the ISWC with support from a joint Steering
Committee (SC) and an established Technical Working Group consisting of experts in
water, environment, agriculture, and energy sectors; HPP authorities; municipal
representatives; and NGOs.
The draft EIA and EMP have been discussed during several consultations meetings held
in Ploce (Republic of Croatia) on August 2, 2006 as well as in Bileca, Konjik and
municipalities of Nevesinje, Trebinje and Ljubujki (BiH) during the period of August and
September 2006. A final draft EIA including comments addressed during public
consultations has been posted in the following locations: (i) on the WB office website in
Croatia in early August; (ii) on the RS Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment
Protection web site at the end of September, 2006; and (iii) on the WB office website in
BiH following approval by the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology
on September 27, 2006. The draft EIA has been also disclosed in Washington to Infoshop
on October 25, 2006.
B. Disclosure Requirements Date
Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other:
Date of receipt by the Bank
08/28/2006
Date of "in-country" disclosure
09/27/2006
Date of submission to InfoShop
10/31/2006
For category A projects, date of distributing the Executive
Summary of the EA to the Executive Directors
* If the project triggers the Pest Management and/or Physical Cultural Resources,
the respective issues are to be addressed and disclosed as part of the Environmental
Assessment/Audit/or EMP.
If in-country disclosure of any of the above documents is not expected, please
explain why:
NOTE: EA disclosure with public hearing and web posting in Croatia occurred in early
August; EA disclosure during public hearing occurred in BiH early August while final
disclosure of the revised EA occurred on the RS Ministry of Spatial Planning and
Environment Protection website and WB website in BiH on September 27, 2006.
C. Compliance Monitoring Indicators at the Corporate Level (to be filled in when the
ISDS is finalized by the project decision meeting)
OP/BP/GP 4.01 - Environment Assessment
Does the project require a stand-alone EA (including EMP) report?
Yes
If yes, then did the Regional Environment Unit or Sector Manager (SM)
Yes
review and approve the EA report?
Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated in the
Yes
credit/loan?
OP/BP 4.04 - Natural Habitats
Would the project result in any significant conversion or degradation of
No
critical natural habitats?
If the project would result in significant conversion or degradation of other
N/A
(non-critical) natural habitats, does the project include mitigation measures
acceptable to the Bank?
OP/BP 4.37 - Safety of Dams
Have dam safety plans been prepared?
N/A
Have the TORs as well as composition for the independent Panel of Experts
N/A
(POE) been reviewed and approved by the Bank?
Has an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) been prepared and arrangements N/A
been made for public awareness and training?
OP 7.50 - Projects on International Waterways
Have the other riparians been notified of the project?
No
If the project falls under one of the exceptions to the notification
Yes
requirement, has this been cleared with the Legal Department, and the memo
to the RVP prepared and sent?
Has the RVP approved such an exception?
Yes
The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information
Have relevant safeguard policies documents been sent to the World Bank's
Yes
Infoshop?
Have relevant documents been disclosed in-country in a public place in a
Yes
form and language that are understandable and accessible to project-affected
groups and local NGOs?
All Safeguard Policies
Have satisfactory calendar, budget and clear institutional responsibilities
Yes
been prepared for the implementation of measures related to safeguard
policies?
Have costs related to safeguard policy measures been included in the project
Yes
cost?
Does the Monitoring and Evaluation system of the project include the
Yes
monitoring of safeguard impacts and measures related to safeguard policies?
Have satisfactory implementation arrangements been agreed with the
Yes
borrower and the same been adequately reflected in the project legal
documents?
D. Approvals
Signed and submitted by:
Name
Date
Task Team Leader:
Mr Usaid I. El-Hanbali
04/09/2007
Environmental Specialist:
Ms Ruxandra Maria Floroiu
04/10/2007
Social Development Specialist
Ms Paula F. Lytle
04/10/2007
Additional Environmental and/or
Social Development Specialist(s):
Approved by:
Regional Safeguards Coordinator:
Mr Ronald N. Hoffer
04/10/2007
Comments:
Sector Manager:
Ms Marjory-Anne Bromhead
04/10/2007
Comments: