INTENTION FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Transcription

1 МАКЕДОНСКИ ЕЛЕКТРО ПРЕНОСЕН СИСТЕМ ОПЕРАТОР Subject: INTENTION FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Investor: MEPSO, Macedonian electricity transmission system operator, joint stock company for electricity transmission and management of power system in state ownership operates in Macedonia. Project proposal: Construction of interconnection 400 kv OHTL from SS Bitola 2 to Macedonian/Albanian border and SS 400/110 kv Ohrid Skopje, July 2012

2 1. Information for investor Information for investor: JSC MEPSO Orce Nikolov b.b., 1000 Skopje tel ; Web site: Contact: Elizabeta S. Atanasova Orce Nikolov b.b., 1000 Skopje Tel ; fax: Project characteristics The implementation of Corridor 8 on the territory of Republic of Macedonia is of great importance. These projects together with Corridor 10 will allow our territory to become a crossroad. From a geostrategic point of view Corridor 8 is an integrated segment of a much larger and significant project which involves exploitation of energy resources from Caucasus region and Central Asia. Albania, Bulgaria, Italy and Macedonia (on 13th April 2005 in Sofia) signed a "Joint Statement for energy infrastructure cooperation" to support the implementation of energy infrastructure projects in accordance with EU legislation, including projects in the Trans European Networks (TEN) and the European - Mediterranean Energy Ring. In terms of electricity, 400 kv interconnection transmission line Bitola (Macedonia) - Elbasan (Albania) is the last part of the implementation of the Corridor 8 in the context of creating a corridor East-West power transmission corridor between Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania and Italy. Section between Bulgaria and Macedonia is completed and planned under water cable between Italy and Montenegro. In addition, 400 kv interconnection between Albania and Montenegro is in operation, while the construction of the 400 kv interconnection between Albania and Kosovo in the tendering process. Due to the changes that occurred in the meantime in the development plans in the energy sector in Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece and Italy once more will be work out Feasibility Study for 400 kv interconnection Bitola (Macedonia) - Elbasan (Albania), which will connect the power systems of Macedonia and Albania. Problems that exist in the south - western part of the transmission network will be overcome with construction of a new 400/110 kv substation in the Ohrid-Struga region. This 400/110 kv substation will be linked to the 400 kv interconnection Bitola (Macedonia) - Elbasan (Albania). Capital surplus for Macedonia from construction of interconnection with Albania (and further to Italy) can be divided into several groups: Increased investment in the production of electricity. Increased income of the transmission system operator, as a result of increased energy transit. The available and installed hydroelectric potential of the Albanian power system, providing an opportunity for improvement regional electricity dispatching. 2/17

3 This project, 400 kv interconnection Bitola (Macedonia) - Elbasan (Albania), in 2009 is one of three projects in Southeast Europe which was interesting for the community of donors/financiers of energy projects by the European Commission (donors/financiers who finance the IPF Multi program in which established a new instrument to support economic development in the region - the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF)). Steering Committee of WBIF held a meeting on 16 of December 2010 whereon approved grant for preparation of feasibility study and EIA for this project. Project was named WB4bis-REG-ENE-01 and will be realized by two consortia of international expertise led by COWI (DK). Donors/financiers of this project are the European Bank for Reconstruction Development (EBRD) and KfW. Estimated length from SS Bitola 2 to Macedonian Albanian border is 95 kilometres. According to the Decree on determining the projects and criteria upon which the need for an environmental impact assessment is established (Official Gazette no. 74/2005), this project falls in Annex 1 of the Decree. According to point 17 of Annex 1 projects that mandatory are subjects of environmental impact assessment are laying transmission line and other power facilities on 110 kv or higher voltage level and longer than 15 km. Possible environmental impacts during the construction of overhead line are expected in phases of construction, operation and postoperative phase. Planned 400 kv interconnection line Bitola(Macedonia) Elbasan(Albania) 3/17

4 3. Location During the determining the best corridor for this interconnection, OHL 400kV SS Bitola 2 Macedonian Albanian border, 500m wide corridor is reviewed. This corridor is used for setting a preliminary route within the selected corridor limits, based on determination of locations of the route breaking points angle (tension) OHL towers. The proposed OHL corridor is situated in south-western region of Macedonia. It passes various geographical features from its starting point in flat area of the Pelagonija Field via hilly and mountainous northern slopes of Baba Mountain through Prespa valley to Struga Field at the northern side of the Ohrid Lake and eastern bottom edge of the Jablanica Mountain. In general, the proposed OHL corridor follows, as much as practicable, the corridor of the existing 110kV OHL Bitola-Resen-Ohrid-Struga. Its starting point is the existing MEPSO s substation Bitola 2 in the locality Tebalica at the immediate vicinity of the thermal power plant (TPP) REK Bitola. From its starting point, the corridor continues toward north-west over the Pelagonija Field, avoiding the settlements in its surroundings (Dobromiri, Trn, Mogila). At the locality Karamanski Pat it turns to south-west, crossing the roads Bitola-Prilep and Bitola-Kicevo to the hilly area above the village Krklino. From the locality Korija (in immediate vicinity to the road Bitola-Ohrid on its north side) the proposed corridor turns toward west up to a point in the area of the village Gjavato. Two alternative OHL sub-corridors are proposed in this section: Alternative OHL sub-corridor A: passing south from the road Bitola-Resen, on northern bottom slopes of the Baba Mountain, avoiding the villages Rotino, Capari and Kazani as well as the NP Pelister. In this section the corridor follows the existing 110kV Bitola-Resen-Ohrid-Struga. Alternative OHL sub-corridor B: passing north from the road Bitola-Resen where no settlements exist. At the locality Gradiste on the southern slopes of the Bigla Mountain, the corridor turns to north-west, following the existing 110 kv OHL, avoiding the settlement Sopotsko and bypassing the town Resen in wide ring. Further on to north, it avoids villages Kriveni, Leva Reka as well as Krusje karst area (water supply facilities for Resen). At the area of the village Svinista, the corridor turns to western direction, avoiding the villages Rasino and Livoista and enters the Struga Field by crossing the road Ohrid-Kicevo. Within the Struga Field, at the locality Veljo Pole, the OHL corridor turns to south-west and avoids the villages Volino and Moroista. On the western edge of the Struga Field, at the locality Belicka Krasta the proposed OHL corridor turns to south toward the crossing point on the Macedonian-Albanian border (locality Kafasan) following bottom east slopes of the Jablanica Mountain. It avoids the villages Zagracani, Radolista, Frangovo and Mali Vlaj. 4/17

5 Corridor of 400 kv interconnection SS Bitola 2 Macedonian Albanian border and location of new 400/110 kv SS Ohrid - administrative map - 400/110 kv SS Ohrid - possible locations - Map of corridor area with a width of 500 m of 400 kv interconnection OHL 5/17

6 Geology and Hydrology In the Bitola and Resen areas, the proposed OHL corridor passes through regionally determined rock masses, called Pelagonian horst anticlinorium, where quartz-seri cite schists prevail, with many penetrations of granite and rhyolite rock masses. In the Ohrid and Struga areas, the proposed OHL corridor passes through different varieties of Triassic carbonate rock masses (limestone) and quartz-seri cite schist. By hydro-graphical point of view, the project region belongs to two large catchment areas: Aegean catchment area - Bitola region and the region to the mountain pass "Gjavato" Adriatic catchment area - Prespa valley and Struga region to the mountain pass "Kafa San" (crossing to Albania). The proposed corridor crosses numerous natural waterways and artificial canals. Settlements The proposed corridor passes through the territory of six municipalities: Novaci Bitola, Resen, Ohrid, Debrca and Struga. Proposed corridor of 400 kv OHL 6/17

7 Settlements in the municipalities covered by the corridor Municipality Settlement Population 2002*) Relative distance from the central axis of the proposed OHL Novaci Dobromiri m Bitola Trn 30 1,000m Krklino 205 > 1,000m Kukurecani 1,121 > 1,000m Bratin Dol 154 > 1,000m Rotino 106 Oprion А: 1,000m Oprion B: 2,000m Capari 422 Oprion A: 1,000m Oprion B: 2,000m Kazani 65 Oprion A: 500m Oprion B: 1,000m Gavato m Resen Sopotsko m Kriveni m Leva Raka m Ohrid Svinista m Rasino 8 200m Livoista m Debarca Volino m Struga Moroista m Vranista 1,174 > 1,000m Dolba Belica 693 > 1,000m Zagracani 753 1,000m Radolista 1, m Frangovo 1, m Mali Vlaj m According to the data from the table it can be seen that the planning process of the corridor for 400 kv interconnection is carefully aligned in space thus avoiding populated areas in the project region. Electric & Magnetic Fields (EMF) There is no legislation in Macedonia related to the non-ionizing radiation which refers to the exposure limits of the EMF. EMF exposure levels from the OHL need to be in compliance with exposure limits for general public and industrial exposure as determined in the EU legislation and ICNIRP guidelines, as well as in the relevant international practice. Likely impact of electric and magnetic fields on the human health was one of the key issues during the process for selection of the corridor for the proposed overhead transmission line. In this context, the major issues of consideration were the populated areas in the project region. Careful alignment of the OHL corridor has sought to identify a corridor which bypasses the residential areas in the project region thus avoiding any concern about causing exposure to EMF. In order to avoid any EMF exposure above the limit values, further avoidance measures throughout the OHL routing and design process will include (in minimum): 7/17

8 Ensure optimal minimum distance of 50 meters from residential and other properties to the closest outer conductor, where necessary and practicable. Minimum distance that should not be breached in any case would need to be 30 meters from the closest properties. Appropriate selection of the towers micro locations in relation to residential and other properties. Recommended minimum allowed height of the phase conductors above the ground in the areas where long-term presence of people is likely, if any, should be 13 meters. Sound OHL corridor routing exercise so far ensured that such cases would not be likely. In areas where long-term exposure of people is not expected, the minimum height of the OHL conductors would need to be determined in compliance with national technical requirements. Establishment of safety buffer zones, where necessary. Ecological Resources and Biodiversity Macedonia s diversity of geology, landscapes, climate types and soils, and its position on the Balkan Peninsula, has created conditions for the development of a highly diverse biodiversity. Most of the proposed OHL corridor belongs to the warm continental area. Much smaller part belongs to the cold continental area. The warm continental area occupies the lower parts of valleys between 600 and 900 m a.s.l. Prevailing and climate zone plant community in this area is the Italian and Turkey oak forest community (Quercetum frainetto-cerris macedonicum Oberd. emend. H-t). In the western part of Macedonia, continental sub-mediterranean area spreads over the gorges of the river Crn Drim. Climate zone community is the forest of the eastern hornbeam and Downy oak (Querco-Carpinetum orientalis macedonicum Rud. apud H-t). These two zones overlap with the biome of sub-mediterranean, predominantly deciduous forests and shrubberies. Cold continental area occupies higher parts of the mountains, above the warm continental area, between 900 and 1,100 m a.s.l. Climate zone community is the forest of Sessile oak (Orno-Quercetum petraeae Em). This zone overlaps with the biome of South European, predominantly deciduous forests. The vegetation ranges from heat and scrubs through broadleaved deciduous (the oak and beech) and coniferous ( molika pine) woodland to dry siliceous, sub-alpine grasslands, as well as riparian source edge grassland communities and aquatic habitats. Landscape and Land Use In general, the proposed OHL corridor passes through areas where human intrusion and various developments and infrastructure, as well as land uses already exist. There are only few areas along the proposed corridor where there is no or little human intrusion. The corridor does not pass through or in vicinity to important scenic areas or areas of landscape that is highly valued, rare or distinctive. Careful corridor alignment resulted in avoidance of all existing protected areas / scenically important areas in the project region. Overall, the landscape along the proposed OHL corridor is not sensitive and is tolerant to changes and this is reflected in the absence of any designations. Wider area around the starting point of the corridor is in intersection between Bitola and regional road Bitola - Kicevo and belongs Pelagonia field and is a large open flat area on about 580m altitude. The landscape includes numerous land use and human movement: settlements, roads, agricultural fields, various energy and industrial infrastructure (TPP Bitola, coal mine substation and overhead lines). The proposed corridor will be seen as part of the wider landscape and will cause only indirect visual effects on the existing features in the landscape. 8/17

9 SS Bitola (starting point of the line on Macedonian territory) - starting point of the proposed corridor - View toward SS Bitola Wider region of the proposed corridor of 400 kv interconnection transmission line through Pelagonia field TPP Bitola Hilly open area above the road Kicevo - Bitola - Ohrid (Section of the corridor between the villages Krklino Bratin Dol) 9/17

10 Section of the corridor between the intersections with roads Bitola-Kicevo and Bitola-Resen-Ohrid is hilly open landscape at an altitude between 600 and 1.000m above sea level which would protect the proposed corridor and he will not be exposed to passengers who use the roads. From locality Korija to the locality Gjavato two alternative corridors of the overhead line are proposed: Alternative transmission line, sub-corridor A: Stretching south from the road Bitola-Resen The area is flat with an open landscape with a variety of human movements (villages Rotino, Capari and Kazani, agricultural activities, existing 110 kv line Bitola-Resen). The proposed corridor follows the existing 110 kv line in this section. This interconnection would be visible from the road, but will be seen as part of the wider landscape and will cause only indirect visual effects on the existing features in the landscape. Alternative A: proposed corridor south of the road Bitola (Section Bratin Dol - Rotino - Capari - Gjavato) Existing 110 kv OHL Existing 110 kv OHL Alternative transmission line sub-corridor B: Stretching north from the road Bitola-Resen Most of this area is a flat open area with less human developments compared with the previous alternative. Apart from agriculture other human developments are not present in this sector. The east side of the sector (between localities Korija and Prisoj), the proposed corridor passes through a wooded area. The proposed corridor of 400 kv transmission line would be visible from the road and is seen as a new structure to the existing landscape which causes direct visual effect. Alternative B: proposed corridor north of the road Bitola-Resen (section between locality Korija - Gjavato) Locality Prevalec (woodlands)) 10/17

11 Localities Kamichi & Cvetkova Livada (wider open area) Section of the corridor near the village Gjavato From locality Gjavato to locality Chesho Glava (a place to accommodate the new SS 400/110 kv Ohrid) and further to the road section between Ohrid and Kicevo, proposed corridor passes through the mountainous landscape at an altitude ranging from 800 to m. Corridor will not be exposed along the way. Exceptions will be at the crossings through the local roads in the region, as well as a small number of flat areas that are populated within the predominantly hilly terrain. Wider area of the proposed corridor (section between Gjavato and Sopotsko) Existing 110 kv OHL Existing 110 kv OHL Area of the proposed corridor near village Sopotsko (localities Martin Reed and Gorna Bakojca) 11/17

12 Area of the proposed corridor near village Zlatari (locality Poroi) Area of the proposed corridor near the village Kriveni (Intersection point with the local road Resen - Kriveni) Area of the proposed corridor above the village Leva Reka Area of the proposed corridor above the village Svinista 12/17

13 Locality Cesno Glava (pillar place of the existing 110 kv line) - view to the east (Proposed corridor follows the existing 110 kv line) - view to the west toward Struga (proposed corridor follows the existing 110 kv line ) Crossing the road Ohrid-Kicevo, the proposed corridor enters into Struga area - a large, open and flat area in about 700 m above sea level. Landscapes comprise use of land and human movements: settlements, roads, agricultural fields, industries, etc... The proposed corridor will cause indirect visual effects on the existing features in the landscape. - entrance in Struga field (Following the existing 110 kv line) Area of the proposed corridor - Struga field - Struga field (characteristic landscape) - Struga field (characteristic landscape/land use) - Struga field (crossing over the river Crn Drim) From locality Belicka Krasta on the western border of Struga field to the connection point with Albania, the proposed corridor passes through the lower parts of the mountain Jablanica through hilly and mountainous regions at altitudes up to 1,100 meters. The proposed corridor avoids highly valued landscape and tourist areas along the western shore of Ohrid Lake in village Radozda. 13/17

14 Wider area of the proposed corridor - Struga field and mountain Jablanica Looking to localities Spas and Belicka Glava base of Jablanica mountain (Intersection point of the corridor with MK/AL border) The proposed corridor at the base of the mountain Jablanica Protected Areas (PA) A number of areas in the wider region of the OHL corridor are existing protected areas (PAs) according to the national legislation and one area is proposed for future protection. Careful OHL corridor alignment has sought to identify a corridor which bypasses all existing protected areas in the project region and, consequently, avoids any eventual impact on their natural values or their protection status. Two areas in the project region are designated as sites of international importance. These are Prespa Lake (Wetland of International Importance - Ramsar Site) and Ohrid region (UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS)). The proposed OHL corridor passes through peripheral northern part of the mentioned WHS, distant from the area of main natural values of the site the Ohrid Lake itself. This part mainly consists of cultivated land, pastures and occasional woodlands and the cities of Ohrid and Struga with their fast developing suburbs and with the accompanying infrastructure (airport, roads, commercial developments, transmission lines, other energy infrastructure, etc.). Sensitive zones Water supply facilities are considered as sensitive areas in relation to transmission line developments. There are several important karst springs along the proposed OHL route, which are the most sensitive and the activities for their protection are already in progress. Such zones include water supply systems for Resen and Struga as well as karst spring in surrounding of the village Frangovo. Careful alignment so far has sought to identify an OHL corridor that avoids water supply areas. Cultural Heritage Number of cultural heritage sites and archaeological zones exists in the wider project area. The Spatial Plan identifies Ohrid-Struga and Bitola regions as important areas in Macedonia regarding the cultural heritage protection. Particular interest related to the proposed OHL corridor would be the archaeological zone in Struga Field (identified archaeological sites close the villages Trebenista, Volino and Mislesevo) as well the archaeological zone consisted of number of sites in the area close to the settlements located on the lower slopes of Jablanica Mountain (villages Radolista, Frangovo, Mali Vlaj). 14/17

15 New substation in Ohrid Region Two alternative locations for the 400/110kV substation in the area of the village Vapila (Ohrid region) are considered: Alternative Location A It is located on locality at an altitude of 800 meters near the hill Chesho Glava (845m above sea level), its south-eastern side. Chesho Glava is the point where the 110 kv double system transmission line to Ohrid joins the existing 110 kv SS Resen - SS Struga. Location is accessed through existing steep dusty road. The wider area is hilly and remote from the nearest settlement (approximately 1km from the northern end of the village Vapila) and is fully protected from any point in the environment. In this area there are periodic agricultural parcels. Alternative location A for the new 400/110 kv Substation Ohrid (in immediate vicinity of the hill Ceso Glava) Alternative Location B It is located the locality Livagje 760m above sea level on the western area at the bottom of the hill Chesho Glava. This location is easily accessible by existing roads. The wider area is characterized by open landscape and different agricultural land. Substation will be subject to the existing landscape and visual impact on the surrounding settlements and local road. This location is close to several residential properties. Alternative location B for the new 400/110 kv Substation Ohrid (located in the locality Livagje on the bottom area of the hill Ceso Glava) 15/17

16 4. Characteristics of potential impacts Constructive activities for construction of transmission line projects usually include cleaning the terrain, preparation and accessibility of roads, drilling, blasting (depending on terrain), and filling, transport of materials and fuel, construction of the base which includes excavation and concrete placement, handling cranes for unloading and installation of equipment, etc.. Activities for which it is necessary to assess their impact on the environment, and are associated with these constructive activities to complete the project may include: Noise and vibration (machinery during operation) Prevention and control of potential erosion avoiding waste and reducing the impact of waste on the environment, human life and health, Water - pollution water that could affect underground water Change in habitat and wildlife impacts Soil - during machines are working from possible spillage of fuel and lubricants Air - the work of the machines. Completion of the project work involves the removal of infrastructure and rehabilitation of the terrain. 5. Additional information The EBRD Context For preparation of Feasibility Study and EIA for the 400 kv interconnection Bitola (Macedonia) - Elbasan (Albania) is obtained grant through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) as part of the IPF Multi program. This project is named WB4bis-REG-ENE-01 and it will be conducted by a consortium of international experts led by COWI (Denmark). Donors/funders of this project are the European Bank for Reconstruction Development (EBRD) and KfW. During the preparation of the ToR of the project European Bank for Reconstruction Development (EBRD) as donor/financier, requested the preparation of EIA for this 400 kv interconnection project Bitola (Macedonia) - Elbasan (Albania) to be prepared in the national legislation of Macedonia and Albania and in accordance with the requirements of the EBRD. 400 kv interconnection Bitola (Macedonia) - Elbasan (Albania) falls under the category "A" from EBRD screening categorization that is listed in Appendix 1, item 21 - "Construction are high voltage overhead power lines" document by the EBRD in As such, the project requires special formalized and participatory assessment processes in accordance with a comprehensive set of specific performance requirements of the EBRD, which MEPSO is expected to meet, covering key areas of environmental and social impacts and issues. Through its environmental and social assessment and monitoring processes the EBRD seeks to ensure that the projects it finances: socially and environmentally sustainable respect the rights of affected workers and communities, and Designed and operated in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and good international practice. In order to translate this objective into successful practical outcomes, the EBRD has adopted a comprehensive set of specific Performance Requirements (PR) that clients are expected to meet, covering key areas of environmental and social impacts and issues. 16/17

17 EBRD s document Environment and Social Policy (the Policy) and related Performance Requirements (PR) detail the commitments of the Bank to promote in the full range of its activities, environmentally sound and sustainable development. EBRD categorises proposed projects as A / B / C based on environmental and social criteria to: (i) reflect the level of potential environmental and social impacts and issues associated with the proposed project; and (ii) determine the nature and level of environmental and social investigations, information disclosure and stakeholder engagement required for each project, taking into account the nature, location, sensitivity and scale of the project, and the nature and magnitude of its possible environmental and social impacts and issues. Projects categorised by EBRD as A require special formalised and participatory assessment processes. An indicative list of such projects is provided in Appendix 1 of the Policy. The categorisation of each project depends on the nature and extent of any actual or potential adverse environmental or social impacts, as determined by the specifics of its design, operation, and location. In general, a project funded by the EBRD has to meet following EBRD s PRs: PR 1: Environmental and Social Appraisal and Management PR 2: Labour and Working Conditions PR 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement PR 4: Community Health, Safety and Security PR 5: Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and Economic Displacement PR 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources PR 7: Indigenous Peoples PR 8: Cultural Heritage PR 9: Financial Intermediaries PR 10: Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement Responsible EIA expert in international project team led by COWI (Denmark) Mr. Constantin Siderovski Skopje, /17