Application File for the Amendment of the Environmental Permit

Transcription

1 Application File for the Amendment of the Environmental Permit TAP Potom Re-route

2 Application File for the Amendment of the Environmental Permit Annex 2 Field Survey Summary

3 Page 2 of 17 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Potom Pipeline Reroute 3

4 Page 3 of 17 1 Potom Pipeline Reroute Environmental Findings Summary Datasheet Project: TAP TAP Pipeline reroute and new/upgrade access roads in the Potom area Specialist: Ferdinand Bego Habitats: The first (upper section: KP 78-79) of the proposed pipeline re-routing passes through subalpine meadows/pastures situated above the upper forest line. Then (KP 79-80) it goes down through a relatively steep slopes covered with beech forest (Fagus sylvatica) harvested some years ago. Later on and for most of its alignment (KP 80-83) the proposed rerouting continues up and down on steep slopes covered with low-laying and scarce scrubby vegetation composed of common juniper (Juniperus communis), almond-leaved pear (Pyrus amygdaliformes), Prunus spp., dog rose (Rosa canina) and common bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). Close to Backa (Trepollare) (KP 83) it approaches mosaic crop fields and abandoned arable land used as grazing grounds. In few cases the re-routing passes on patches of beech forest (coppice) and degraded transitional woodlands dominated by oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis). From Backa (Trepollare) the rerouting again goes on a North direction on steep slopes covered with low-laying and scarce scrubby vegetation due to overgrazing. Then (KP 84) it turns on towards West and continues this direction along the ridge of the mountain until it reaches KP 86.5 of the previous pipeline route (Basecase ), north of Potom village. The south facing slopes of the ridge are open terrains Project Feature Investigated: Pipeline reroute in the Potom area Date: 06/07/ /07/ /07/2015 The open terrains, with scrubby vegetation and rare trees are used extensively as grazing grounds for sheep and goats and therefore the ecological value of this type of habitat is low to medium. The beech forest (Fagus sylvatica) along the pipeline rerouting is mainly found in small patches and is characterised as (coppice) thick young forest of low to medium ecological interest. Some scattered wild fruit trees (Pyrus amygdaliformis, Prunus spp.) are found along the pipeline rerouting. Some of them are very old and provide shelter and feeding for some bird species, as well as for bear (Ursus arctos) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) during late summer/autumn season. Overall, the area crossed by the pipeline rerouting is less sensitive than the existing baseline alignment (Basecase ) of the pipeline that goes though old stands of beech forest of Lirza area, already identified as highly sensitive for bear and wolf (Canis lupus). However, being part of the distribution range of bear and wolf, this area is used seasonally and temporarily as feeding ground for these species. Creeks, although providing a small quantity of running water in summer are permanent aquatic biotopes and therefore are considered as habitats of special local importance for the aquatic life (insects, and amphibians), as they provide breeding and feeding grounds.

5 Page 4 of 17 of eroded steep slopes covered with scarce scrubby vegetation (over-grazed), as most the surrounding area, while the north facing slopes of the ridge are covered with thick beech forest harvested some years ago. In several points, the pipeline rerouting comes across small mountain streams/creeks with scarce riparian vegetation dominated by willow trees (Salix spp.), that provide feeding and breeding grounds for amphibians (frogs, toads, newts). Key Fauna Species: Mammals: bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), Balkan vole (Microtus spp.), and mole (Talpa spp.). Birds: common buzzard (Buteo buteo), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), rock partridge (Alectoris graeca), coal tit (Parus atter), common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), black redstart (Phoenicurus occhruros), blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius), European robin (Erithacus rubecula), cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus), Eurasian skylark (Alauda arvensis), common raven (Corvus corax), hooded crow (C. cornix), common blackbird (Turdus merula), European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), European greenfinch (C. chloris), Northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), and red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio). The area provides some temporary/seasonal food sources for bear, wolf and fox. Grassland and subalpine meadows provide feeding and breeding grounds for hare (Lepus europaeus), rock partridge (A. graeca), shrikes (L. collurio), and other passerines (A. arvensis, woodlark (Lullula arborea), O. oenanthe, rock bunting (Emberiza cia)). Mountain creeks provide breeding and feeding grounds for insects and amphibians. Reptiles: Erhard s wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii), common wall lizard (P muralis) and smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Amphibians: Greek stream frog (Rana graeca), yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) and smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris). Key Flora Species: Beech (Fagus sylvatica), common juniper (Juniperus communis), dog rose (Rosa canina), ironwort (Sideritis raeseri), almond-leaved pear (Pyrus amygdaliformis), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), Macedonian oak (Quercus trojana), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Oriental Some plants are collected as medicinal plants: Juniperus spp., R. canina and S. raeseri. Some other species such as P. amygdaliformis and Prunus spp., are used as food sources for many birds, as well as for bears and foxes.

6 Page 5 of 17 hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), and common bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). Hydrobiology: No major water courses are crossed by the pipeline rerouting. However there are some small mountain streams/creeks intersected with the pipeline rerouting. Tadpoles, juveniles, subadults and adults of frogs and toads were observed along these streams/creeks. Juvenile newts (L. vulgaris) were observed in one or two cases, confirming the use of these water courses as breeding grounds from frogs, toads and newts. Designated s: No protected areas are passed by or located in proximity of the proposed rerouting. in need of a Construction Restriction Period No particular construction restriction period is recommended. However, as the area might be used by bears as feeding ground during autumn, when fruit trees (wild and cultivated ones in the gardens of the villagers) are used for feeding by bears, it is recommended that no construction activities are performed during the night in this period, where possible, to avoid interaction and disturbance to bears. Passerine species, such as rock partridge (A. graeca), blue rock thrush (M. solitarius) and redbacked shrike (L. collurio), are characteristic of the grasslands and open terrains of the pipeline rerouting. Therefore, their breeding activity may be affected by the construction works, unless they are scheduled outside the breeding season (April-July). Conclusions and key aspects: Most of the proposed pipeline rerouting passes through open terrains of degraded and scarce scrubby vegetation. A few patches of harvested beech forest are also passed by the pipeline rerouting, which have a low to moderate use, since they provide food to large carnivores during the autumn season. The species and habitats observed are consistent with those expected in this area according to TAP Albania ESIA (2013). The species and habitats considered as most relevant, under conservation parameters, were listed above. Mitigation measures, already considered in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013), would include: Habitat clearance minimization, including the working strip, where feasible. Construction works to be performed, to the extent feasible, outside breeding season/sensitive periods for key species. Reinstatement of habitats after completion of construction activities. In addition to these mitigation measures, the following should also be considered: Old growth wild fruit trees along the pipeline rerouting should be avoided where possible. Streams/creeks should be preserved during construction activities, in order to avoid the impact on aquatic life, especially to insect and amphibian larvae. Pre-vegetation clearance surveys will be required if appropriate time restrictions

7 Page 6 of 17 cannot be applied during construction activities. Photos: WP001: Pipeline rerouting (KP 78) at the crossing point with the baseline route (Basecase ). Subalpine meadow / grassland (heading NW direction) WP010: Pipeline rerouting (KP 80) passing through open terrains/scrubby vegetation and coppice of beech forest on the slopes (heading East direction) WP009: Open terrains/degraded scrubby area due to overgrazing (heading South direction), at 350 m from the pipeline rerouting (KP 80) in West direction, in the AR447 (option 1) WP008: Mountain creek with scarce riparian vegetation (Salix sp), at 600 m from the pipeline rerouting (KP 80) in West direction, in the AR447 (option 1)

8 Page 7 of 17 Project Title: WP013: Pipeline rerouting close to Backa (Trepollare) (KP 83) (heading SE direction) WP023: Pipeline rerouting (KP 84.5) along the ridge of the mountain (south facing slope with scrubby vegetation and north facing slope with beech forest (heading NE direction) Doc. WP020: Pipeline rerouting (KP 84) uphill of Backa (Trepollare) village, in the crossing point with the AR446 (options 1-5). Open terrains/degraded scrubby vegetation (heading South direction) WP003: Oenanthe oenanthe, at 300 m from the pipeline rerouting (KP 79) in Northwest direction, in the AR446 (options 1-5)

9 Page 8 of 17 WP023: Pipeline rerouting (KP 84.5) along the ridge of the mountain (south facing slope with scrubby vegetation and north facing slope with beech forest (heading SW direction) WP002: Signs of moles (Talpa spp.) presence on the grasslands in the pipeline rerouting (KP 79) WP005: Rana graeca observed in a stream / creek at 600 m in Northwest direction from the pipeline rerouting (KP 80), in the crossing point between the AR446 (options 1-5) and the AR447 (option 2) WP001: Hare (Lepus europaeus) droppings in the pipeline rerouting (KP 78), at the crossing point with the baseline route (Basecase )

10 Page 9 of 17 Socioeconomic Findings Summary Datasheet Project: TAP Pipeline reroute and new/upgrade access roads in the Potom Specialist: Daniel Alonso Settlements: Backa (Trepollare) Project Feature Investigated: Pipeline reroute in the Potom area Date: 06/07/ /07/ /07/2015 Backa (Trepollare), located SW the centreline of the pipeline reroute (about KP 83), is the closest village. This is a small village that consists of a small number of scattered farms and auxiliary buildings. The distance between the centreline and the closest residential buildings is 70 m approximately. Other closest villages to the pipeline reroute in the Potom area are: Land Uses: The approximate length of the pipeline is 8 km, where the land uses are equivalent to those crossed by the previous centreline. Main types of land uses identified include: Grasslands. Shrublands. Forested areas. Agricultural fields. In the proximity of the villages, where the different groups of land uses may be present, a mosaic pattern structure is observed. New Backa: located at 2 km approximately, in S direction, from the KP 81. Potom: located at 1.8 km approximately in S direction, from the KP The general landscape and land uses observed in the pipeline reroute area results from the environment management conducted by the local population existing in the nearby villages. The following land uses pattern was observed along the pipeline reroute. Grasslands are typically in those areas where the slopes are minor, which are found adequate for grazing purposes. They are also found, as a general pattern, in areas with higher altitude rather than areas with lower altitude, since these areas are characterised by soils with lower levels of nutrients that cannot be used for agricultural purposes, but for grazing purposes. Grasslands show an extent and spread level of occurrence along the pipeline reroute. Shrublands and forested areas are typically observed in those areas where the slopes are

11 Page 10 of 17 important. These slopes created difficulties to the human access and therefore clearing did not occur for the creation of grasslands. However, the level of occurrence in shrublands and forested areas is different. In the case of shrublands, there is an extent and spread level of occurrence along the pipeline reroute. In the case of the forested areas, they occur in the following limited areas: KP (along 800 m, approximately), KP 82 (along 250 m approximately), KP (along 400 m, approximately) and KP (along 400 m, approximately). Livelihood: Livelihood observed in the pipeline reroute is related with the land use. The following activities were observed in the pipeline reroute: Grazing, associated with grasslands and shrublands. Agriculture, associated with the agricultural fields. Lumbering, associated with the forested areas. Extraction of construction materials from the torrents. Agricultural areas occur in the proximity of the villages, which are located in the bottom of the valleys, where the soils are characterised by higher levels of nutrients, and therefore are valid for agricultural purposes. In addition, the bottom of the valleys corresponds to areas without slopes that facilitate the agricultural works. The agricultural areas along the pipeline reroute are limited to the vicinity of the village of Backa (Trepollare), along 300 m approximately, around the KP 83. Main livestock observed in grasslands near the pipeline reroute were sheeps. Also goats, cows and horses were also observed, but in minor proportion. Some shepherd buildings (shack) were also observed along the pipeline reroute. The shepherds can be local or transient from the region of Vlorë and other areas in the south of Albania. In the case of transient shepherds, they use the area for their livestock during the summer (between June and October). Agriculture is primarily characterised by seasonal crops, but also minor areas with permanent crops. Seasonal crops observed included corn, alfalfa and some vegetables (onions, peppers). Permanent crops observed were orchards. Lumbering activities were observed near the KP 78, by total cutting of trees in the forested area east Marta pass. Extraction of construction materials was identified in the torrent near Backa (Trepollare), which is crossed by the pipeline reroute in the KP Big blocks of sandstone are found there, which

12 Page 11 of 17 Infrastructures/Construction: The pipeline reroute is characterised by going through a relatively remote area, with the exception of the area near Backa (Trepollare), resulting in a general lack of infrastructures in the area, with the following exceptions: Road to Backa (Trepollare) (AR 460). Local paths. Irrigation channels. Isolated shepherd buildings (shacks). are collected from the local population to be used for construction purposes. This is evidenced by the presence of grouped blocks of sandstones. The road to Backa (Trepollare) is a non paved road, accessible for vehicles (4WD vehicles, preferred). This road communicates Potom with Backa (Trepollare) and is the project access road defined as AR 460. Small local paths occur spreadly along the pipeline reroute. Some of them were considered as potential project access roads. They are used by the local population to go from the villages to the grasslands in the higher areas. They are no accessible for vehicles, only for people and animals. An irrigation channel was observed crossed by the pipeline reroute in the KP It transports water from the higher areas, from existing torrents, to the lower areas, near the villages, to be used in the agricultural fields. The observed irrigation channel was probably directed to New Backa. Isolated shepherd buildings (shacks) occur spreadly along the pipeline reroute. They are typically used by the shepherds when they stay in the grasslands areas with the livestock. The observed infrastructures in Backa (Trepollare) included: Buildings and farms: approximately up to 20 buildings were observed. Fences: to separate different properties. Electrical lines: to provide electricity to the village. Water pipelines, transporting water from the nearby torrent to the village. Conclusions and key aspects: The proposed pipeline reroute presents several differences with the former pipeline reroute (Basecase ), although land uses are equivalent. It is shorter (8 km approximately) than the former pipeline reroute (12 km approximately). It includes lower forested areas than the former pipeline reroute. It goes through the vicinity of one village (Backa [Trepollare]), while the former pipeline

13 Page 12 of 17 reroute did not. Therefore overall findings and measures provided in the ESIA (2013) and ESIA Addendum (2015) are valid and applicable to this pipeline reroute (i.e.no additional mitigation measures apart from those presented previously are required). Potential interference to agricultural and grazing activities should be taken into account during construction, including the irrigation channels which can directly impact the agricultural activities in the villages, and the water transportation pipelines, which can directly impact the water sourcing in the villages. Similarly, a detailed transport/construction plan should be in place to avoid/manage potential nuisances derived from the use of the local accesses roads. Photos: WP019: General view of Backa (Trepollare) WP002: Sheeps in a forested area / grasslands WP012: Mosaic pattern in the proximity of Backa (Trepollare) WP011: Corn field near Backa (Trepollare) with an orchard in the background

14 Page 13 of 17 Project Title: Doc. WP012: Onions and peppers near Backa (Trepollare) WP054: Blocks of sandstone in a torrent near Backa (Trepollare) potentially used as construction material WP054: Water pipelines in a torrent near Backa (Trepollare) WP008: Irrigation channel and local path WP046: Non paved road to Backa (Trepollare) - AR460_3(options 1-2) WP001: Lumbering activities and shepherd building (shack)

15 Page 14 of 17 Cultural Heritage Findings Summary Datasheet Project: TAP Pipeline reroute and new/upgrade access roads in the Potom area. Specialist: Lorenc Bejko Archaeological Sites: Two archaeological sites are identified along this line: A small Bektashi cemetery (WP 178). Remains of terraced walls (WP 177). Project Feature Investigated: Pipeline reroute in the Potom area Date: 06/07/ /07/ /07/2015 The small Bektashi cemetery is a small, likely family cemetery, probably dating to the late 19 th early 20 th century C.E. The Bektashi Order is a dervish (Sufi Islam) order found throughout Anatolia and the Balkans and played an important historical role in the spread of Islam in Albania. The cemetery contains an estimated 17 burials including one large monumental grave (givur). The large monumental grave appears to be the focal point of the cemetery, with four individual graves located around the monument. The individual burials are marked by simple grave markers with no names or symbols visible on the tomb stones. Burials are oriented E W, with the heads to the west. The terrace wall remains indicate past human activity. They could represent the remains of agricultural field terraces or structural remains of indeterminate age. Monuments: Four monuments were found along the line of this option: Qafa e Martës Memorial Monument and Cemetery (WP 057, from fieldwork conducted in 2014). Sites with Intangible Cultural Value: All monuments and archaeological sites listed above have historic and intangible cultural significance. Qafa e Martës Memorial Monument and its associated cemetery are dedicated to individuals who died during the armed conflict between Albanian and Greek fighters following Albanian Independence in This period has great local and national significance. Gravestones indicate the deceased died in September Memorials and graves associated with the armed conflicts following the declaration of Albanian Independence have significant cultural value. They play an important role in local and national history and the formation of a national identity.

16 Page 15 of 17 The Bektashi cemetery could have historic and intangible cultural significance for the local community. Individual burials could represent significant local cultural resources for the descendants of the deceased. Due to the importance of the Bektashi Order in the history of Islam in Albania, the cemetery could have local or national historical significance. The stacked stone territorial markers play an important social, economic, and cultural role in the local pastoral communities. Their presence, use, and maintenance are part of and contribute to the maintenance of traditional pastoral lifeways in the area. In addition, the construction of these markers also represents a traditional cultural practice that requires preservation. s with High Archaeological Potential (AHAP): There are no areas with high potential for individual archaeological sites along the pipeline reroute in the Potom area. However, the cemeteries, memorials, terrace walls, and field markers demonstrate the presence of a large cultural landscape that could impacted by the pipeline reroute. Due to the high elevation and rugged terrain, modern activities in the area are limited to temporary, seasonal occupations by pastoralists and their herds of animals. This low intensity, seasonal use of the area was likely also practiced by historic and prehistoric populations. However, a number of cultural heritage resources were identified, suggesting additional surface and subsurface resources may be present. Conclusions and key aspects: Several cultural heritage resources were identified during the Potom re-routing field survey: The Qafa e Martës Memorial Monument and its cemetery; The Bektashi cemetery; The remains of terrace walls; and These finds are consistent with the types of cultural heritage resources identified in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013). Particular care should be taken during the construction phase not to disturb the historical-cultural landscape, which is an essential part of the historical memory of the entire area of the pipeline rerouting. A number of the cultural heritage mitigation measures presented in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013) should be implemented along the proposed pipeline route: The Qafa e Martës Memorial Monument and its cemetery meets the criteria for nonreplicable cultural heritage and should be avoided; Impacts to the historical landscape, which is an essential part of the historical memory at Qafa e Martës, should be avoided, minimized, or mitigated. The Bektashi cemetery should be avoided and clearly marked for avoidance. All above ground monuments outside the working strip should be fenced off and marked

17 Page 16 of 17 for avoidance during construction; Depending on the proximity of monuments and the Bektashi cemetery to the working strip, vibration and pollution monitoring may be required; Local stakeholders will be engaged to determine if the Qafa e Martës Memorial Monument and its cemetery are visited/used for any significant commemorative ceremonies or events. If so, construction activities will be scheduled to avoid or minimize restricting user access to the resource and and to avoid or reduce impacts the resource setting/ambiance during significant events. If the Bektashi cemetery is still used for burials or visited, construction activities will be scheduled to avoid restricting user access to the cemetery and to avoid or reduce impacts the resource setting/ambiance during significant events. If the cemetery cannot be avoided the Project will engage local stakeholders to determine appropriate compensation and/or to relocate the cemetery. If the cemetery is to be relocated, the Project will use the international recognized best practice/techniques. Use of a reduced working strip to avoid or reduce the magnitude of potential impacts to resources; All above ground monuments outside the working strip should be fenced off and marked for avoidance during construction; Depending on the proximity of monuments to the working strip, vibration and pollution monitoring may be required; Use of a reduced working strip to avoid or reduce the magnitude of potential impacts to resources.; If territorial markers are found within the proposed working strip, they should be relocated to a nearby location using the best available means. The new location of the markers will need to be determined in consultation with local stakeholders to ensure they do not lose significant social, economic, or cultural value and continue to function as boundary markers visible from a considerable distance.

18 Page 17 of 17 Photos: WP057: Qafa e Martës memorial monument, looking South WP057: Memorial cemetery at Qafa e Martës, looking SE WP0178: Bektashi monumental grave (qivur) at the centre of the cemetery (WP 178). View from South WP178: General view of the simple burials of the small muslim cemetery. View from NE.