THE STUDY ON WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN SKOPJE IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

DRAFT SCOPING FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY

TOKYO ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS CO., LTD. in association with CTI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

Table of Contents 1.

Title of the Cooperation Project, and Names of Project Proponent and Consultants............ 1 1.1. Title of the Cooperation Project ..................................................................................... 1 1.2. Names of Project Proponent .......................................................................................... 1 1.3. Names of the Consultants .............................................................................................. 1 2. Environmental Category and Reasons for Categorization .................................................... 1 3. Outline of the Project Proposed in the Study ........................................................................ 1 3.1. Objectives of the Project ................................................................................................ 1 3.2. Location of the Project Area .......................................................................................... 1 3.3. Scope of the Study ......................................................................................................... 2 3.4. Proposed Project ............................................................................................................ 2 4. Description of the Project Area ............................................................................................. 3 4.1. Physical Environment .................................................................................................... 3 4.1.1. Geography .............................................................................................................. 3 4.1.2. Soil Quality ............................................................................................................ 3 4.1.3. River ....................................................................................................................... 3 4.1.4. Ground Water ......................................................................................................... 4 4.1.5. Climate and Meteorology ....................................................................................... 5 4.1.6. Ecology................................................................................................................... 7 4.1.7. Protected areas in and around Skopje City............................................................. 8 4.2. Socio-economic condition.............................................................................................. 8 4.2.1. Population............................................................................................................... 8 4.2.2. Water Use ............................................................................................................... 9 4.2.3. Work force and Employment.................................................................................. 9 4.2.4. Households and accommodation.......................................................................... 10 4.2.5. Education.............................................................................................................. 10 4.2.6. Health ................................................................................................................... 11 4.2.7. Economic parameters ........................................................................................... 11 4.2.8. Land Use .............................................................................................................. 12 4.3. Public Hazard............................................................................................................... 13 4.3.1. Ambient Air Quality............................................................................................. 13 4.3.2. Ambient Noise...................................................................................................... 16 4.3.3. Water Pollution..................................................................................................... 16 4.3.4. Solid Waste........................................................................................................... 16 5. Legal Framework of Environmental and Social Considerations......................................... 18 5.1. Laws and Regulations on EIA ..................................................................................... 18 5.1.1. EIA Process in Macedonia ................................................................................... 19 5.1.2. Requirements for EIA Report............................................................................... 21 5.1.3. Result of the Consultation with Recipient Government....................................... 21 5.2. Emission Standards ...................................................................................................... 21 5.3. Expropriation ............................................................................................................... 24 6. Alternatives including without project option..................................................................... 25 6.1. With/Without................................................................................................................ 25 6.2. Alternatives .................................................................................................................. 26 7. Notification, Screening and Scoping................................................................................... 26 7.1. Notification and Screening........................................................................................... 26 7.2. Scoping ........................................................................................................................ 27 8. Stakeholder Meeting ........................................................................................................... 27 9. Terms of Reference for EIA on the Feasibility Study ......................................................... 28

3.3. Scope of the Study The following items were set up at the Scope of the Study: Phase 1: Formulation of a basic plan on wastewater management [1.1] Presentation and discussion of the inception report [1.2] Collection of relevant information/data such as planning and policies [1.3] Confirmation on existing condition of sewerage and industrial wastewater management [1.4] Field reconnaissance for formulation of basic plan (1) Public awareness survey (2) Water utilization survey (3) Water quality test (4) Industry survey [1.5] Understanding of institutional and financial issues and formulation of basic plan for A/P [1.6] Formulation of basic plan targeted on year 2020 [1.7] Conducting F/S, CD to city of Skopje and PE "water supply and sewerage" Skopje, and confirmation of priority items including industrial wastewater management [1.8] Environmental and Social Considerations at Basic Plan Stage [1.9] Presentation and discussion of Progress report Phase 2-1: Conducting Feasibility Study (F/S) on sewerage Development [2-1.1] Setting Up of Design Concept/Parameter for F/S [2-1.2] Surveys [2-1.3] Design on Sewerage Facilities such as WWTP, Pipelines and the Relevant Facilities [2-1.4] Preparation of Plans on Construction Schedule and Material Procurement [2-1.5] Preparation of Operation and Maintenance Plan [2-1.6] Estimate of Project (Construction) and O/M cost [2-1.7] Environmental and Social Considerations at F/S stage [2-1.8] Study for CDM application to this project [2-1.9] Project Evaluation regarding Economical, Financial, Technical, Social and Environmental Aspects [2-1.10] Setting Up Project Effect Indicator Phase 2-2: Preparation of A/P on Organizational and Financial Aspects [2-2.1] Share with the C/P of the outcome of capacity assessment on Organizational and Financial Aspects related to wastewater management and the principle of CD [2-2.2] Preparation of A/P on organizational and financial aspects for wastewater management by Skopje City and the PE (including a rise in consumer’s awareness) [2-2.3] Conducting Workshop and Capacity Development Relevant Activities Phase 2-3：Formulation of Action Plan (A/P) on Industrial Wastewater Management and Water Quality Monitoring System [2-3.1] Issues on Industrial Wastewater Management and Water Quality Monitoring System [2-3.2] Formulation of Action Plan [2-3.3] Conducting Workshop and Capacity Development Relevant Activities Phase 1 had finished at the end of March 2008 and Phase 2 has started from May 2008. 3.4. Proposed Project The major components of the Proposed Project for which an EIA study will be carried out are: •

Construction of WWTP in Trubarevo The location of WWTP will be within the “water economy facility zone” of General Urban plan of Skopje City. Treatment capacity: 164,000 m3/d 2

Treatment process: CASP (Conventional Activated Sludge Process) Sludge treatment process: Thickening, digesting, drying, landfill or reuse Inflow

Grid Chamber Pump

Distribution Tank

Primary Settling Tank Raw Sludge

Final Settling Tank

Disinfection Tank

Return Sludge Outflow Excess Sludge

Setting Tank for Storm Water

Gravity Thicker

•

Aeration Tank

Anaerobic Sludge Digester

Drying Bed

Transport

Installation of Main Collector Main collector on left bank: diameter 1,500~1,600 mm, 4 km Main collector on right bank: diameter 1,800 mm, 5 km

4. Description of the Project Area 4.1. Physical Environment 4.1.1. Geography The Skopje Valley is surrounded by high mountains – Skopska Crna Gora on the north (1,626 m), on the west by the mountains Zeden (1,254 m) and Osoj (1,369 m), mountain Jakupica (2,540 m) on the south and Katlanovo hill on the east. The Skopje Valley is oriented from north-west to south-east in length of 47 km, the width varies between 28 and 50 km. The Valley area is 2,100 km2. The lowest point of the Valley is at altitude of 175 m and the highest point is at Jakupica mountain (2,540 m). City of Skopje borders Čučer-Sandevo municipality and Serbia in the north, Jegunovce municipality and Želino municipality in the west, Sopište municipality and Studeničani municipality in the south, Ilinden municipality, Lipkovo municipality and Aračinovo municipality in the east. City of Skopje is located in the central part of Skopje Valley at 42°0′N, 21°26′E, on the upper course of the Vardar River, 230-240 meters above see level and have 7,656 ha in total. Planned location of WWTP for Skopje is on the south-east part of Skopje valley which presents a homogenous physical-geographic area, that occupies the lowest part of the Skopje Valley. 4.1.2. Soil Quality Generally, the major part of the soil in Skopje Valley is mixed clay and alluvial with high organic contents. The soils in the lower parts of the Valley are fertile having a high agricultural value. The upper 50 cm of the soil is porous, with vegetation and habitat. Urban development and industry on the territory of Skopje Valley make impacts to soil quality. Even it is required by the legislation (Law on Environment), regular monitoring of soil quality is still not in place in the Republic of Macedonia. Data about soil contamination by heavy metals in Skopje Valley are presented in the Project for geochemical monitoring of heavy metals and geochemical mapping of soils for City of Skopje and its surroundings, prepared by Faculty of technology and metallurgy –Skopje, 2000. In the above mentioned Project, more than 300 samples have been analysed and determination of some heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Cr, Y, Ba, Zr, La, As) have been performed. That research covers of urban as well as rural soil samples from village Rasche (north) to the village Katlanovo (south) including locations of bigger industrial capacities. The samples were taken from the soils of various lawns, non asphalt parking spaces, yards, parks etc. as well as from the rural part from the soil’s top cover, of cca 10-40 cm depth. 4.1.3. River River Vardar is the longest and largest river of Macedonia (302.6 km), with an average elevation of the 3

basin at 793 m (the Vardar spring in the Shara massif near Vrutok/Gostivar is at 683 m), at average rainfalls of 660 mm and a total annual discharge of 4.56×million m3. Upper Vardar flows through few big industrial cities with a total population of around 300,000 located upstream of Skopje: Gostivar (100,000 inhabitants), Tetovo (180,000). Treska River and Lepenec inflow Vardar river within the city boundaries. The size of the river basin areas, discharges, runoff modules and other catchment and hydrological characteristics for River Vardar in Skopje are presented below: Hydrological station: River Station code Coordinates Elevation River basin area A Average precipitation: Po Average annual discharge Qsr Average multiannual runoff module Mo Minimum discharges (1990) Qsmin Maximum discharges (1963) Qsmax Water Volume Wo Module coeff. Cm

Skopje -Zelezen Most Vardar 63050 N 41º59'41" / E 21º26'50" 239.55 4.650,0 788 57,7 12,40 22,747 122,9 1.820.086.378 10,497

m km2 mm m3/s l/s/km2 m3/s m3/s m3

For the hydrological station Skopje on River Vardar, the linear trends of the annual values of the series of minimal annual discharges, the series of average annual discharges and the series of maximal annual discharges are descending. Minimal amounts for decade discharge is recorded for the decade 1991-2000 for the series of minimal, average and maximal annual discharges. 4.1.4. Ground Water Groundwater below Skopje consists of two main aquifers: high yield semi-confined aquifer of superficial sand and gravel with clay horizons and low yield aquifer in underlying marls. The superficial aquifer is in direct continuity with the Vardar River, being within the alluvial plain of the river. The depths of groundwater level vary depending on the local conditions, flowing in general in direction towards the river and downstream. The upper aquifer stretching along upper part of Skopje valley consists of compacted alluvial sand and gravel on both sides of the river. The thickness varies from 4-5 m in the western part to up to 144 m in Trubarevo. The hydraulic conductivity also varies. Data from existing wells shows K from 1.80 *10-5 to as high as 3.60*10-2 m/s (Trubarevo). The depths are from -4.0 m in the upper (western) part to -12.0 m from surface in the east industrial area. Number of boreholes exists in this area supplying industry with water. The yield varies considerably depending on the location and borehole diameter and depth, to up to 60 l/s in the urban part and as high as 225 l/s in the lower part of the valley. At places the drawdown has been considerable reaching locally up to -10 m. Monitoring of groundwater abstraction and groundwater levels have been reduced in the later period. In order to have a clear picture the monitoring efforts have to be substantially improved. This is even more significant regarding the water quality monitoring which is insufficient at the moment. In the lower part of Skopje valley the same aquifer –compacted alluvial sand and gravel- continues with reduced thickness and similar conductivity. The groundwater level is artificially kept bellow the surface of the terrain by drainage network and pumped into Vardar River before Taor gorge. The drainage has been constructed in the 1950s to drain most of the Katlanovo marsh for agricultural expansion. Around 70 ha of the wetland have been protected and preserved in 1956 with a special law.

4

The proposed boreholes for abstraction of ground water for street cleaning purposes and watering the parks and green areas are planned to be in the superficial aquifer, which also behaves like an underground river. Abstraction of water from the aquifer will reduce the water level and flow but since the intended use of the water is mostly watering of green areas, the water will be immediately reintroduced into the aquifer thus restoring the hydrological balance and without significant negative impact on the water quality. Although it is not expected that flow in the Vardar River will be affected by the proposed abstraction the risk of reduced flow is nevertheless still possible without appropriate monitoring and control on the use of the water abstracted. 4.1.5. Climate and Meteorology (1) Temperature The meteorological measurements in the Skopje valley since 1968 are performed in the weather station at the airport Skopje in Petrovec and Skopje-Zajcev Rid. The Skopje valley is the final bay where the warm air circulation is present in the valley of the River Vardar from the Aegean Sea and it represents a separate thermal area where the valley climate affects the temperature regime. On the other side, Skopje valley is surrounded with high mountains, which keep away the direct influence of the Mediterranean climate from south, while from north and north-west there is almost a free passage for the continental air flows that in winter time bring low air temperatures. The valley configuration affects even more by lowering the temperature of these air flows, so that during some years there have been extremely low air temperatures. During the warm months, especially in summer time, when this area is influenced by high air pressure, the air temperature here is very high. The Average monthly and annual air temperature in ºC for the period 1971-2000 has been given in the Table 1. Table 1 Station Skopje-Petrovec Skopje-Zajcev Rid

Average monthly and annual air temperature

I 0.2

II 3.0

III 7.4

IV 12.2

V 17.2

VI 21.3

VII 23.5

VIII 23.2

IX 18.8

X 12.6

XI 5.9

XII Annual 1.3 12.2

0.6

3.1

7.5

12.6

17.6

21.5

24.1

23.6

19.2

13.2

6.6

1.7

12.6

The graphs that present the temperature data for the period 1971-2000 for the two measurements stations have been given in the Figure 2. Skopje-Perovec

Skopje-Z.Rid

50

50

40

40 30

20 10 0 I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

temperature (°S)

temperature °C

30

20 10 0

-10

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

-10

-20 -20

-30 month

-30 month

Tavg

Tapsmax

Figure 2

Tavg

T apsmin

Tapsmax

Temperature data for the period 1971-2000

5

Tapsmin

XII

The temperature air inversions appear every month, but they are most present during the winter. The lowest temperatures during the days when temperature inversions are present are in the low parts of the valley, while the temperature gets high at the higher parts. The difference in the temperature in situations of inversion between the lowest parts of the valley and the surrounding high areas during winter can exceed 10 ºC, depending the inversion intensity. (2) Rainfall The average annual quantity of the rain falls in Skopje valley for the period 1971-2000 is 499 mm measured at Skopje-Petrovec station and 294 mm measured at Skopje-Zajcev Rid. The precipitation is unequally distributed during the year (months and weather seasons). The biggest precipitations are in May and November. The smallest quantities of rain falls are January and August. The rain falls appear in any hour of the day or night and their distribution during this period has different values and frequency. The Average monthly and annual precipitation sums in mm for the period 1971-2000 has been given in the Table 2. Table 2 Station Skopje-Petrovec Skopje-Zajcev Rid

Average monthly and annual precipitation sums in mm

I 33.5

II 36.1

III 35.6

IV 43.2

V 56.0

VI 45.1

VII 36.8

VIII 28.7

IX 38.2

X 43.9

XI 54.4

XII Annual 47.8 499.3

25.1

31.4

26.9

40.7

40.0

39.5

39.4

33.1

31.5

39.6

52.0

42.0

294.1

The graphs that present the precipitations data for the period 1971-2000 for the two measurements stations have been given in the Figure 3. Skopje-Petrovec

60

60

50

50 precipitation (mm)

precipitation (mm)

Skopje-Petrovec

40 30 20

40 30 20 10

10

0

0 I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

I

XII

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

month

month

precipitation sum

precipitation sum

Figure 3

IX

X

XI

Precipitations data for the period 1971-2000

The maximum monthly and annual precipitation sums in mm for the period 1971-2000 has been given in the Table 3. Table 3 Station Skopje-Petrovec Skopje-Zajcev Rid

The maximum monthly and annual precipitation sums

I 38.0

II 45.6

III 37.5

IV 46.7

V 109.2

VI 35.2

VII 77.2

VIII 31.8

IX 52.3

X 74.2

XI 125.2

28.6

24.4

20.7

33.5

44.0

37.8

41.3

50.1

31.7

40.8

48.4

6

XII Annual 50.0 125.2 26.1

50.1

XII

(3) Wind speed In the Skopje valley the wind flows from the north and south quadrant are most frequent. But the orographic conditions have great impact on the wind paths. The Average monthly and annual wind speeds in m/sec for the period 1971-2000 has been given in the Table 4. Table 4 Station Skopje-Petrovec Skopje-Zajcev Rid

Average monthly and annual wind speeds in m/ sec

I 1.2

II 1.6

III 1.8

IV 1.8

V 1.6

VI 1.6

VII 1.7

VIII 1.5

IX 1.4

X 1.2

XI 1.1

XII Annual 1.1 1.5

2.2

2.7

2.9

2.9

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.6

The wind rose graph for the Skopje-Zajcev Rid measurement station (Figure 4) has shown how wind speed and direction are typically distributed at that particular location. Presented in a circular format, the wind rose shows the frequency of winds blowing from particular directions. The length of each "spoke" around the circle is related to the frequency that the wind blows from a particular direction per unit time. Each concentric circle represents a different frequency, emanating from zero at the center to increasing frequencies at the outer circles.

Wind rose for Skopje-Zajcev Rid monitoring location N NNW 200

NNE NE

NW 100

WNW

ENE

0

W

E

WSW

ESE

SW SSW

SE SSE S

frequency(%o) Figure 4

average speed(m/s) Wind rose

4.1.6. Ecology In relation to the biogeographically characteristics the territory of the city Skopje has distinctive number of plants and animals. The vegetation is represented with 3 basic regions: the plain part, the forest part and the part of high mountain land. The vegetation is presented with bushes of pine and pine-scrub, firtree forests with blueberries. The most representative tree is the tumult than maple-tree, ash-tree, hazel-tree and others. In the lower parts is represented with the white oak and the oak “blagun”. These forests were more represented and occupied large part of the lower areas. The wild briar and the rest of the oak blagun – white oak forests are found extending along the lower part of the flow of the Markova River and the river Vardar. The vegetation and the animal world are quite distinctive and exuberant. In the past the presence of the trout was large while today this kind is gone. Another species present are the carp, the vardaric “mrena”, the spring “mrena”. In the riverbeds of these rivers and in the close coastal parts there are frogs and representatives of the other water animals. From the reptiles there are the lizards and snakes.

The most representative snakes are the “poskok” 7

and the “sharka”.

There are turtles, hedgehog, filed mice, moles and others.

The birds are present in large number. The most numerous are the sparrows, magpie, doves, ravens, crows, alpine crows, swallows, hawks and owls. The mammals are represented with numerous species. Some of them are before extinction such as the deer, the wild goat, and the lynx has long disappeared. In the group of existing representatives the most characteristic are: wolf, fox, wild pig, rabbit, squirrel, marten, groundhog, the mole and others. The extreme forest falling and reuse of the pasture fields have limited the existence of these and other animals. That is the reason for reduction of certain species and why other has permanently disappeared. 4.1.7. Protected areas in and around Skopje City According to the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia, on the territory of Skopje and its surrounding there are some locations designated as protected areas. The areas and sites by priority for protection includes the Rasce and wells Nerezi-Lepenec for springs and ground water resources protection under the Spatial Plan. These areas are also protected under the City of Skopje. As for the natural heritage, the table below shows the protected item and the location. Table 5 Protected Area Group SPNR SRNR ASNP MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN

Title of the item Begovo Pole Salakovski Ezera (lakes) Vodno Arboretum Ostrovo Kale (tower) Canyon Matka Pestera Dona Duka (cave) Prestera Krstalna (cave) Pestera Nad Vrelo (cave) Pestera Vrelo (cave) Skopska Tvrdina (Skopje Fortress)

Municipality Kisela Voda Kisela Voda Skopje, Sopiste, saraj Gazi Baba Ara Chinovo (Gazi Baba) Centar Saraj Saraj Saraj Skopje Skopje Centar

Protection status Proposal Proposal Protected Protected Protected Proposal Protected Proposal Proposal Proposal Proposal Protected

SPNR: strictly protected natural reserves SRNR: scientific and research natural reserves ASNP: special natural properties MN: monuments of nature Source: Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia, 2004

4.2. Socio-economic condition 4.2.1. Population According to the official data from the state statistical office of R. Macedonia and the last census in 2002, the population of Skopje was 506,926 people. Table 6 Municipality Aerodrom Butel Gazi Baba Gjorce Petrov Karpos Kisela Voda Centar

Total 72,009 36,154 72,617 41,634 59,666 57,236 45,412

Skopje Population; Breakdown by ethnic background

Ethnicity Maced Albania onians ns 64,391 1,014 22,506 9,107 53,497 12,502 35,455 1,597 52,810 1,952 52,478 250 38,778 1,465

Turks

Romas

430 1,304 606 368 334 460 492

8

580 561 2,082 1,249 615 716 974

Vlahs 501 120 236 109 407 647 459

Serbs 3,085 1,033 2,097 1,730 2,184 1,426 2,037

Bosnia ns 538 970 710 489 98 425 108

Others 1,470 553 887 637 1,266 834 1,099

Chair Shuto Orizari Saraj TOTAL

64,773 22,017 35,408 506,926

15,628 1,438 1,377 338,358

36,921 6,675 32,408 103,891

4,500 56 45 8,595

3,083 13,342 273 23,475

78 2,557

621 67 18 14,298

2,950 177 1,120 7,585

992 262 167 8,167

Source: State Statistical office, 2006

The population density strongly varies in various urban parts of the city. The total urban service area is around 6,100 ha, yielding average density of 65 per ha. The growth rates of 0.8% for the urban part of Skopje and 2.0% for the rural settlements within the service extent of Vodovod have been proscribed by the Statistical Institute of Macedonia. 4.2.2. Water Use The legally proscribed water supply norm for Skopje is 400 l/capita/day. However, the figure is not realistic and certainly not invoiced and paid for the population. It is set so high to accommodate for high losses in the system (up to 40%) and large quantities for unaccounted-for water and free public use (fountains, Vodovod own use etc.). PHARE Project (1999) estimates the daily consumption per capita at 170 l/cap/day (even though 200 l/cap/day has been used for projections’ calculations). The per-day-consumption is expected to drop even further when water saving measures (loss reduction) and incentives are introduced in conjunction with economic measures (price increase for full-cost recovery, tariff system etc.) to reach the level of developed European countries of 140 l/cap/day. The World Bank Report (GIBB, 2000) states that Vodovod provides on an average about 235,000 m3 of water per day. About 30% of this water is consumed by domestic consumers (average consumption of about 155 liters/day/capita) and around 20% is used by institutional and industrial consumption. The remaining 50% is categorized as non-revenue water which includes 10% use for park irrigation and street cleaning. The Vodovod serves water through 53,000 connections and almost all water consumption is metered. The main source of water is the Karstic Rasce spring which has an average yield of 3.8 m3/sec (3.0 to 7.0) and provides high quality potable water. In the summer months, the yield from the spring reduces and the groundwater is pumped from certain parts of the city to augment the water supply. Water supply well fields have been drilled in the Skopje valley to add to the Rasce capacity: Nerezi well field (right side of Vardar river at the foothill of Vodno), and near Lepenec River. Due to good quality the treatment of these waters is merely filtration and chlorination. The capacity of these existing water sources is around 350 Ml/day, or around 4,000 l/s. This excludes the 1,000 l/s delivered to steel factories. These arrangements have been adequate so far but there is concern that with the population growth in the city and water demand, the supply of water has to be increased. Besides these, the water supply infrastructure comprises three additional pumping stations, reservoirs, 5 chlorination facilities, pressure boosting pumps and other facilities. Plans exist to drill number of wells for watering of green areas and parks in the city and for cleaning of the streets, in order to release the high quality water from Rasce for the households and industry. The current coverage of the municipal water supply by Vodovod is estimated at 450,000 citizens (more than 190,000 households), out of which 400,000 in the urban area and around 50,000 in the rural area. Around 150,000 urban inhabitants live on the left side and 250,000 on the right side of River Vardar. The Vodovod's water network, which dates back to 1936, is about 900 km long. A policy of replacing old pipes has not been implemented fully and as a result physical losses are increasing and are considered to be high. According to WB (2000), the current physical losses are estimated to be around 30% of the production. The average number of breaks are around 2 breaks/km/year which is a high number compared to an average of around 0.2 breaks/km/year in Western European utilities. 4.2.3. Work force and Employment The work force and the active part of the population are considered as most important categories in the demographical and economical structure of the population. The working force is the drive behind all 9

the activities, its being recruited from particular groups among the population, men between 15-64 years old and women between 15-59 years old. The size of the work force population is defined by the dynamic of the population growth rate, mortality and the age structure of a particular population group. The following table reflects the statistical data drawn from the population census in 2002 in Macedonia. Table 7 Municipality Aerodrom Butel Gazi Baba Gjorce Petrov Karpos Kisela Voda Saraj Centar Chair Shuto Orizari TOTAL for Skopje

Working force, and unemployment rate in Skopje

Working force 35,484 13,821 29,326 18,584 26,212 25,068 7,661 19,967 19,179 5,635 200,937

Employed

Unemployed

28,310 9,824 19,766 13,586 21,784 18,582 2,891 16,662 10,433 1,970 143,745

7,174 3,997 9,560 4,998 4,428 6,486 4,770 3,305 8,746 3,728 57,192

Employment rate 79.78% 71.08% 67.40% 73.11% 83.11% 74.13% 37.73% 83.45% 54.40% 34.96% 71.54%

Unemployment rate 20.22% 28.92% 32.60% 26.84% 16.89% 25.87% 62.26% 16.55% 45.60% 65.04% 28.46%

Source: Employment agency of Republic of Macedonia

4.2.4. Households and accommodation While analyzing the accommodation conditions in Skopje an important indicator is the bigger percentage of individual houses in rural and sub-urban areas. The next table reflects the situation of the total population and households as well as the types of accommodations/residences in each of the municipalities in Skopje. Table 8 Municipality Aerodrom Butel Gazi Baba Gjorce Petrov Karpos Kisela Voda Saraj Centar Chair Shuto Orizari Total in Skopje

Total population, households, flats and capacity of surface occupied Total population 72,009 36,154 72,617 41,634 59,666 57,236 35,408 45,412 64,773 22,017 506,926

Number of households 21,495 10,056 20,336 11,886 19,680 17,577 7,972 15,355 17,107 5,102 146,566

Number of dwellings 23,741 11,058 22,739 13,928 22,838 20,221 7,828 18,853 17,122 5,251 163,579

Surface occupied by flats (m2) 1,636,724 847,644 1,521,629 1,015,762 1,590,358 1,390,968 567,092 1,371,812 1,052,052 320,988 11,315,029

Source: State statistical office (census 2002)

4.2.5. Education The education of the population is organized through the system of educational institutions-schools (for elementary, secondary, high and university education). The general attributes of the educational system is conditioned first of all by the needs of the society-community and the level of the development of the educational needs. Out of all listed levels of education, only the elementary (primary) education, covering the children between 6-14 years old is obligatory and requires a compete integration of all the children at this age, while in the remaining levels of education the beneficiaries participate based on preferences and possibilities. The elementary education is composed of two parts; lower and higher. The lower 10

elementary education starts at grade 0 and ends at grade 4, the higher elementary education starts at grade 5 and ends at grade 8. Table 9 Incomplete primary education 2,264 1,964 5,098 2,264 2,259 3,122 2,319 1,434 4,933 2,635 28,292

Without education

Municipality Aerodrom Butel Gazi Baba Gjorce Petrov Karpos Kisela Voda Saraj Centar Chair Shuto Orizari Totan in Skopje

488 733 2,069 587 620 714 1,252 351 2,576 1,869 11,259

Level of education

Primary school

Secondary school

9,254 8,037 16,112 7,435 6,481 9,425 17,139 4,900 20,533 8,092 107,408

High school

35,078 14,603 30,010 19,461 25,444 27,049 3,563 18,313 17,293 2,611 193,425

Faculty /Academy

2,535 991 1,296 1,231 2,740 1,755 190 2,194 1,203 59 14,194

10,603 2,244 3,197 2,911 11,595 4,924 360 11,080 2,542 98 49,554

Master degree / doctorate 294 118 124 117 981 231 12 1,080 102 3 3,459

Source: State statistical office (census 2002)

4.2.6. Health Health protection in the Republic of Macedonia is organized in three levels as primary, secondary and tertiary health protection institutions. On the territory of Skopje there are both public and private health protection organizations. Following tables presents bed’s fund in Skopje region: Table 10

Bed’s fund in hospital-stationeries institutions on secondary level in the Republic of Macedonia, in year 2000

Health regions Republic of Macedonia Skopje

General hospitals

Centres for therapy and rehabilitation

Specialized hospitals

Hospital for therapy with natural factor

Total

4,164

1,615

495

180

6,454

/

275

100

180

555

Source: Health Fund of R. Macedonia

4.2.7. Economic parameters Income of the Population The following information has been extracted from a social survey carried out within the Study. Bearing in mind the sensitivity of the income issue, the survey tried to overcome problems of inappropriately presented household revenues by including further means of evaluating the respondents’ wealth, e.g. by evaluating cross reference to each respondent’s self assessment of their household’s purchasing power and types of expenditures made recently. In any case, it is generally accepted that nominal income values within Macedonia should be considered taking into account the impact of the shadow economy, but it is difficult to assess exact figures. The responses on the households’ income for the Skopje region are presented in the following table. Table 11

Number of Households for each income groups

Income groups (MKD/month/HH) up to 8,000 8,001-14,000 14,001-18,000 18,001-24,000 24,001-35,000 35,001-50,000 over 50,000

No of HH

% of total 57 76 66 81 58 32 16

11

14.1% 18.9% 16.4% 20.1% 14.4% 7.9% 4.0%

Did not answer Total

17 403

4.2% 100.0%

The results show that a considerable number of HH belong to the middle income group (14.000 to 35.000 MKD/month/HH) whereas only few can be considered as below poverty level. Fee Collection The method of billing and the price level for water supply and wastewater collection is regulated at City level which on the recommendation of the Management Board of the Public Enterprise for water supply is approved by the City of Skopje Council. The water supply and wastewater collection bill for households is on the same bill for the waste collection services. Industries and business facilities have separate bills for water supply/wastewater collection and waste management services. The table blow shows the current costs per m3 for households and industry/commercial entities. Table 12

Current costs for water supplying and wastewater collection Fees per m3 Household

Service

Industry/ business entities MKD Euros 65.80 1.073

MKD Euros water supplying and 29.39 0.479 wastewater collection water supplying 17.25 0.281 46.63 wastewater collection 12.12* 0.198 19.17 Source: “Vodovod” – Skopje * There is no household receiving only wastewater collection service

0.761 0.312

According to Water supplying enterprise “Vodovod”-Skopje, collection rate vary between 60% from the households and 70% in industry/business entities. 4.2.8. Land Use Land use of Skopje City is decided by the General Urban Plan.

Figure 5

Land Use of General Urban Plan

12

Table 13 Existing Situation Limit of existing Urban Area

Detail Land Use of General Urban Plan (ha) 6884.33

(%) 100%

1853.89 543.43 467.80

26.94 7.89 6.79

Sub-Total Non-economy activities Education Health Social protection Culture and Science marketing, TELEKOM State and Local Management Religious building Police, fire brigade Stations Facilities of Ministry of Defense Sub-Total Economy Activities Industry zone Agriculture areas Water economy Facilities Construction Industry Traffic Trading Facilities Services

2865.12

41.62

182.95 47.03 46.28 18.91 10.79 21.70 8.40

2.66 0.68 0.67 0.27 0.16 0.31 0.12

5.72 292.57 634.35

0.08 4.25 9.21

762.21 37.99 0.23 94.00 70.86 152.06 200.41

11.07 0.55 0.01 1.36 1.03 2.211 0.28

Sub-Total City park, Sport, and recreation, communal facilities and areas Protected green park Botanic Garden ZOO Garden centre Sport Facilities Sport terrain Central amusement park graveyard green market Sub-Total

1317.82

19.14

641.84 3.50 11.75 56.15 89.35 68.25 2.97 89.23 4.35 967.39

9.32 0.05 0.17 0.81 1.30 0.99 0.04 1.30 0.06 14.05

Households Family house with gardens Residential Buildings Illegal construction

Forecast Development Limit of existing Urban Area Archeological park Households Family house with gardens Residential Buildings Family house with gardens, Residential Buildings Sub-Total Non-economy activities Education Health Social protection Culture and Science marketing, TELEKOM State and Local Management VERSKI OBJEKTI Police, fire brigade Stations Facilities of Ministry of Defense Sub-Total Economy Activities Industry zone Terminals with functions Water economy Facilities Construction Industry Traffic Trading Facilities Services Restaurants Facilities Free economic zone Sub-Total City park, Sport, and recreation, communal facilities and areas Protected green park Botanic Garden ZOO Garden centre Sport Facilities Sport terrain Central amusement park graveyard green market Sub-Total

(ha) 7504.46 286.92

(%) 100%

1364.14 655.00 719.94

18.18 8.73 9.59.

2739.08

36.50

215.99 71.74 58.10 23.97 21.72 24.77 10.54

2.88 0.95 0.77 0.32 0.29 0,33 0.14

20.56 289.06 736.56

0.27 3.85 9.81

963.87 10.27 107.45 51.75 84.87 142.83 293.99 22.14 71.74 1748.91

12.84 0.14 1.43 0.69 1.13 1.90 3.92 0.29 0.96 23.30

1568.2 3.50 11.75 44.90 89.35 101.56 2.97 167.18 15.28 2004.69

2.05 0.04 0.16 0.60 1.19 1.35 0.04 0.2 24.28

4.3. Public Hazard 4.3.1. Ambient Air Quality There are three ambient air quality monitoring networks; Macedonian Environmental Information Centre (MEIC) under Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MEPP), Public Health Institute (PHI) and Hydro-Meteorological Administration (HMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy (MAFWE). Each of the monitoring networks are operated on the basis of separate programmes under the annual work programme of each of the above mentioned institutions. In Skopje City, PHI has established the monitoring network for measurements of CO2 and black smoke on 7 measurement locations, HMA has 9 locations with measurements of CO2 and the black smoke. MEPP has 5 fixed automatic monitoring stations on ambient air quality measuring several environmental and metrological data.

13

Table 14

The average monthly data from the automatic monitoring stations

SO2 [µg/m3] Location I II III IV Karpos 49.19 50.53 33.76 18.86 Centar 42.51 46.94 34.55 22.38 Lisice 30.55 37.92 29.44 20.55 NOx [µg/m3] Karpos 57.89 60.86 47.11 40.75 Centar 66.96 66.58 54.32 44.96 Gazibaba Lisice 58.83 68.58 48.16 41.65 Rektorat 94.57 98.82 67.89 49.09 CO [mg/m3] Karpos 1.66 1.24 0.87 0.66 Centar 4.22 3.07 2.49 1.96 Gazibaba Lisice 3.01 3.00 2.15 1.12 Rektorat 3.02 3.09 0.95 1.31 Ozone – O3 [µg/m3] Karpos 32.29 26.96 44.49 48.11 Lisice 15.22 14.26 34.18 31.09 Rektorat 42.36 73.95 34.37 36.96 PM10 [µg/m3] Karpos 175.88 133.57 69.12 52.58 Lisice 209.73 170.00 81.75 64.30 Rektorat 246.01 197.91 91.85 71.80 PM10 [µg/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 80.28 63.87 50.25 Lisice 51.51 81.16 46.3 As[ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 0.83 Lisice 1.12 Cd [ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 1.15 Lisice 1.53 Ni [ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 5,10 Lisice 25.13 Hg[ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 0.15 Lisice 0.10 Cr [ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 12.60 Lisice 24.72 Pb[ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 0.05 Lisice 0.06 V[ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 16.95 Lisice 2.26 3 Mn[ng/m ] with low volume samplers Karpos 15.58 Lisice 17.14 Fe [ng/m3] with low volume samplers

V 14.44 11.18 12.13

VI 12.46 9.81 7.93

VII 14.19 8.68 7.17

VIII 14.32 9.24 10.16

IX 15.80 10.01 12.22

X 20.45 17.44 23.52

XI 65.19 76.86 47.88

XII 92.57 107.10 67.83

36.96 42.93

32.10 42.72

29.32 40.51

37.42 42.02

42.58 47.84

47.49 52.58

60.59 64.74 54.87

60.40 66.59 50.93

40.47 45.59

32.03 39.65

36.79 39.71

34.48 35.40

38.21 40.91

34.34 49.76

53.04

51.56

0.62 1.24

0.63 1.89

0.60 0.91

0.67 0.81

0.70 1.33

1.41 2.63

1.26 1.43

1.86 1.09

1.26 1.69

1.32 1.33

1.65 1.75

1.25 2.07

0.53 4.63 3.56 2.67 5.96

1.58 4.49 3.71 4.14 2.03

58.89 38.18 43.37

52.02 34.94 33.19

62.94 35.95 42.05

52.00 51.04 37.65

33.99 41.62 31.64

8.87 31.51 24.48

6.92 21.28 16.18

25.96 15.84 14.45

53.95 59.78

57.24 41.34

56.96 62.92

60.54 52.25

58.80 69.16

88.94 80.02

117.53 184.90 166.59

144.87 191.90 198.50

50.20 46.68

54.61 47.87

45.19 43.55

42.86 36.55

52.88

1.13 1.62

3.20 2.67

2.4

2.43 3.90

0.93 1.98

1.09

9.47 10.20

4.45 4.47

49.18 13.45

0.10

0.20

0.52

22.75 57.28

23.76

0.09 0.09

0.04 0.09

0.04 0.09

5.22 4.95

6.14 5.48

5.50

23.09 20.29

65.06 28.48

27.50

14

0.25

Karpos Lisice 444.40 3 Zn[ng/m ] with low volume samplers Karpos 0.83 Lisice 974.10 314.59 Mg [ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos Lisice 193.13 Cu[ng/m3] with low volume samplers Karpos 13.63 Lisice 16.60

644.32 493.42

732.84 872.80

243.03 251.77

246.72

790.10

255.05 238.70

509.46

547.90

16.22 18.57

13.56 12.05

13.20

The review of the average annually concentration of some parameters relevant for the air quality and number of days when this concentration exceed the limit values has been given into the Table 15. Table 15

The review of the average annually concentration of some parameters Average annually concentration

Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning Automatic monitoring stations

Monitoring station

SO2 [µg/m3]

NOx [µg/m3]

CO [mg/m3]

Ozone – O3 [µg/m3]

PM10 [µg/m3]

Karpos Centar Lisice Karpos Centar Gazi Baba Lisice Rektorat Karpos Centar Gazi Baba Lisice Rektorat Karpos Lisice Rektorat Karpos Karpos Sampler Lisice Lisice Sampler Rektorat

Max

Min

Number of days with average daily concentrations above limit values

Limit values

33.45 32.99 27.93 46.08 52.68 52.83

250.11 248.65 135.94 133.99 127.33 81.99

9.59 5.578 5.567 17.11 18.08. 27.33

150 150 150 85 85 85

7 7 0 21 26 0

46.13 56.00 0.90 2.46 3.62

11.55 254.76 4.26 9.03 6.91

19.08 2.54 0.035 0.372 0.246

85 85 1 1 1

14 35 84 292 52

2.16 2.17 37.80 29.20 35.57 89.28 52.23

8.98 8.74 90.05 88.32 209.90 503.09 131.29

0.077 0.157 1.943 5.197 8.685 15.656 13.61

1 1 110 110 110 120 120

257 225 0 0 8 73 2

114.63 48.35

539.93 129.50

9.407 12.37

120 120

74 1

172.78

661.07

47.67

120

71

The analysis show that the SO2 concentration in Skopje are under the limit value according the national secondary legislation (expressed as maximum allowed concentrations) at the monitoring location Lisice, but the limit values have been exceeded in the period of 7 days at the monitoring locations Karpos and Centar. There are several days (the largest number of days are for monitoring location Rektorat) where limit values for NO2 have been exceeded due to the traffic and metrological conditions into the winter period of the year. All data for CO concentrations are above limit values at all monitoring locations due to the traffic, burn of wood and fuel for heating and metrological conditions. The exceedance of the PM10 concentrations at all monitoring locations have been

15

registered by all three monitoring stations more than 71 days in the year especially in the winter months. 4.3.2. Ambient Noise The institutions that measure and monitor the level of noise in Macedonia are the Central Laboratory of the MEPP and the Public Health Institute (PHI). Table 16

Main conclusions on the noise monitoring data

Location of the station

Period 1995-2005

Kinder garden “Orce Nikolov”

Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period/except 1997 Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period

Bul. “Partizanski Odredi” Kinder garden “N.N.Borce” High School “Josip Broz Tito” Clinical Center City Park-Zena park Cinema “Kisela Voda” Ul. Prvomajska Bul.”Jane Sandanski” Bul. “Koco Racin” Bul. “Aleksandar Makedonski” Bul. “Kliment Ohridski”

Ul. “John Kenedi” ul. “Cvetan Dimov” Ul. “John Kenedi” Kinder Garden “Snezana”

Max. noise level (dB (A)/year 63.06 dB / 1991

Noise level trend through years Decreasing trend

89.92 dB / 2001 67.13 dB / 1998

Increasing trend Increasing trend

69.69 dB / 2000

Increasing trend

62.75 dB / 1996

Slight increasing trend Consistency trend

71.95 dB / 1995 73.16 dB / 1996 85.57 dB / 1998 90.3 dB / 2000

Slight decreasing trend Decreasing trend Consistency trend

87.16 dB / 1998

Consistency trend

88.9 dB / 2002

Consistency trend

88.91 2005

dB

86.2 dB / 1997 63.06 dB / 1991

/

Increasing trend

Slight decreasing trend Decreasing trend

4.3.3. Water Pollution The waste water from the households and the industry is being collected from the urban areas by the main collectors on the left and the right bank of the river Vardar and are discharged into the river at numerous locations, without treatment. 4.3.4. Solid Waste (1) Municipal Solid Waste Municipal solid waste includes those wastes which are collected from households, together with street sweepings and park wastes, commercial-institutional waste and wastes generated in industry with household like character. Quantities of municipal waste generated on territory of Skopje and disposed of at Drisla Landfill site are shown in table below.

16

Table 17

Quantities of municipal waste generated in Skopje and landfilled on Drisla Landfill Collector

1

Public Communal Enterprise “Communal Hygiene”. 2 Private Communal Enterprises Total

Year 2003 (tones) 124,727

Year 2004 (tones) 95,794

Year 2005 (tones) 128,000

10,442 135,169

7,430 103,224

11,000 139,000

Source: Public Communal Enterprise “Communal Hygiene”.

Waste collection services are executed by the Public Communal Enterprises. Only a small proportion of waste is collected by private companies typically in rural areas. Regular waste collection services are mainly limited to urban areas, around 70 % of the total population receive regular waste collection services. Most of the municipal solid waste and other collected wastes are deposited without any pre-treatment at Drisla Landfill or at wild dump sites. Separate collection of municipal waste does not exist, except for some separate bulky waste collection. The financing of the municipal solid waste management systems is to be provided by the user fees paid by the receivers of the waste collection services, e.g. the households. The fees are invoiced and collected by the Communal Enterprises. The base for setting the fees is made by the following charging criteria: • Charge per m2 of house and yard (by rule in urban municipalities) • Flat fee per household per month (mostly being the case in rural and some semi urban municipalities) (2) Packaging Wastes Most of this waste stream was disposed of in the landfill or dumpsites as a constituent of municipal solid waste and similar commercial/industrial solid wastes. At present, the capacity for recycling, reuse and recovery of packaging is very limited. Some facilities exist for metals, paper & cardboard, PET, PVC and HDPE recycling, but these are not currently operating at full capacity. There are some recycling activities in the informal sector with growing tendency due to the increased interest of numerous small private companies to get involved in the recycling business. (3) Industrial Solid Waste Industrial solid wastes consist of all solid waste generated in industries, either from the industrial process or any other source within the industrial premises. Distinction has to be made between industrial non hazardous waste and industrial hazardous waste (all hazardous wastes generated within the industrial premises). There is no legal dumping site for industrial hazardous waste in the country. Generally, the hazardous waste generators do not separate, but mix the different types of hazardous wastes with the other non-hazardous wastes. The separation of some hazardous waste is primarily driven by market demand, i.e. only those types of hazardous wastes are separated that can be sold. These are not officially licensed collectors and transporter of hazardous waste in the country. The management of hazardous waste is the responsibility of the State, it means the MEPP. MEPP has prepared the waste management strategy and is preparing the updated action plan. The priority is the management of communal waste and there is no plan/project of industrial hazardous waste management. (4) Medical Waste Medical waste is considered solid wastes generated in medical and health institutions (dispensaries, hospitals, policlinics and outpatient departments, dental clinics etc.), which originated from used items and materials as a result of diagnosing, medical treatment and prevention of diseases in humans and animals. The medical waster from health care facilities in the Skopje city is collected, transported and incinerated at the sanitary landfill “Drisla” and the quantity is 2 ton/day.

17

(5) Drisla Landfill Site Location of the Drisla Landfill is in the Markova Reka Watershed, on the contrary declivity of the village Batinci, 14 km south-eastern of the centre of Skopje. It spreads on surface of 74 ha, but it’s foreseen its maximum capacity to be 56 ha and exploitation period of 45 years. The operation has started in 1993 and around 17 % of its designated capacity (16 million ton) has been utilized. As a result of good infrastructure connection and physical separateness from the near settlements, the landfill site location is assessed as acceptable. However, no special construction measures have been taken to prevent possible percolation of leachate into the upper and lower aquifers. Collected municipal wastes which quantities are approximately 500 tons/day are landfilled. Filling of the landfill is performed in layers, each 2.5 m high. The available mechanization at Drisla landfill is relatively old and insufficient. However, the environmental management of the Drisla landfill needs further improvements. Plans to install impermeable lining to prevent possible groundwater contamination and collection of landfill gas have not yet been realized.

Figure 6

Drisla Landfill and Incinerator

(6) Drisla Incinerator Drisla incinerator has a capacity of 200 kg/hr and it does not have a separate air treatment system. The incinerator works in two shifts, 2 employees (in one shift), in total 7 employees are working only to cover the above mentioned activities. After burning of solid infectious waste, the remaining ash finally is disposed on the Drisla Landfill, near to the incinerator. The incinerator has been installed and started operation in the year 2000. Main characteristics of the incinerator are presented in table below. Table 18 Item Capacity Actual waste input (year) Incineration temperature Flue gas cleaning system Emission date Ash disposal

5.

Characteristics of the Incinerator

Specification 200 kg/hr, approx 1 ton/shift 2001: 230 ton, 2002: 240 ton Chamber 1: 800 ºC, Chamber 2: 1000 ºC Non additional cleaning system beside secondary chamber Inspection by Inspectorate of the MEPP Land filling

Legal Framework of Environmental and Social Considerations

5.1. Laws and Regulations on EIA Environmental Impact Assessment of certain projects is required to be carried out in the Republic of Macedonia in accordance with Articles 76-94 of the Law on Environment of June 2005 (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 53/2005). The types of projects that require an EIA are to be determined in accordance with Article 77 of the Law on Environment 2005 which are specified by the Government of Macedonia in the “Decree for Determining Projects for which and criteria on the basis of which the screening for an environmental impact assessment shall be carried out” (Official 18

Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 74/2005). Projects are classified in two groups: projects listed in Annex I are all subject to compulsory EIA while for projects in Annex II require screening procedure based on whether the project, because of its type, dimension or location, is likely to have significant effects on environment. 5.1.1. EIA Process in Macedonia The EIA procedure consists of several steps or phases, which are: notification on the intention of the project implementation, screening, scoping, assessment and evaluation of the direct and indirect impact on the environment from the project implementation or non-implementation. The impact of the project on the environment is assessed in accordance with the status of the environment in the area affected at the time of submission of the notification on the intention to carry out the project. When assessing the project environmental impact, the following is taken into account: - the project preparation, execution, implementation and termination, including the results and effects arising from the completion of the project; - removal of the polluting substances and restoration of the affected area into its original condition, if such obligation is prescribed by special regulation, and - normal functioning of the project, as well as the likelihood of accidents

Public

Update/Improve

(1) Notification on the intention for project Notification 10+5 days implementation The investor shall submit the notification on 30+5+8 days their intention to implement the project, Screening together with an opinion of the need of environmental impact assessment to MEPP. EIA needed EIA non needed The information that is needed for incorporation in the notification is proscribed in the “Ordinance on the information Scoping 60days contained in the notification of intent to implement a project and the procedure for EIA determining the need for environmental impact assessment of a project” (Official 60+30+30days Review Gazette no. 33/06). MEEP informs the investor within 10 days from the date of the 40+5days receipt of the notification on the need for Decision supplementing the notification if it’s incomplete. MEPP within five working days of the receipt of the full notification is + 15days obliged to publish the notification in at least one daily newspaper available throughout the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, and on the website of the MEPP. (2) Screening (determining whether an EIA is required) Screening is a stage of EIA process during which the MEPP determines whether an EIA is required for a certain project when a notification on the project implementation intention is made. The specific content and manner of conduct of the screening is proscribed in the “Decree on determining projects for which and criteria on the basis of which the screening for EIA” (official Gazette No. 74/05). After receiving a full notification, the MEPP is supposed to complete the screening procedure within 30 days from the date of receipt, and informs the investor by means of decision whether or not an EIA shall be carried out. The decision is to be published, within five days from the date of issuance, in at least one daily newspaper and on the website of MEPP. Within eight days from the date of publication of the decision, the investor, the legal entities or natural persons concerned as well as the citizens’ associations established for the purpose of environmental protection and improvement may lodge an appeal against the decision to the Second Instance Commission of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia responsible for resolution of administrative matters in the area of environment. 19

(3) Scoping The scoping stage is the process during which the MEPP determines the content and extent of the matters which should be covered by the EIA report. The purpose of the scoping is to inform the investor of the issues that the final report on EIA study should respond to. For the determining the scope of the EIA study, the MEPP may authorize persons from the List of Experts. In drafting the opinion on the scope of EIA study, the MEPP shall take into account the opinions of the investor and the opinions obtained after publication of the decision for screening. Once scoping is completed, the EIA study can be undertaken. The investor prepares EIA report and submits it to the MEPP in written and electronic form. The specific contents of the EIA report are described in section 5.1.2 Requirements for EIA report. The investor is obliged to engage at least one person from the List of Experts, who shall sign the study as a responsible person with regard to its quality. Within five days from the receipt or completion of EIA report, the MEPP publishes the EIA report and announces that the EIA study has been prepared and is available to the public. Any person may submit their opinion in written form to the MEPP within 30 days from the date of publication of the EIA report. If the submitted report does not contain the requirements, the MEPP shall return the study to the investor and shall set a term for its supplement or revision which may not be longer than 40 days from the date of receipt of the study. (4) EIA Reviewing After the EIA study, the EIA process continues with the review stage. Review is the process of checking the adequacy of the EIA study. The report on the adequacy of the EIA study is prepared by the EMPP or by persons appointed thereby from the List of Experts. The report on the adequacy states whether the EIA study fulfils the requirements, proposes the conditions which should be set out in the permit for the project implementation, as well as measures for prevention and reduction of harmful impacts. The term for preparation of the adequacy report is not longer than 60 days from the date of the submission of EIA report. During the review stage, the MEPP is obliged to provide a public hearing at least 5 days before the expiry of the tem referred above, and ensure availability of information needed to the public. If certain deficiencies in the EIA study are found out in the course of the preparation of report on adequacy, the MEPP shall return the study to the investor, who shall supplement and finalize it within not more than 30 days. On the basis of the EIA report, the report on the adequacy of the EIA study, the public debate and the opinions obtained, the MEPP issues a decision on whether or not to grant consent for the application of the project implementation within 40 days from the date of submission of the report on the adequacy of EIA study. The decision contains assessment of whether the EIA study fulfils the requirement, and the permit conditions for the project implementation, as well as measures for prevention and reduction of the harmful effects especially (i) prevention against harmful impact on the environment resulting from the project implementation, (ii) prevention, limitation, mitigation or reduction of harmful impacts, (iii) enhancement of the favorable impacts on the environment resulting from the project implementation, and (iv) evaluation of the expected effects from the proposed measures. The MEPP, within five days from the day of issuance of the decision, submits the decision to the investor, to the body of the state administration responsible for issuance of permit or decision for the project implementation and to the municipality or the City of Skopje on the territory of which the project would be implemented. The decision has to be published in at least one daily newspaper available throughout the country, on the website as well as on the notice board of the MEPP. This decision ceases to have a legal effect within two years from the date of its issuance. (5) Public Hearing The MEPP shall provide a public hearing during the preparation of the report on adequacy of EIA study, and ensure availability of information needed to the public for participation in the public hearing, as well as inform citizens’ associations established for the purpose of environment protection and improvement in the project area. The MEPP shall keep minutes from the public hearing in which it shall list the participants as well as the conclusions, and stenographic notes and video or audio 20

records of the hearing shall be attached to the minutes. regulations shall not be discussed at the public hearing.

Information protected under special

5.1.2. Requirements for EIA Report The requirements for EIA report is prescribed in the “Ordinance on the content of the requirements that need to be fulfilled by the study on environmental impact assessment”. The EIA study shall fulfill the following requirement: - Description of the project with the information on location, character and the size of the project and the geographical extent of the project, - Description of the environment and location, - Description of the natural, cultural and historical heritage and on the landscape, - Description of the type and quantity of emissions and wastes expected, especially emissions in the air, solid wastes and wastewater, as well as other information necessary for evaluation of significant effects of the project on the environment, - Description of the measures for prevention, diminishing and elimination of the impact on the environment, as well as the substitution measures in case of intervention in the natural environment and landscape, - Description of the effects of the project on the environment considering the level of scientific development and accepted evaluation methods, - Description of the characteristics of the technology used, - Description of the alternative solutions for realization of the project that the investor had considered and the main reasons for the choice of the proposed option, the zero-option shall always be included, - Summary of the study submitted without technical details, - Review of the difficulties (technical defects or lack of knowledge) that the investor or the expert were faced with in the course of the study preparation, and - Suggestion for the size and the characteristics under which the study on project environmental impact assessment should be updated. 5.1.3. Result of the Consultation with Recipient Government Results of the consultation with the MTC, MEPP and Skopje City on environmental and social consideration are as follows. • Skopje city will be the investor so that Skopje City will be responsible for conducting necessary procedures for environmental and social considerations. • EIA is necessary for Feasibility Study. 5.2. Emission Standards (1) Water The Decree on Water Classification (Official Gazette No. 18/99) classifies waters. been specified for each of the above indicators, with regard to five water classes. Table 19

Limit values have

Limit values of some indicators for classification of waters into the 4 Classes

Indicators 1. Dissolved oxygen mg / l O2 (non apply of the ground water) 2. Saturation % 3. Biochemical oxygen demand BOD mg/l 4. Chemical oxygen demand COD permanganate index mg/l KMnO4 5. Total suspended matters mg/l 6. Total dissolved matters mg/l

Limit values of the indicators for different Class of Water 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class 4th Class 8 6 4

3

90 - 105 2

75 - 90 105 - 115 4

50 - 75 115 - 125 7

30 - 50 125 - 130 20

10

12

20

40

10

30

80

100

21

Indicators surface water ground water 7. pH 8. Total coliform bacteria MPN bathing 9.Stage of saprogenic according to Liberman (non applicable for under ground water and lakes 10. Stage of biological productivity (only for lakes)

Table 20

Limit values of the indicators for different Class of Water 1st Class 2nd Class 3rd Class 4th Class 350 1000 1500 1500 350 1000 1500 6.8 - 8.5 6.8 - 8.5 6.0- 9.0 6.0- 9.0 2000 100 000 200 000 20 000 Oligo Mezo sapMezo sapa -b mezo saprogenic rogenic rogenic saprogenic poli-saprogeni c oligo moderate – – trofni eutrofni

Maximum allowed levels of different pollutants in to the waters

Dangerous Substances

Unit

Maximum allowed substances in water

level

of

pollution

Class I - II 1. Ammonia 2. Ammonia ion 3. Nitrate 4. Nitrite 5. Hydrogen sulfide 6. Arsenic 7. Antimony 8. Copper 9. Iron 10. Mercuric 11. Cadmium 12. Cobalt 13. Molybden 14. Nickel 15. Lead 16. Argentum 17. Chromium Cr-III Chromium Cr-VI 18. Zinc 19. Phenols 20. Cyanide

mg/l N mg/l N mg/l N mg/l N mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

III - IV 0.1 1 10 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.1 0.3 0.001 0.005 0.2 0.5 0.05 0.05 0.01 0.1 0.05 0.2 0.001 0.01

0.5 10 15 0.5 0.1 0.05 0.05 0.1 1.0 0.001 0.01 2.0 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.02 0.5 0.1 1.0 0.3 0.1

(2) Effluent Quality Standards At present, there are no effluent quality standards in Macedonia. (3) Air The air quality is specified in the Law on Ambient Air Quality (Official Gazette No. 67/04) and Decree on limit values (Official Gazette No. 50/05). Table 21

Limit values of different pollutants into the air

Polluting Substances SO2 Smoke

Max. allowed concentrations-Limit values Max. limit values Daily average 500 µg/m3 150 µg/m3 3 150 µg/m 50 µg/m3

22

80 µg/m3

NO2 SPM (EU Directive 80/779/EEC) Ozone-O3 (EU Directive 92/72/EEC) CO Pb Cd

85 µg/m3 120 µg/m3 110 µg/m3

3 µg/m3

1 µg/m3 0,7 µg/m3 0,7 µg/m3

(4) Noise The Law on Noise, Rulebook on noise in working conditions (Official Gazette No. 29/97) and Decision on terms and conditions for noise annoyance on citizens (Official Gazette No. 64/93) set noise emission limit values. Table 22

Max allowed level of noise dB (A)around different facilities

Type of objects Living and working Facilities Schools other Educational Facilities Hospitals

Max. Allowed Level of Noise dB (A) Day Night 40

Purpose of the area

35

40

40

35

30

Max allowed level I from dB (A) Day Night

Areas of health institutions, spas, resting areas Tourist-recreational areas, hospital surroundings Living places, schools, educational institutions, public green and recreational areas Commercial-living-working areas with surrounding streets with 50 m depth from the middle of the street Commercial, administrative institutions without living facilities, or as an exception, some living facilities Production, warehouses, service or transport areas without living facilities *L10 – level of noise in duration of 10% of measurement time *L5 – level of noise in duration of 5% of measurement time

Max allowed level I from dB (A) L 10* L5

45 50 55

40 45 45

60 60 65

60 75 75

60

50

70

75

65

50

70

85

70

70

80

90

(5) Odor The Waste Framework Directive specifies that the Member States have to take the necessary measures to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment, without causing a nuisance through noise or odors. The Law on environment also provides that within the scope of work of the Inspector for the environment has the right to supervise the implementation of the measures for protection against odor, through ascertaining whether: - measures for protection against odor have been undertaken in the premises and the surrounding where people stay and move, - catering and tourist activities are performed in a manner preventing odor spread in the environment; - articles causing odor have been eliminated and activities causing odor have been prevented; - ascertains other conditions under his/her responsibility. However specific emission standards for odor have not been set yet.

23

(6) Soil The Law on Agricultural Land tackles the issue for soil protection, however currently there is no subsequent legislation regarding emission standards for soil. 5.3. Expropriation The Law on Expropriation (Official Gazette No. 33/95, 20/98, 40/99, 31/03, 46/05) regulates the expropriation of the property ownership and rights (real-estate) for the purpose of construction of facilities and other issues of public interest, establishment of the public interest and assigning of the righteous compensation for the expropriated realty, calculated by the market value of the real-estate. Public interest means the organization, rational use and special humanization, as well as the protection and improvement of the environment by construction of facilities according to the special plans. The procedure starts with the submission of a request for expropriation by the expropriation beneficiaries to the Office of Legal and Property Affairs (expropriation organ). The proposal for expropriation consists of: • The expropriation proponent, • The property that is the subject of expropriation, • The owner of the property and possessor of other property rights of that respective property, their place of residence and headquarters, The following documents must also accompany the expropriation proposal: • A statement from the document on spatial planning or a substitute document, • Figures on the property under proposal for expropriation provided in accordance with the geodesic regulations, • An offer stating the type and the level of compensation on property under proposal for expropriation, • Proof showing ownership of the property which is offered as a replacement for the expropriated property, • Proof of procured funds for compensation of the expropriated property. After receiving the proposal, the expropriation organ is obliged to submit the expropriation proposal together with the documents to the owner of the property and possessor of other property rights within eight days upon the receipt of the expropriation proposal, and submit the expropriation proposal to the organ in charge of maintaining public records of properties in order to register the expropriation within eight days upon receipt of the expropriation proposal. The expropriation organ shall arrange a discussion related to the expropriation proposal and summon the proprietor, the possessor of other property rights and the expropriation beneficiary. The discussion is to determine the existence of public interest, ownership and other property rights, the type and level of compensation, as well as other facts and circumstances relevant to expropriation. The discussion may be concluded following a settlement (agreement) on compensation. The agreement substitutes the expropriation decision, while the procedures for expropriation and settlement of compensation shall be considered as final. As a rule, compensation for expropriated property is settled by providing corresponding property or cash unless former proprietors or possessors of other property rights and expropriation beneficiaries come to a different agreement. Compensation for expropriate land is settled by providing land that in size, quality and location represents a suitable replacement for the expropriated land. In cases when expropriation beneficiaries are unable to provide suitable land or due to other circumstances (massive expropriations, expropriation of small lot portions), the compensation shall be settled in cash. The market value of the expropriated land is determined on the basis of factors, which in accordance with customs and conditions and depending on the time and place of the market shall define the market price of the land. When determining the market value of expropriated land that is intended for farming, forestry or other production, the status, cadastral class, climate and 24

economic conditions must be taken into consideration. The market value has to correspond to free market prices determined in agreements on properties at the time and place when the compensation on expropriated property is determined. Expropriation beneficiaries, and former proprietors or possessors of other property rights may reach an agreement until the expropriation decision becomes final. If such an agreement can not be reached, the expropriation organ is obliged to schedule hearings for settlement of compensation within eight days after the expropriation decision becomes final. If an agreement can not be reached following the hearings for settlement, the expropriation organ is obliged to submit the case with all accompanying documents to the authorized court within eight days after the expropriation decision becomes final. The agreement shall be entered into a register that is to include all information relevant for the fulfilment of obligations by expropriation beneficiaries, former proprietors and possessors of other property rights. The agreement shall be concluded with the signing of the register by both parties, and shall represent an enforcement document. 6.

Alternatives including without project option

6.1. With/Without With the project, the positive impacts mentioned below are expected. • The collection and treatment of untreated sewage before entering the Vardar River will improve water quality of the river and river environment. • A proper sewage handling and disposal arrangement will minimize the chances of contamination of ground and surface water. • Such provisions assist to maintain ecological balance by reducing damages to flora and fauna. • Controlled reuse of sewage supplements agricultural activities and development and sustenance of environmental protection components like greenbelt development. • The construction activity can provide opportunities to the local population and residents of the neighbouring area to earn. They may come to provide labor or to service the construction camps. • Nutrient rich treated water and dried sludge can be used for irrigation, as a material of cement. If the project is not implemented, the water quality of Vardar River in 2020 will become worse due to the continuous discharge of untreated wastewater and increased amount of wastewater from increased inhabitants. The polluted water would continue to affect the ground water quality, threatening irrigation activities and drinking water safety (usually drawn from the ground waters) affecting the health of urban and rural residents. As a consequence, the quality of life and the standards of living of residents in the proposed project area will deteriorate. In addition, the Vardar River is the transboundary water body that is shared between Macedonia and Greece. Therefore, the river water quality is one of the essential environmental issues discussed between neighbouring countries during the transboundary water management negotiations. In 2005 Macedonia has been granted EU candidate status and one of the conditions for EU membership is that the candidate country aligns it national legal system with EU legislation. The transposition of the EU water related directives has been started and the provisions of wastewater treatment plant related EU Directives should also be enhanced. Hence, the pressure from legal obligations on national and transboundary level will be very strong and the alternative of no project seems to be not realistic under these conditions. The figure below shows the river water quality in cases of with project and without project scenario. If the project is not implemented, the quality of the river water near the proposed WWTP site in 2020 is 18.42 mg/l in terms of BOD. However, in case of with the project, the BOC concentration in river water is expected to be 4.82 mg/l.

25

Present situation Without Project With Project

Figure 7

River Water Quality of Present / With / Without Project Scenario

6.2. Alternatives Several alternatives are studied in the Basic Plan stage such as alternative sewerage system, alternative route of main collectors. In the F/S, the treatment technology of WWTP, sludge disposal will be studied during the study. 7. Notification, Screening and Scoping The EIA process in Macedonia requires the notification documents with screening results by the Investor to be submitted to the MEPP and draft scoping checklists are needed to be completed by the Investor. As the Investor of the Study is Skopje City, the screening and scoping are conducted by the Skopje City in collaboration with the JICA Study Team based on the “Ordinance on the information contained in the notification of intent to implement a project and the procedure for determining the need for environmental impact assessment of a project” and “Guidance for conducting screening, scoping and review in environmental impact assessment”. 7.1. Notification and Screening The EIA screening process is compliant with the provisions of the Law on Environment which requires that, before environmental consent is given for the intention to implement a project, projects that are likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of their nature, size or location are made subject to assessment with regard to their potential environmental impacts. The notification of intent to implement a project should contain the following information and that is prepared by Skopje City. 1. 2.

3.

General information about the Investor (name, address, phone no., etc.) Characteristics of the project • Brief description of the project proposal including proposed capacity and size of the project, • Resources used in construction and operation (materials, water, energy, etc.), • Information about mitigation measures that are being considered; other activities which may be required as a consequence of the project, etc. Location of the project • Location of the project including name of the municipality, maps and photographs showing the location of the project, • Existing land-uses on and adjacent to the site and any future planned land uses, etc. 26

4.

5.

Features of likely impacts of the project • Indication of potential emissions to water, air and soil, • Impacts on people, human health, fauna and flora, soils, land use, material assets, water quality and hydrology, air quality, climate, noise and vibration, the landscape and visual environment, historic and cultural heritage resources, and the interactions between them, • Nature, extent, magnitude and complexity, probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact, • Mitigation incorporated into the project design to reduce, avoid or offset significant adverse impacts, transboundary nature of the impact. Supplementary information • A statement of the relevant construction authority on the project, • Date of the notification, • A completed screening checklist, • Etc.

The completed screening checklist is necessary to attach as the supplementary information, and is prepared based on the results of IEE level survey which was conducted in the Basic Plan stage by Skopje City in corporation with the JICA Study Team. The Screening checklist is attached in Appendix 1. 7.2. Scoping Scoping is conducted according to the “Guidance for conducting screening, scoping and review in environmental impact assessment”. The scoping checklist is attached in Appendix 2. Based on this scoping, MEPP will determine the scope of the study on environmental impact assessment. The opinion from the MEPP on the scope of the study on environmental impact assessment shall in particular contain: • Alternatives to be taken into consideration, • Basic review and research required, • Methods and criteria used for anticipation and assessment of the effects, • Measures for improvement to be taken into consideration, • Legal entities that should be consulted during the preparation of the study on the project environmental impact assessment, and • Structure, content and length of environmental information. The summary table of scoping is shown in Appendix 3. 8. Stakeholder Meeting The stakeholder meeting will be held three times during Basic Plan stage and F/S stage according to the JICA’s Guidelines as shown below. First Meeting

Date 9th Nov. 2007

Second Meeting

22nd Feb. 2008

Third Meeting

Nov. 2008

Objectives (1) Introduction of JICA Study (objectives, contents, schedule) (2) Explanation of procedures and schedule of environmental and social considerations (3) Draft scoping of IEE level study (5) Contents of Basic Plan and result of IEE (6) Results of IEE (7) Priority projects in F/S and scoping of EIA (1) Contents of F/S (2) Results of EIA

The organizer is Skopje City in cooperation with MTC and MEPP. 27

The expected invitees are:

• • • • • •

10 Municipalities Affected people by proposed Basic Plan and priority projects Ministries (MTC, MEPP, MOF, etc.) Research institute and universities (public health, hydrometeorology, etc.) NGOs working in the environmental field International Organizations

8.1. First Stakeholder Meeting First stakeholder meeting was held on 9th Nov. 2007 by Skopje City at City Hall and 56 persons participated in this meeting. Ministries Skopje City, Municipality Research institutes, University

7 18 13

NGOs International organizations Others

5 3 10 56

During this meeting, the questions and comments mentioned below were raised. • The options like independent WWTP in Saraj and Gorce Petrov, or central WWTP for 10 municipalities should be considered. • The water quality categorization of the river might change so that the calculation of WWTP should consider the parameters of outlet from WWTP as second class category. • Industrial wastewater should be separated from domestic wastewater. • The effluent must abide by EU Directive and standards. The EU Directive is also considering formulation of sensitive and non-sensitive areas, and accordingly Macedonia should also define this. 8.2. Second Stakeholder Meeting Second stakeholder meeting was held on 22nd February 2008 by Skopje City at City Hall and 57 persons participated in this meeting. Ministries, Governments Skopje City, Municipality Research institutes, University Media

9 21 8 5

NGOs International organizations Others Total

4 2 8 57

During this meeting, the questions and comments mentioned below were raised. • The mitigation measures should be taken properly (the opinion from the Trubarevo Community Council) • From the view point of groundwater protection, the project for North Gorce Petrov should be included in the priority projects. • The sludge drying bed is proposed in the Study, but if another technology is adopted, the necessity land can be decreased. This should be considered. • The arboretum and hunting area are used for the educational and scientific purpose and important places. The groundwater flows in this area and it is used for arboretum, any construction should not disturb the groundwater table. 9.

Terms of Reference for EIA on the Feasibility Study

The “Draft of Terms of Reference for EIA on the Feasibility Study” is as described in Appendix 4.

28

Appendix 1 No. Questions to be considered

SCREENING CHECKLIST Yes/No/?/Not Applicable (NA) Briefly describe

Is this likely to result in a significant effect? Yes/No/?-Why?

Brief Project Description; The objective of the Project is to improve the water quality of the Vardar River by collection and treatment of wastewater which are currently discharged directly into the Vardar River. The Project includes the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) with the capacity of 500,000 population and the main collectors (diameter: 1,500-1,800 mm) on right and left banks of the Vardar River. 1

2

3

4

5

Will construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involve actions which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, etc.)? Will construction or operation of the Project use natural resources such as land, water, materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short supply? Will the Project involve use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials which could be harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived risks to human health? Will the Project produce solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning?

Yes. The Project will involve Yes. Loss of agricultural development of the area with 35-40 land. ha currently used as agricultural use. The main collectors should cross the Vardar River Yes. The Project will require the Yes. Change in Land use. land of 35-40 ha for WWTP. The operation of the Project will use the fuel and electricity. Yes. The project will use chemicals Not significant. such as chlorine. The sludge will be generated through Yes, if the sludge is not the treatment process of wastewater. properly treated. Yes. Construction will require Yes. Transport excavation and land leveling and disposal of the spoil. transport and disposal of the spoil.

During operation of WWTP, the sludge will be generated. Will the Project release pollutants or any Yes. Usage of vehicles for hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to transportation of the construction air? materials and sludge will cause emission into the air. Yes. Methane gas will be generated in digesting sludge.

6

Will the Project cause noise and vibration or release of light, heat energy or electromagnetic radiation?

7

Will the Project lead to risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants onto the ground or into surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea?

8

Will there be any risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project which could affect human health or the environment?

and

Yes. Disposal of the sludge. Not significant. The scale of the Project is not large.

Significant. The re-use of methane gas should be considered. Yes. The equipment and machines Yes. But limited impacts to for digging of the main collectors and near settlements of land leveling for WWTP will be used construction site. during construction. Yes. Pump will cause noise and Yes. The impacts to vibration during operation. Arboretum and Ostrovo should be identified. Yes. The breakage of main Not significant. The risk collectors or breakdown of pumps will management plan should be cause the risk of contamination of prepared. groundwater and surface water. Yes. If industrial wastewater is not Significant. pre-treated according to the IPPC system, sludge will contain toxic heavy metal. Yes. There is possible risk of Not significant. The risk accidents and affect the human and emergency health and environment as the management plan will chemical are used at the laboratory. ensure the minimization of the risk.

29

No. Questions to be considered

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18 19

20

Yes/No/?/Not Applicable (NA) Briefly describe

Is this likely to result in a significant effect? Yes/No/?-Why? Will the Project result in social changes, for Yes. Positive change in Yes, but not significant. example, in demography, traditional employment by the construction and lifestyles, employment? operation activities. The new WWTP may impose new higher tariff for the users. Are there any other factors which should be No. considered such as consequential development which could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or planned activities in the locality? Are there any areas on or around the Yes. Arboretum of Skopje Yes. The WWTP site is location which are protected under University, Ostrovo (reserved area for within the hunting area and international or national or local legislation birds) and hunting area of MAFWE. the Arboretum is nearly for their ecological, landscape, cultural or located next to the WWTP. other value, which could be affected by the Ostrovo is within the water Project? economy facility zone. Are there any other areas on or around the Yes. Arboretum of Skopje Yes. The WWTP site is location which are important or sensitive for University, Ostrovo (reserved area for within the hunting area and reasons of their ecology e.g. wetlands, birds) and hunting area of MAFWE. the Arboretum is nearly watercourses or other waterbodies, the located next to the WWTP. coastal zone, mountains, forests or Ostrovo is within the water woodlands, which could be affected by the economy facility zone. Project? Are there any areas on or around the Yes. Arboretum of Skopje Yes. The WWTP site is location which are used by protected, University, Ostrovo (reserved area for within the hunting area and important or sensitive species of fauna or birds) and hunting area of MAFWE. the Arboretum is nearly flora e.g. for breeding, nesting, foraging, located next to the WWTP. resting, overwintering, migration, which Ostrovo is within the water could be affected by the Project? economy facility zone. Are there any inland, coastal, marine or No. underground waters on or around the location which could be affected by the Project? Are there any areas or features of high No. landscape or scenic value on or around the location which could be affected by the Project? Are there any routes or facilities on or No. around the location which are used by the public for access to recreation or other facilities, which could be affected by the Project? Are there any transport routes on or around No. the location which are susceptible to congestion or which cause environmental problems, which could be affected by the Project? Is the Project in a location where it is likely No. to be highly visible to many people? Are there any areas or features of historic or No. cultural importance on or around the location which could be affected by the Project? Is the Project located in a previously Yes. The area is used as agriculture Yes. Loss of Greenfield undeveloped area where there will be loss field. land. of Greenfield land?

30

No. Questions to be considered

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Yes/No/?/Not Applicable (NA) Briefly describe

Is this likely to result in a significant effect? Yes/No/?-Why? Are there exiting land uses on or around the Yes. Land is used as agriculture Yes. location e.g. homes, gardens, other private and forestry. property, industry, commerce, recreation, public open space, community facilities, agriculture, forestry, tourism, mining or quarrying which could be affected by the Project? Are there any plans for future land uses on Yes. The area is designated as No. or around the location which could be water economy facility. affected by the Project? Are there any areas on or around the No. location which are densely populated or built-up, which could be affected by the Project? Are there any areas on or around the No. location which are occupied by sensitive land uses e.g. hospitals, schools, places of worship, community facilities, which could be affected by the Project? Are there any areas on or around the No. location which contain important, high quality or scarce resources e.g. groundwater, surface waters, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, minerals, which could be affected by the Project? Are there any areas on or around the Yes. Vardar River is currently location which are already subject to classified as III class. The project pollution or environmental damage e.g. will positively improve water quality in where existing legal environmental the River. standards are exceeded, which could be affected by the Project? Is the project location susceptible to Earthquakes – Zone 9 earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, Fogs – often in winter erosion, flooding or extreme or adverse climate conditions e.g. temperature inversion, fogs, severe winds, which could cause the project to present environmental problems?

31

Appendix 2 SCOPING CHECKLIST: QUESTIONS ON PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS No.

Questions to be considered Yes/ Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely to be significant? in Scoping No/? Environment could be affected and how? Why? 1. Will construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involve actions which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, etc)? 1.1 Permanent or temporary YES Land use - The project will require YES. change in land use, land Significant locally- change in land use, intensive land use for WWTP. cover or topography The proposed project will not impact on increased traffic, noise, reduction of including increases in the topography of the area. vegetation. intensity of land use? Positive: improved local water quality in Vardar River 1.2 Clearance of existing land, YES Land use – The project will change the YES. vegetation and buildings? purposes of the land use refer to the The land is used for agriculture field. vegetation that already exists. But the area affected is not significant for agriculture and for biodiversity or richness of vegetation. 1.3 Creation of new land uses? YES Land use – The land will be used for Not significant – the area affected is not WWTP. significant for biodiversity or richness of vegetation. 1.4 Pre-construction YES Land on the WWTP location site and main Not significant – There is a proper investigations e.g. collector – topographic and geotechnical analytical method that needs small boreholes, soil testing? surveys including boreholes. quantities of soil for analytical analysis. 1.5 Construction works? YES Land use – The construction (both for YES – The ownership of the land is collection system and WWTP) activities very important. will influent the land use especially the WWTP location. Noise-The construction machinery will YES – There is exceedance of the cause noise both during the construction noise level into the Skopje City, so the of the collection system and WWTP. additional noise caused by the project Pumps will generate noise and vibration. activities (construction phase only) will increase noise level. Air emissions-The construction activities YES – but the impacts will be limited will initiate exhaust gases emissions of (construction period and suburb area of dust (PM10), emissions of mobile sources Skopje City). (vehicles and tracks) of CO2 , NOx, SOx,; Methane gas will be generated in digesting The re-use of methane gas should be sludge considered. Waste – Creation of the inert waste from Not significant the construction works, communal waste from the temporary houses for workers; Traffic and access – The project will YES. The traffic congestion might be increase the number and frequency of expected during construction period. vehicles in the several Skopje City municipalities-Karpos, Gazi Baba, Kisela Voda and Aerodrom. Energy and water supply – The machinery Not significant used for the project will need the new energy infrastructure if the already existing in not enough. The water supply is also essential for construction works and accommodated workers into the temporary houses. Sensitive Area- The proposed area for YES, significant. The birds and foxes WWTP includes the hunting area and are hunted in the State Hunting Area. Ostrovo, and the Arboretum is located next The Arboretum is used for research to the area. purpose such as student visits and re-cultivation and the Ostrovo is important location for migration birds. 1.6 Demolition works? NO Not expected. No 1.7 Temporary sites used for YES Land use-The project will cause the Not significant – temporary with construction works or construction of the temporary houses for conditions regulated by law housing of construction accommodation of the construction workers? workers. Waste – The temporary accommodated Not significant workers will create communal waste that should be taken to the Drisla Landfill. Energy and water supply – The temporary Not significant

32

No.

Questions to be considered Yes/ in Scoping No/?

1.8

Above ground buildings, YES structures or earthworks including linear structures, cut and fill or excavations?

1.9

1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15

Underground works including mining or tunneling? Reclamation works? Dredging? Coastal structures e.g. seawalls, piers? Offshore structures? Production and manufacturing processes? Facilities for storage of goods or materials?

YES

YES

1.17

Facilities for long term housing of operational workers? New road, rail or sea traffic during construction or operation? New road, rail, air, waterborne or other transport infrastructure including new or altered routes and stations, ports, airports etc? Closure or diversion of existing transport routes or infrastructure leading to changes in traffic movements?

1.20

1.21

1.22

The project will require the facilities for storage of construction materials, equipments and large pipes during construction phase. During the operational phase the storage facilities will be within the WWTP site boundaries. The WWTP itself will treat the wastewater and produce the effluent and sludge.

Construction Phase: significant impact – along collector lines Operation: Not significant – contained within WWTP limits.

Construction phase: Temporary closing of streets during excavation works, laying of the collectors and refilling of trenches & asphalting is expected – creating local diversion of traffic Operation phase: The project will increase the number and frequency of vehicles in the suburb area of Skopje city (near Trubarevo). Existing access roads will be utilised and the additional infrastructure will be required only for the new WWTP. Installations of new collectors are required.

Slightly significant:: Short duration during construction phase if well organized, however, may cause traffic congestions (air pollution increase).

The diversion of the river water will be necessary when the collectors are installed under the Vardar River. No permanent changes in watercourse and river beds expected.

Construction phase: Significant: Cofferdams & constrict water flow – may cause spills and floods locally. This is temporary impact.

Construction phase: significant traffic congestion, land- use changes (outside of urban boundary), noise, temporary service problems, air pollution etc. Operation: WWTP – change in land use, noise, smell, etc.

Construction Phase: significant impact – along collector lines

NO NO

Facilities for treatment or YES disposal of solid wastes or liquid effluents?

1.19

Is the effect likely to be significant? Why?

NO NO NO

1.16

1.18

Which Characteristics of the Project Environment could be affected and how? sites will require new energy and water infrastructure Earthworks: installation of new collectors and pipe connection with the existing pipelines; Excavations: at the WWTP site for structures with deep foundations. Above ground structures/objects: WWTP, as well as other structures for pump station and manholes for collectors. Below ground structures/objects: Pipelines for the wastewater collection. Land use – The project will require intensive underground activities for construction of collector system.

YES

YES

YES

YES

New or diverted YES transmission lines or pipelines? Impoundment, damming, YES culverting, realignment or other changes to the hydrology of watercourses or aquifers?

YES. The effluent will be discharge to the Vardar River and the sludge will be disposed of at the existing landfill (Drisla) site. YES. One person at least will stay at the Not significant. The building will be WWTP for operation. There is a need for within the boundary of WWTP. new buildings for operational workers. YES. The new access roads will be Not significant: Short access road will needed for WWTP. No new roads be needed to and within the boundary expected within the urban area. of WWTP. The new access roads will be needed for Not significant: short access road are WWTP location and within the site. needed as the main roads exist No new roads expected within the urban area.

33

Construction phase: Slightly significant

No. 1.23

1.24

1.25

1.26

1.27

1.28

1.29

1.30 1.31 1.32

Questions to be considered Yes/ in Scoping No/? Stream crossings? YES

Abstraction or transfers of water from ground or surface waters? Changes in water bodies or the land surface affecting drainage or run-off? Transport of personnel or materials for construction, operation or decommissioning? Long term dismantling or decommissioning or restoration works? Ongoing activity during decommissioning which could have an impact on the environment? Influx of people to an area in either temporarily or permanently? Introduction of alien species? Loss of native species or genetic diversity? Any other actions?

YES

YES

YES

Which Characteristics of the Project Environment could be affected and how? The collectors on the right bank of the Vardar River have to cross the Vardar River near the WWTP location. No permanent changes in watercourse and river beds expected. During installation of main collectors and concrete depositing of WWTP, the groundwater should be drained. The effluent will be discharged into the Vardar River.

Is the effect likely to be significant? Why? Construction phase: Significant: Cofferdams & constrict water flow – may cause spills and floods locally. This is temporary impact. Not significant:

Significant: The considerable amount of effluent will be discharged into the river. The project will involve intensive transport Not significant impact. The impact is of personnel, tools and materials for all limited during construction period, but phases especially construction phase. this should be considered in the EIA study.

NO

YES

YES

The decommissioning process will have Not significant impact an impact on the environment especially during the demolition works, waste disposal and transport of used equipment There is an influx of people expected as Not significant impact staff engaged for the construction and operation of the WWTP

NO NO NO

2. Will construction or operation of the Project use natural resources such as land, water, materials or energy, Especially any resources which are non-renewable or short supply

No.

Yes/ No/? YES

Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely to be significant? Environment could be affected and how? Why? The project location will include the parcels YES- Significant local land use change as an agricultural land.

2.2

Questions to be considered in Scoping Land especially undeveloped or agricultural land? Water?

YES

The project will use the water natural Not significant quantities of water. resources for operation of WWTP and sanitary water from WS network.

2.3 2.4

Minerals? Aggregates?

NO YES

2.5 2.6

Forests and timber? NO Energy including electricity YES and fuels?

2.7

Any other resources?

2.1

Construction phase: Aggregate for concrete Not significant. The scale is not large. works & structures – both pipelines and WWTP The project activities with vehicles and FUEL: Slightly significant- Temporary equipments will involve extensive energy – during construction; During operation – electricity and fuels consumption. depending on sludge quantities & water content, as well as the transporting distance to landfill site Electricity: Significant – large quantities of electricity for WWTP.

NO

3. Will the Project involve use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials which could be harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived risks to human health?

No. 3.1

Questions to be considered in Yes/ Scoping No/? Will the project involve use of YES substances or materials which are hazardous or toxic to human health or the environment (flora, fauna, and water supplies)?

Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely to be significant? Environment could be affected and how? Why? The project will use chemicals needed for Not significant the wastewater treatment process as well as for the on-site laboratory, such as Chlorine, calcium hydroxide (lime), polymer coagulant, ferric chloride depending on the treatment technology.

34

3.2

Will the project result in YES changes in occurrence of disease or affect disease vectors (e.g. insect or water borne diseases)?

3.3

Will the project affect the YES welfare of people e.g. by changing living conditions?

The sludge will cause adverse impact in the environment-foul odours, development of insects, health hazards in cases of uncontrolled disposal into environment. On other hand the waste water treatment facility will have a positive impact on the improvement of Vardar River water quality and consequently will decrease water borne diseases. The project will positively affect the welfare of people through the new employments, decreasing the health costs for water borne diseases and improvement the water quality of Vardar River which enhance the recreation of Skopje citizen.

YES, if not treated according the strict provisions from the Law on Environment, Law on Water and Law on Waste Management YES positive impact

YES. Positive effects.

The new facilities of the WWTP and YES significant collectors might raise the sewerage fees effect. which will affect the household budget. 3.4

negative

economic

Are there especially NO vulnerable groups of people who could be affected by the project e.g. hospital patients, the elderly? Any other causes? NO

3.5

4. Will the Project produce solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning?

No.

Questions to be considered in Scoping Spoil, overburden or mine wastes? Municipal waste (household and or commercial wastes)?

Yes/ No/? NO

Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely to be significant? Environment could be affected and how? Why?

YES

4.3

Hazardous or toxic wastes (including radioactive wastes)?

YES

The project activities (construction phase) Not significant impact with temporary accommodation of workers will cause municipal waste (communal and commercial wastes) that should be disposed on Drisla Landfill. The industries is obliged to install the YES. The sludge disposal should be pre-treatment facilities for hazardous carefully considered. materials before discharge the wastewater to sewer and the river, however, there is the risk to mix the industrial wastewater to communal wastewater, which will lead the hazardous sludge.

4.4

Other industrial process wastes? Surplus product? Sewage sludge or other sludge from effluent treatment? Construction or demolition wastes? Redundant machinery or equipment?

NO

4.1 4.2

4.5 4.6

4.7 4.8

YES YES

Methane gas from the digester. YES if not treated The sewage sludge will be generated YES – the sewage sludge treatment and after digester and sludge dewatering unit final disposal are necessary.

YES

The construction activities will generate inert waste. The redundant machinery or equipment can create the end-of-life equipment waste. There is possibility for soil contamination due to the seepage of material from vehicles or facility for chemicals storage. Also waste water seepage into the soil at the plant may occur at connecting points of cannels and tanks and other locations due to the cracks on structures.

YES

4.9

Contaminated soils or other YES material?

4.10 4.11

Agricultural wastes? Any other solid wastes?

Not significant impact Not significant impact

YES – The contamination can be expected if there is not a good management procedure for chemicals handling and construction procedure

NO NO

5. Will the Project release pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air?

No.

Questions to be considered in Yes/ Scoping No/?

Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely to be significant? Environment could be affected and how? Why?

35

5.1

Emissions from combustion of YES fossil fuels from stationary or mobile sources?

5.2

Emissions from processes?

5.3

Emissions from materials YES handling including storage or transport? Emissions from construction YES activities including plant and equipment? Dust or odors from handling YES of materials including construction materials, sewage and waste?

5.4

5.5

5.6 5.7

5.8

production YES

The project activities will include the usage of vehicles for transportation and the combustion of fossil fuels will cause emissions into the air. The treatment process will cause emissions into the air (emissions from primary and secondary sedimentation tanks, digester and sludge drying bed (especially methane gas)). There is possibility for emissions from storage and transport of materials and chemicals. The emissions of dust and suspended particulars can occur during the construction and operating activities. During the construction phase as well as on day-by-day operational activities the dust, odours can occur. Especially the odour will be generated through the wastewater treatment process.

Not significant impact

Not significant impact

Not significant impact

Not significant impact

YES

Emissions from incineration of NO waste? Emissions from burning of NO waste in open air (e.g. slash material, construction debris)? Emissions from any other NO sources? 6. Will the Project cause noise and vibration or release of light, heat energy or electromagnetic radiation?

No. 6.1

6.2 6.3

Questions to be considered in Yes/ Scoping No/? From operation of equipment YES e.g. engines, ventilation plant, crushers?

From industrial or similar NO processes? From construction or YES demolition?

6.4 6.5

From blasting or piling? From construction operational traffic?

6.6

From lighting or cooling NO systems? From sources of NO electromagnetic radiation (consider effects on nearby sensitive equipment as well as people)? From any other sources? NO

6.7

6.8

NO or YES

Which Characteristics of the Project Environment could be affected and how? The project activities and treatmentl process will involve great number of equipment that will cause the noise and vibration (pump stations with electromotor drives, ventilators, diffusers, etc).

Is the effect likely to be significant? Why? Not significant – limited within the plant – the mitigation measures may apply on that impact

The construction activities will cause YES noise and vibration due to the machinery for digging of the collector system and dredging for WWTP construction. The project activities involve intensive vehicle fleet that will cause noise during the transportation. During construction phase, the traffic to transport the pipes and materials, and during operation, transportation of sludge.

Construction phase: Partly significant – with limited duration Operational phase: Partly significant –limited to transport routes only

7. Will the Project lead to risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants onto the ground or into sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea?

No. 7.1

Questions to be considered in Yes/ Scoping No/? From handling, storage, use YES or spillage of hazardous or toxic materials?

Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely to be significant? Environment could be affected and how? Why? The spillage of hazardous materials and YES release of pollutants onto the ground or underground may occur.

36

7.2

From discharge of sewage or YES other effluents (whether treated or untreated) to water or the land?

7.3

By deposition of pollutants YES emitted to air, onto the land or into water? From any other sources? NO Is there a risk of long term YES build up of pollutants in the environment from these sources?

7.4 7.5

The WWTP will discharge the effluent to YES. The quality of the effluent will be the Vardar River. met with the effluent standards of EU. If the industrial wastewater is mixed with the communal wastewater, the effluent will include the chemicals and there is the risk of contamination of the Vardar River The air, land and water quality will be YES changed due to the deposition of pollutants emitted. The generated sludge and gases can be a YES cause for long term build up.

8. Will there be any risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project which could affect human health or the environment?

No. 8.1

Questions to be considered in Yes/ Scoping No/? From explosions, spillages, YES fires etc from storage, handling, use or production of hazardous or toxic substances?

8.2

From events beyond the limits YES of normal environmental protection e.g. failures of pollution control systems?

8.3 8.4

From any other causes? NO Could the project be affected YES by natural disasters causing environmental damage (e.g. floods, earthquakes, landslip, etc)?

Which Characteristics of the Project Environment could be affected and how? The spillage of the wastewater by breakage of collecting system might happen. The WWTP uses the chemicals such as Chlorine, calcium hydroxide (lime), polymer coagulant, ferric chloride depending on the selected treatment process. Heavy metals if IPPC system is not followed. There is possible risk of failures into the laboratory equipment and on-line instruments for water quality analysis, flow, temp. measurements and emissions of pollutant substances into the water effluent.

Is the effect likely to be significant? Why? Not significant - the Risk and Emergency Management Plan will ensure the minimization of risk.

Significant Not significant - the Risk and Emergency Management Plan will ensure the minimization of risk

There are always unpredictable situation Not significant – Construction of for natural disasters that can affected the embankment along the Vardar River will project causing the environmental ensure the minimization of risk. changes. The flood will directly affect the water quantity and has been elaborated into the Feasibility Study.

9. Will the Project result in social changes, for example, in demography, traditional lifestyles, employment?

No. 9.1

9.2

9.3

9.4

9.5

9.6

Questions to be considered in Scoping Changes in population size, age, structure, social groups etc? By resettlement of people or demolition of homes or communities or community facilities e.g. schools, hospitals, social facilities? Through in-migration of new residents or creation of new communities? By placing increased demands on local facilities or services e.g. housing, education, health? By creating jobs during construction or operation or causing the loss of jobs with effects on unemployment and the economy? Any other causes?

Yes/ No/? NO

Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely to be significant? Environment could be affected and how? Why?

NO

NO

YES

The new WWTP will impose new higher YES water and wastewater taxes for all Skopje City citizens

YES

The construction and operation phases of YES - Positive impact as the the project will create new jobs and will unemployment is very high (almost directly affect the unemployment and the 36%) economy (positive impact)

NO

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10. Are there any other factors which should be considered such as consequential development which could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or planned activities in the locality?

No. 10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

Questions to be considered in Scoping Will the project lead to pressure for consequential development which could have significant impact on the environment e.g. more housing, new roads, new supporting industries or utilities, etc? Will the project lead to development of supporting facilities, ancillary development or development stimulated by the project which could have impact on the environment e.g.: • supporting infrastructure (roads, power supply, waste or waste water treatment, etc) • housing development • extractive industries • supply industries • Other? Will the project lead to after-use of the site which could have an impact on the environment? Will the project set a precedent for later developments?

Yes/ No/? NO

Which Characteristics of the Project Is the effect likely Environment could be affected and how? significant? Why?

to

YES

WWTP: Supporting Infrastructure- roads Partly significant & power supply consumption

energy

–

be

NO

YES

The project will be a precedent for other large scale WWT plants that are needed to be constructed in Macedonia according the EU Directives.

Will the project have cumulative NO effects due to proximity to other existing or planned projects with similar effects?

38

YES, There is necessity for additional large scale WWTPs for bigger cities in Macedonia that can use the lessons learned from this WWTP in Skopje City.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT ENVIRONMENT For each project characteristic identified in Part 1 consider whether any of the following environmental components could be affected. Question – Will the Project Activity have effects on existing or future land uses? Existing land-uses on the site? Homes, gardens, other private property No Industry YES The gravel extraction Commerce No Recreation No Potential due to vicinity of river public open space No community facilities No agriculture YES The agricultural activities forestry No Forests exists within the site tourism No mining or quarrying No Planned land uses or zoning for future land uses? No The area is designated as “water economy facility zone” in General Urban plan of Skopje City. Neighboring land-uses (existing and proposed)? No Question – Is the Project Activity likely to have effects on a sensitive area, by occupying all or part of the area or crossing it with linear development or undertaking any works within it? Areas which are protected under international or national or local YES Ostrovo is included in the area. legislation for their ecological, landscape, cultural or other value, which could be affected by the project? Other areas which are important or sensitive for reasons of their ecology e.g. Wetlands YES Katlanovo marsh – positive impact – improved river Vardar WQ Watercourses or other water bodies YES Improved river Vardar WQ the coastal zone No mountains No forests or woodlands YES Arboretum, forests within the WWTP site and hunting area near the WWTP site. Areas used by protected, important or sensitive species of fauna YES Arboretum, hunting area near by the WWTP or flora e.g. for breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, location overwintering, migration? Areas already subject to pollution or environmental damage? YES Vardar river is currently classified as class III. The project will positively improve water quality in the river. Areas with densely populated? No Locations occupied by sensitive land uses? hospitals No schools No places of worship No community facilities No Areas or features of high landscape or scenic value? No Areas which are highly visible and /or surrounded by many No receptors or which are visible from sensitive viewpoints? Areas which are important for tourism or recreation? No Areas with good public access? No Areas containing important historical, cultural or archaeological No resources? Areas susceptible to earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, YES Earthquakes – in zone 9 erosion or extreme or adverse climatic conditions which could Fogs – often in winter cause the Project to present environmental problems? The proposed site is former river bed. The geotechnical survey is necessary. Areas which contain important, high quality or scarce resources which could be affected by the Project? groundwater resources, No surface waters, No forestry, YES Ostrovo is included in the area. agriculture, YES The area is used as agricultural field. But the resources (land) are neither scarce or high quality. fisheries, No minerals. No Areas which may be resistant to natural regeneration or where There is plants and trees in this area so that

39

new planting may or may not succeed? new planting may succeed. Question - Is the Project likely to affect the physical condition of any environmental media? The atmospheric environment including microclimate and local No and larger scale climatic conditions? Water – e.g. quantities, flows or levels of rivers, lakes, YES The flow of the Vardar River will be changed groundwater, estuaries, coastal waters or the sea? by the collection of wastewater which is currently discharged into the river and discharge of the effluent. But the impact on river flow is small. Soils – e.g. quantities, depths, humidity, stability or erodibility of No soils? Geological and ground conditions? No Question - Are releases from the Project likely to have effects on the quality of any environmental media? Local air quality? YES Odour will be generated from the WWTP. Global air quality including climate change and ozone depletion YES Methane gas emissions Water quality - rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries, coastal YES Positive impact: Improvement of water waters or the sea? quality of the Vardar River Nutrient status and eutrophication of waters? No Tertiary treatment (nutrient removal of total N and Total P) is not planned but the Vardar River is not the closed water body, thus nutrient and eutrophication are not problem. Acidification of soils or waters? No Soils No Noise? YES Locally in the vicinity of the WWTP due to sludge transportation Temperature, light or electromagnetic radiation including No electrical interference? Productivity of natural or agricultural systems? No Question - Is the Project likely to affect the availability or scarcity of any resources either locally or globally? Fossil fuels? Yes Increased electricity consumption Water? No Minerals and aggregates? No Timber? No Other non-renewable resources? No Infrastructure capacity in the locality - water, sewerage, power Yes The sludge will be disposed of at the landfill generation and transmission, telecommunications, waste site so that it will affect the capacity of waste disposal, roads, rail? disposal site. Question - Is the Project likely to affect human or community health or welfare? The quality or toxicity of air, water, foodstuffs and other products Yes Improved water quality – Vardar river consumed by humans? Morbidity or mortality of individuals, communities or populations Yes Potential positive effect – result of better by exposure to pollution? sanitation Occurrence or distribution of disease vectors including insects? No Vulnerability of individuals, communities or populations to No disease? Individuals' sense of personal security? No Community cohesion and identity? No Cultural identity and associations? No Minority rights? No Housing conditions? Yes Positive effect Employment and quality of employment? Yes Positive effect Economic conditions? Yes The water and sewerage cost might be increased by the implementation of the project and that will affect the local resident and businesses. Social institutions? No

40

Appendix 3 Draft Scoping Elements Social Environment 1 Involuntary resettlement and land acquisition

2

Livelihood and local economy

3

Change in land use and local resources

4

Social institution

5

Existing social infrastructure and services Socially vulnerable groups Misdistribution of benefits and loss/damage Cultural heritage Local conflicts of interest

6 7 8 9

10 Water use 11 Gender, children’s rights 12 Infectious diseases Natural Environment 1 Topography and geology 2 Groundwater

Nature of Impacts

Land acquisition is necessary for WWTP, and there are currently no inhabitants so that resettlement can be avoidable. The land belongs to the State and privates. The detail landownership should be surveyed during F/S. The main collectors will be installed under the proposed road of General Urban Plan, thus no land acquisition is necessary for installation of collectors. Construction of the WWTP and main collectors may temporarily affect the city’s local business and transport system during construction. Construction works provide positive impacts on local economy such as increase of employment, commercial services. The proposed site for WWTP is designated as water economy facility zone under General Urban Plan of Skopje City. The large area including this zone is currently used as hunting of hare and partridge, and agriculture. The area for WWTP is small (40 ha) compared with the total hunting area (1,475 ha), but the change in land use is inevitable. Various actors are involved in this project: central government, Skopje city, municipalities and citizens. The coordination among the local society is important. Traffic disturbance is expected due to transportation of construction materials and installation of main collectors.

Impact Score C O

Affected Object

Magnitude/ Occurrence Extent Probability

A (-)

-

Project Affected Peoples

Large

High

B (-) B (+)

-

Residence in Skopje City

Medium

Medium

A (-)

C (-)

Large

High

-

-

Landowners, Skopje University Farmers -

-

-

B (-)

-

No impact

-

The costs for construction and O&M might be covered by user charge. Willingness and ability to pay must be considered in order to avoid inequalities. There is no major cultural / historical heritage identified near the construction sites. The related municipalities should be in agreement with the purpose of the project to avoid conflicts of interest.

-

B (-)

B (-)

-

-

-

The scale of facility is not large. During installation of main collectors and concrete depositing of WWTP, the groundwater should be pumped up. Also some pollution due to leakages during pipelines re-connection.

41

B (-)

B (+)

Neighbouring people, public transportation -

Medium

High

-

-

Users

Medium

Medium

Skopje city, Municipalities, Residents -

Medium

Medium

-

-

Groundwater

Small

Small

Elements 3

Bottom sediment

4

Hydrological situation

5

Wildlife and ecosystem

6

Protected area

7 8

Meteorology Landscape

9

Global warming

Public Hazard 1 Air pollution 2

Water pollution

3

Soil pollution

4

Waste

Nature of Impacts The quality of bottom sediment will be improved by collection and treatment of wastewater which are currently discharged directly into Vardar River. The river flow will change due to the collection of sewage which is currently discharged into the river and discharge of effluent from sewage treatment plant, but this is negligible impacts. The proposed WWTP location is within the hunting area. Pheasant, hare and partridge exists within the hunting area but these are not endangered species. The forest “Ostrovo” is located within the “water economy facility zone” where the WWTP will be constructed. The Arboretum belonging to Faculty of Forestry, Skopje University is located next to the zone. The scale of facility is not large. Visually anaesthetic conditions due to cluttering of waste, spoil, and dug up roads and pavements during construction. WWTP might pose an unaesthetic sight but it affects only close residents. The operation of construction machinery and equipment will emit the gases but it is short duration and negligible impact. Operation phase – increased emission of GHG. Dust generated by earth works for construction of sewage treatment plant and installation of trunk sewers. Transportation of sludge will increase the emission of combustion gases into the air. The methane gas will be generated during the treatment process of sludge. Water turbidity due to construction of sewage treatment plant and installation of trunk sewers might be expected. The effluent with the heavy metals might pollute the water if the IPPC system is not followed. The impacts on soil arising from WWTP development construction activities are not large. Due to excavation and earthwork: soil erosion, loss of top soil, silting and blocking of river/canal which can cause slush; damage to existing structures might be expected. Low impact during the operation phase. The compaction of soil can be expected due to vehicle movement, ground contamination from the spillage of materials such as vehicle fuel, sewage sludge, construction waste, chemicals. The spoil will be generated during installation of pipelines and construction of WWTP. The sludge will be generated from sewage treatment plant. If the IPPC system is not implemented as schedule, the sludge might be contaminated by the heavy metals of industrial wastewater.

42

Impact Score C O B (+)

Affected Object Vardar River

Magnitude/ Occurrence Extent Probability Medium Medium

-

Negli gible

-

-

-

B (-)

C (-)

Medium

Medium

A (-)

A (-)

Wildlife Skopje University Faculty of Forestry

Large

High

Negli gible

Negli gible

Small

Medium

Negli gible

B (-)

People in surrounding area Global

Medium

Medium

B (-)

B (-)

Medium

Medium

B (-)

B (-)

People in surrounding area Downstream area

Small

Small

B (-)

B (-)

Medium

Small

B (-)

A (-)

People in surrounding area Disposal site / Surrounding communities Project area Surrounding communities Dumping site

Medium

Medium

Elements 5

Noise and vibration

6

Ground subsidence

7

Offensive odours

Nature of Impacts Noise and vibration during construction of sewage treatment plant and installation of trunk sewers might be expected. The operation of treatment plant and pumping stations might generate noise and vibration. These facilities will be located in non-residential area, the impact is negligible. The specified WWTP area is entirely situated over an alluvial sediment formation. As the metal structure for electricity transmission and railway exists in this area, it is estimated that the land can withstand civil structures. The operation of treatment plant and sludge drying facility might generate offensive odours.

43

Impact Score C O B (-) B (-)

Affected Object Neighbouring people

Magnitude/ Occurrence Extent Probability Medium Medium

C (-)

-

Neighbouring people

Uncertain

Uncertain

-

B (-)

Surrounding communities

Medium

Medium

Appendix 4

TERMS OF REFERENCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 1.

Objectives

EIA is the obligation for the project including the wastewater treatment plant with the capacity more than 10,000 populations by Macedonian Laws and Regulations, and EIA study should be conducted in the Feasibility Study stage. The Study is also categorized as “A” by JICA’s Guidelines for Environmental and Social Considerations which requires the EIA level study at F/S stage. Based on the Macedonian Laws and Regulations and JICA’s Guidelines, EIA Study shall be carried out in the Feasibility Study for Wastewater Management in Skopje.

2. Study Area The Study Area for the EIA should cover the project sites and the area where potential impacts of the project will be occurred, which encompass the City of Skopje and its surroundings. 3.

Anticipated Proposed Project for EIA Study

The major components of the Proposed Project for which an EIA study will be carried out are: •

Construction of WWTP in Trubarevo The location of WWTP will be within the “water economy facility zone” of General Urban plan of Skopje City. The exact location will be decided by technical experts of JICA Study Team. Treatment capacity: 164,000 m3/d Treatment process: CASP (Conventional Activated Sludge Process) Sludge treatment process: Thickening, digesting, drying, landfill or reuse Inflow

Grid Chamber Pump

Distribution Tank

Primary Settling Tank Raw Sludge

Final Settling Tank

Disinfection Tank

Return Sludge Outflow Excess Sludge

Setting Tank for Storm Water

Gravity Thicker

•

Aeration Tank

Anaerobic Sludge Digester

Installation of Main Collector Main collector on left bank: diameter 1,500~1,600 mm, 4 km Main collector on right bank: diameter 1,800 mm, 5 km

44

Drying Bed

Transport

the public hearing cannot be held during the study period, the Consultants shall assist the Skopje City to hold the stakeholder meeting. 5. Contents of EIA Study The EIA Study should fulfill the requirements of “Ordinance on the content of the requirements that need to be fulfilled by the study on environmental impact assessment” and “Sectorial EIA Guidelines – Waste Water Treatment Plant”. 5.1 Analysis of Guidelines, Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework The analysis was done in the IEE level study conducted in B/P stage. The additional analysis should be conducted including “Draft Law on Waters”, the administrative framework (organization wise analysis), Law on Expropriation, etc. 5.2 Description of the Proposed Project - Description of the project wiht the information on location, character and the size the project and the geographical extent of the project; - Description of the characteristics of the technology used; - Summary of the study submitted without technical details;

of

5.3 Collection and Analysis of Baseline Environmental Data The baseline data was collected in the IEE level study conducted in B/P stage. The supplemental data should be collected including groundwater, land use, ecology, protected area. - Description of the environment and its medias of location; - Description of the natural, cultural and historic haritage and on the landscape; For the industries, the WWTP will accept the industrial wastewater as the IPPC system will force them to pre-treat the industrial wastewater till the acceptable level to the sewers. However, if the industrial wastewater which is not pre-treated to the acceptable level, it will affect the quality of the effluent and the sludge from the WWTP and this will cause problem. The information about the industries in Skopje City and the progress of IPPC system and implementation should be collected. The information collected by the JICA Study Team and the results of industrial survey which was conducted in November 2007 will be available to the Consultants. As for groundwater, collect the information how the aquifers cover the Skopje City, amount and quality of groundwater. 5.4 Analysis of Alternatives Description of the alternative solutions for realization of the project and the main reasons for the choice of the proposed option; the zero-option shall always be included. The alternatives such as treatment technology, sludge disposal will be prepared by the JICA Study Team and the Consultants should analysis the environmental and social impacts of each alternative and feed back the results to the experts of the JICA Study Team. (1) Without Project Option (zero-option) Future sanitary and environmental condition within Skopje City without project will be anticipated. The analysis of water quality of the Vardar River without project will be calculated by the JICA Study Team and the data will be provided to the Consultants. (2) If negative impact is not negligible, alternative options such as application of a different method and relocation of the facility shall be compared and recommended. 5.5 Identification and Prediction of Impacts Those environmental elements cover three categorized elements of social environment, natural environment and public hazard with further subdivided several elements, respectively as listed below.

46

•

• •

Social Environmental Element includes (i) involuntary resettlement and land acquisition, (ii) impact on livelihood and local economy, (iii) change in land use and local resources, (iv) social institution such as social infrastructure and local decision-making institutions, (v) existing social infrastructure and services, (vi) socially vulnerable groups, (vii) misdistribution of benefits and loss/damage, (viii) cultural heritage, (ix) local conflicts of interest, (x) water use, (xi) gender, children’s rights and (xii) infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, et. Natural Environmental Element includes (i) topography and geology, (ii) groundwater, (iii) bottom sediment, (iv) hydrological situation, (v) wildlife and ecosystem, (vi) meteorology, (vii) landscape, (viii) global warming, and (ix) transboundary. Public Hazardous Element includes (i) air pollution, (ii) water pollution, (iii) soil pollution, (iv) waste, (v) noise and vibration, (vi) ground subsidence and (vii) offensive odors.

Description of the type and quantity of emissions and wastes expected, especially emissions in the air, solid wastes and waste water, as well as other information necessary for evaluation of significant effects of the project on the environment during construction and operation phase. To assess the impacts, the surveys below should be conducted at least. (1) Survey on Land Ownership The proposed WWTP will be located within the “water economy facility zone” in General Urban Plan of Skopje City. The maps and lists are already obtained from Cadastre and the Consultant should identify the landowner (number of land ownership, names, area, present land use, etc.). If the information from Cadastre will not be sufficient, the Consultant should make request to MTC and the Cadastre to provide the information. (2) Survey on Land Use and Protected Area The area including “water economy facility zone” are used as hunting area by MAFWE and Skopje University. The survey on land use of “water economy facility zone” should be conducted to identify the type of animal/bird, number, and the situation of hunting. The protected area “Arboretum” of Skopje University is located near to the “water economy facility zone”. The survey for the protected area should be conducted to identify the type and number of plant/tree, vegetation, groundwater use, etc. The impacts on land use and protected area should be identified caused by the construction and operation of WWTP in Trubarevo. The Arboretum is protected area under the IUCN category (belong to category III). The Consultants should check the IUCN regulations on protected area (whether it has force, if so to what extent?, etc.). (3) Survey on Groundwater As the area of “water economy facility zone” is used to be the riverbed of the Vardar River, the water runs under this area. The depth of groundwater will be surveyed by geotechnical survey by JICA Study Team. The construction method (the pile or concrete foundation) will be decided by the Study Team based on the results of geotechnical survey and the Consultants should identify the impacts on groundwater based on the construction method. The impacts on groundwater during the operational phase should be also identified. (4) Survey on Odor Assess the situation of odor diffusion from WWTP in Trubarevo using “air pollution diffusion model”. (5) Survey on Progress of Road Construction

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The main collectors on both sides of the Vardar River are proposed to be installed along with the proposed roads in General Urban Plan of the Skopje City. The budget for the design of these roads is approved by City Council in 2008 and the progress should be closely monitored. The impacts by road construction are not caused by this Project, however, the survey on affected households should be identified through Skopje City, data and lists obtained from the Cadastre. (6) Survey on Sludge Disposal The sludge will be disposed of at Drisla Landfill site if the sludge does not include the hazardous elements. The disposal of the considerable sludge from WWTP will affect the expected lifetime and stability of landfill. The present situation (amount of waste, type, disposal method, etc.) and assess the impacts on Drisla Landfill by disposal of the sludge. Other sludge disposal method such as incinerator and retention facility within the WWTP will be considered by the JICA Study Team. The Consultants should identify the expected impacts by construction and operation of these facilities. The Consultants should survey how the other WWTP/project disposes the sludge. (7) Survey on Water Quality The industrial wastewater which will be discharged into the sewer should be pre-treated to the appropriate level to accept in the sewer by IPPC, however, there is the risk that the polluted industrial wastewater will be mixed with communal wastewater. It will lead the contamination of effluent and sludge. Assess the impacts on water quality if the industrial wastewater mixed with the communal wastewater. (8) Survey on air pollution During sludge digesting process, the methane gas will be generated and it will affect the air quality. The Consultants should assess the impact on air quality and examine the effective use of methane gas. 5.6 Preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) The environmental management plan consists of the set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken during implementation and operation to eliminate adverse environmental and social impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels. The plan also includes the actions needed to implement these measures. (1) Mitigation Measures The feasible and cost-effective measures that may reduce potentially significant adverse environmental and social impacts to acceptable levels should be identified. • Identify and summarize all anticipated significant adverse environmental and social impacts, • Describe each mitigation measures for prevention, diminishing and elimination of the impacts with technical details including the type of impact to which it relates and the conditions under which it is required, together with designs, equipment descriptions, and operating procedures, as well as the substitution measures in case of intervention in the natural environment and landscape, • Describe the effects of the project on the environment considering the level of scientific development and accepted evaluation methods, • Estimate any potential environmental and social impacts of these measures, and • Provide linkage with any other mitigation plans required for the project. (2) Monitoring Plan Environmental monitoring during construction and operation of facilities provides information about key environmental aspects of the project, particularly the impacts of the

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project and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. EMP identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type of monitoring, with linkages to the impacts assessed and the mitigation measures. Specifically, the monitoring section should provide: • A specific description and technical details of monitoring measures including the parameters to be monitored, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, detection limits, responsible organization and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective actions, and • Monitoring and reporting procedures to (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation. The monitoring parameters should include surface water, groundwater, air, noise and vibration, offensive odor, wastewater, effluent and sludge. (3) Capacity Development and Training To support timely and effective implementation of mitigation measures, establishment of environmental unit in WWTP and Vodovod and training of staff to implement the mitigation measures and monitoring should be proposed. Specifically, the EMP provides a specific description of institutional arrangements – who is responsible for carrying out the mitigatory and monitoring measures (e.g. for operation, supervision, enforcement, monitoring of implementation, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff training). (4) Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimation For all three aspects (mitigation, monitoring and capacity development), the EMP should provide an implementation schedule for measures that must be carried out as part of the project, showing phasing and coordination with overall project implementation plans, and the capital and recurrent cost estimation and sources of funds for implementing the EMP. These figures should be also integrated into the total project cost tables. (5) Risk analysis/contingency plan Contingency measures plans have been prepared for: • Wastewater treatment works that could reasonably be expected to cause significant environmental impacts as a consequence of operational disruption (e.g. maintenance, breakdown, etc.), • Accidents which may occur while laying sewers or during construction of the WWTP, • Discharge of sub-standard wastewater into the environment from the WWTP which could cause a significant pubic health impact, and which therefore requires a continuous system of influent/effluent monitoring to identify potential problems as and when they arise. In the preparation of the contingency measures, • The most likely causes of process disruption/breakdown have been identified, • An attempt has been made to estimate their probability of occurrence, • The possible resultant environmental adverse impacts are presented, • The recommended courses of action to minimize the severity of the impacts have been highlighted, • The responsible agency who will act in case of emergencies has been indicated. (6) Integration of EMP with the Project Integration of EMP with the Project is necessary especially for mitigation measures, monitoring plan, and cost.

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5.7 Review of the difficulties (technical defects or lack of knowledge) that the Consultants are faced with in the course of study preparation and the suggestion for the size and the characteristics under which the study on project environmental impact assessment should be updated.

6.

Other information/requirement

(1) Laws and Regulations to be referred EIA Study should be conducted according to the Macedonian Laws, Regulations and JICA’s Guidelines. The regulations which should be referred are listed below. • The Law on Environment, • Ordinance regulating the procedure for carrying out environmental impact assessment, • Ordinance on the information contained in the notification of intent to implement a project and the procedure for determining the need for environmental impact assessment of a project, • Ordinance on the content of the requirements that need to be fulfilled by the study on environmental impact assessment, • Guidance for conducting screening, scoping and review in environmental impact assessment, • Sectorial EIA Guidelines – Waste Water Treatment Plant • Others • JICA’s Guidelines for Environmental and Social Considerations (2) The EIA Study Period will be from June to October 2008 (contract period shall be by end of January 2009). Draft final report of EIA should be submitted by the end of September 2008. (3) IEE (Initial Environmental Examination) was conducted. available for the Consultants.

The data and results are

(4) Close cooperation with Skopje City, MEPP and MTC is strongly required. 7.

Required Experts

The following experts will be required for this Service at least. The Local Consultant shall have and assign these experts for required period. 1. Environmental Engineer, 2. Senior Sanitary and Sewerage Engineer, 3. Sociologist and Economist, 4. Institution Expert and Environmental Law Expert, 5. Biologist or Ecologist, and 6. Supporting Staff and Surveyors The Local Consultant shall assign the most competent engineer/expert as a team leader who has similar study experiences and knowledge of many fields such as civil, sewerage, sanitation, economy and institutional aspects in addition to environmental aspect. The team leader also shall have good communication, writing and presentation skills in English. He should attend all-important meetings upon request of JICA Study Team. Other experts are also expected to be very competent in their field.

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8.

Reports/Output

The Local Consultant shall prepare and submit following reports to JICA Study Team by the time specifies. (1) Inception Report (IC/R) 1) This report shall be compiled based on the contents of the TOR and its proposal. 2) Submission of the report shall be within 5 days after the contract agreement. 3) Two (2) copies (2) Progress Report (P/R) 1) This report shall include brief explanation of study progress, problems encountered and the study items till 3 (analysis of alternatives) of the figure below. 2) Submission of the report shall be by the end of July 2008. 3) Two (2) copies (3) Draft Final Report (DF/R) 1) This report shall include all study results (including survey data, pictures) 2) Submission of the report shall be by the end of September 2008. 3) Two (2) copies (4) Final Report (F/R) 1) This report shall include all the study results (including survey data, pictures). 2) After submission of Draft Report, JICA Study Team will give comments to the Report. The Local Consultant shall revise the Draft Report and submit Final Report by mid of October 2008. 3) Three (3) copies 4) All final products shall be submitted with electronic copy in CD-R in addition to hard copy. 2008 Study Items

May

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

1. Analysis of Guidelines, Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework 2. Collection and Analysis of Baseline Environmental Data 3. Analysis of Alternatives 4. Assessment of Environmental Impacts 5. Mitigation / Management Plan 6. Conclusions and Recommendations Report Submission IC/R

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P/R

DF/R F/R

Nov.