ESIA in the context of rehabilitation works at hydroelectric power plants in Armenia plus monitoring during construction phase
In August 2015, ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade CJSC acquired “Vorotan Complex of Hydroelectric Power Stations CJSC” in Syunik region in the south of Armenia. Refurbishment of the three Hydropower Plants Tatev, Shamb and Spandaryan was planned in order to ensure grid stability and frequency control throughout the year.
In a first step, GefaÖ assessed all power plants and water reservoirs regarding existing health, safety and environmental risks. Based on this, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report and the corresponding management plans for the rehabilitation of the power plants were prepared by GefaÖ in 2017. Other services provided by GefaÖ included stakeholder and public consultations, as well as monitoring the implementation of the ESMP through quarterly site visits in 2018-2021.
Services of GefaÖ
- 2015: Environmental and Social Impact Assessments: examination of plants and equipment for health, safety and environmental (HSE) aspects, assessment of compliance with World Bank and Armenian legislation requirements, development and price calculation of measures to meet these requirements
- 2015: Preparation of a Health and Safety Regulatory Compliance Assessment Report, an Environmental Liability Assessment Report, a Hazardous Substances Assessment Report and a Gap Analysis Report
- 2017: Preparation of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report including corresponding Management Plans (ESMP)
- 2017: Consultations with stakeholders and participation in public hearings regarding the project
- 2018-2021: Quarterly monitoring of ESMP implementation during remediation works through site visits and review of contractor’s monthly reports
- 2018-2021: Quarterly reporting of HSE issues (including accidents and incidents, complaints and grievances), as well as suggestions for appropriate corrective actions