Application File for the Amendment of the Environmental Permit Mbrakulla Re- Route Annex 2 - Field Survey Summary Datasheets
Page 2 of 16 Project: TAP Re-routes 2015 Physical Environment Findings Summary Datasheet Soil, Land Uses and Hydrology Project Feature Investigated: Mbrakulla Re-route Specialist (1) : Dr. Sulejman Sulce (soil and land uses), Prof. Molnar Kolaneci (Hydrology) and ERM. (1) This summary data sheet has been prepared through the review of desktop information gathered in previous phases of the ESIA preparation, specialist knowledge of the areas and detailed feedback provided by the field team (from October and November 2015 field surveys). Soil: Soil and Land Uses Findings Two different soil types characterize the segment: Eutric Cambisol (located in the southern section of the Mbrakulla re-route) and the Eutric Fluvisol (located in the northern section of the pipeline re-route). Eutric Cambisol Surface cover and main crops: 25% is covered with olive tree plantation, 20% to 30% with wheat, and 20% to 30% with fodder. Not irrigated, fertilized or mechanized. Olive tree plantation surrounded by shrubs. Physical properties: parent material is 'sedimentary rock', siltstone. Texture class is sandy loam, rock fragments in surface is 10-20%, shallow depth (15-30cm), slope gradient (-35% slope), medium erosion degree. Moderate content of organic matter. Soil profile is relatively deep (-1.5 m). Soil agronomic potential: Category III based on the 1992 Albanian Institute of Soil Science classification of soil agronomic potential 1. Category III soils have severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require special conservation practices, or both. Eutric fluvisol Surface cover and main crops: Surface cover is 90% vegetation type 'arable' and cultivated with vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers). Other crops include orchards, forage and cereals. Irrigated, heavy fertilized and mechanised. Agricultural intensity degree is very high. Physical properties: unconsolidated parent material (alluvial). Textural classes are 'clay - loam', rock fragments in surface is <10%, soil depth is >75cm, slope gradient is <6%, low erosion and well drained. Soil agronomic potential: category I-II because of Mbrakulla s intensive agriculture. Classification based on the 1992 Albanian Institute of Soil Science classification of soil agronomic potential. Category I soils have slight limitations that restrict their use, while category II soils have moderate limitations that restrict the choice of plants or that require 1 Soil Science Institute, Albanian soil categorization, 1992
Page 3 of 16 moderate conservation practices. Land uses: The Mbrakulla re-route avoids the section between KP 132 and KP 134 of the basecase route (March 2014). The pipeline re-route follows the hilltop north Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and descends down into the Osumi River valley. A good proportion of the pipeline re-route is dominated by steep lands (up to 20%) with Mediterranean maquis. Agricultural lands are found on both ends, mostly young olive tree plantations. The southern section of the pipeline re-route passes through land planted with olives (50%), wheat (20-30%) and fodder (20-30%), especially for wet mass such as alfalfa to feed livestock during the winter months. The northern section of the pipeline re-route passes through the rather flat terrains (<10% slope) with olive trees, vegetables and forages. Alfalfa (forage) is intensively cultivated. The Osumi River water serves as a source for irrigation in this section of the pipeline re-route. The use of fertilizers and agricultural mechanics is high and the soils are intensively cultivated. Groundwater: Hydrological Findings No relevant groundwater are found along the Mbrakullare-route due to the morphometry of the terrain, which is located in the top of a small ridge (i.e. no favourable geological formation). The northern section of the pipeline re-route is located in a meander of the Osumi River. Therefore the presence of the Quaternary aquifer (associated with the Osumi River) is expected. Surface Water: The Mbrakulla re-route represents a short deviation from the KP 132 to the KP 134 of the basecase route (March 2014). The pipeline re-route goes through a ridge and thus avoids crossing any river (either permanent or ephemeral). Water Use and Related Infrastructure: Not relevant. Soils and Land Uses: Conclusions and Key Findings The Land use and soils along the Mbrakulla re-route are similar to the adjacent areas of the Baseline route evaluated in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013). Therefore findings are comparable and no additional mitigation measures are needed apart from those already presented in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013). Main standard general mitigation measures to be considered would include: Development of the Erosion and Sediments Control Plan to avoid disturbance of soil. Development of the Waste Management Plan and monitoring of implementation. A restoration & reinstatement plan should be in place and consider the working areas as well as the areas designated for deposition of solid inert residues (i.e. excavated material from the trench). To the extent feasible the corridor shall be returned to their original state (including reinstatement of soil and natural vegetation where corresponds).
Page 4 of 16 Hydrology: The Mbrakulla re-route does not intersect any relevant aquifer or relevant water course. The mitigation measures proposed in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013) are considered adequate to the type of activities and findings of this re-route. Main standard general mitigation measures to be considered would be equivalent to those presented for the soils and land uses (see above). In addition consideration to the following should be included: Long-term site stability for erosion (see ESIA 2013) Sediment minimisation measures: cover loads in trucks, irrigation of dust-generating surfaces, etc. Photos: View of young olive trees planted at the KP 0.2 of the pipeline re-route (WPE055) - view SE. View of mosaic cultivation pattern between the pipeline re-route and the KP 134 of the basecase route (March 2014) (WPE059) view S. Grasslands with sheep grazing, agricultural fields next to the Osumi River (WPS118) view N.
Page 5 of 16 Biological Environment Findings Summary Datasheet Project: TAP TAP Re-routes 2015 Specialist: Ferdinand Bego Habitats: The Mbrakulla re-route starts at KP 132 (basecase route March 2014) on top of the ridge, close to the settlement of Mbrakulla (Vojaka), where crop fields and olive groves and patches of Mediterranean evergreen shrubs (maquis) are confined. It then continues along the ridgeline covered with Maquis vegetation. The majority of the pipeline re-route goes through Mediterranean evergreen shrubs (maquis), mostly on steep slopes with very thick and dense vegetation. The last 200-300 m of the pipeline re-route, at the crossing point with the basecase route March 2014, KP 134) near Mbrakulla (Çepani), goes through gentle slopes covered with olive groves, crop fields and hedges of degraded maquis vegetation and ruderal plants. Key Fauna Species (Latin/English): Mammals: Potential presence of Wolf (Canis lupus), wild boar (Sus scrofa) badger (Meles meles), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), weasel (Mustela nivalis), hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), Thomas' pine vole (Microtus thomasi), and wood mice (Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus). Birds: common buzzard (Buteo buteo), kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Cetti's warbler (Cettia cetti), European robin (Erithacus rubecula), cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus), Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), hooded crow (Corvus cornix), raven (Corvus corax), common blackbird (Turdus merula), jay (Garrulus glandarius), chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), Eurasian goldfinch (Carduelis Project Feature Investigated: Mbrakulla Re-route Date: 12/10/2015 The Mediterranean evergreen shrubs are healthy (i.e. thick, dense and tall) along most of the pipeline re-route, except for sections situated close to settlements where impacts from grazing and firewood collection are more intense. The thick and dense maquis with presence of mature oak trees (Quercus trojana, Quercus ilex) provide shelter and feeding ground for wild boar, badger and fox, as well as for a number of passerines (Turdus merula, Garrulus glandarius, Cettia cetti, Emberiza cirlus, Erithacus rubecula). This type of habitat may also be visited by wolf (Canis lupus), although during the survey no evidence of the presence of wolf was recorded (perhaps due to bad weather conditions). Mosaic agricultural land, olive groves and crop fields with annual and perennial crops are of low ecological value, due to their proximity to settlements (Vojaka and Çepani neighborhoods of Mbrakulla). No evidence of wolf presence noted, but the area is part of the wolf distribution range. Mediterranean evergreen shrubs and presence of mature oak trees (Quercus ilex, Q. trojana) provides shelter and feeding ground to wild boar (Sus scrofa), badger (Meles meles), fox (Vulpes vulpes), hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), as well as for a number of passerines (Turdus merula, Garrulus glandarius, Cettia cetti, Erithacus rubecula, Emberiza cirlus). Crop fields, olive groves and hedges provide shelter and suitable habitats for voles (Microtus thomasi) and reptiles, especially for lizards; they also attract a number of passerines that feed, hunt and breed in such environment.
Page 6 of 16 carduelis), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), common swift (Apus apus), Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), great tit (Parus major). Reptiles: Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), Erhard s wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii), Dalmatian wall lizard (Podarcis melliselensis), common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis tauricus), and European green lizard (Lacerta viridis). Amphibians: common toad (Bufo bufo). Key Flora Species (Latin/English): Holm oak (Quercus ilex), Macedonian oak (Quercus trojana), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), tree heath (Erica arborea), mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), green olive tree (Phyllirea latifolia), Oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), Common juniper (Juniperus communis), prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), Pink Rockrose (Cistus incanus), Jerusalem thorn (Paliurus spinachristi), dog rose (Rosa canina), almondleaved pear (Pyrus amygdaliformis), autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Hydrobiology: Provided the small size of the study area and its orography, no watercourses or water reservoirs are crossed by the Mbrakulla re-route. The Osumi River is situated further downhill. Some plants are collected as medicinal plants: Juniperus spp., R. canina, Rubus ulmifolius. Some other species, such as Pyrus amygdaliformis, Quercus sp.div., Rubus ulmifolius are used as food sources for many birds, as well as for foxes and badger. N/A Designated s: No existing or proposed protected areas are crossed by, or in the vicinity of the Mbrakulla reroute. in need of a Construction Restriction Period No section of the re-route is considered to require the implementation of a specific construction restriction period. Conclusions and key aspects: The species and habitats observed along the Mbrakulla re-route are similar to the corresponding section of baseline route, consistent with those expected in this area and in
Page 7 of 16 accordance with the TAP Albania ESIA (2013). The species and habitats considered as most relevant, from an ecological and conservation perspective, are listed above. No other additional mitigation measures apart from those foreseen in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013) ESIA are recommended. Standard general mitigation measures, already considered in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013), include: Habitat clearance minimization, including the working strip where feasible. Construction works to be performed, to the extent feasible, outside the breeding seasons, which are sensitive periods for key species. Reinstatement of habitats after construction activities. Photos: Mbrakulla re-route close to Mbrakulla (Vojaka): crop fields and olive groves bordered by Mediterranean maquis (WPE055) view NW. Mbrakulla re-route retouring close to Mbrakulla (Vojaka) : olive groves bordered by Mediterranean maquis (WPE055) - view NW. Degraded Mediterranean maquis in the vicinity of Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and Vojaka old castle (top of the hill) (WPE055) - view NW. Pistacia lentiscus and Erica arborea
Page 8 of 16 View of crop fields, olive groves and degraded Mediterranean maquis. KP 0.2 of the pipeline re-route..(wpe055) - view SE. Microtus thomasi presence signs on small patches of grasslands (WPE056). Mediterranean maquis vegetation becomes thicker and taller away from human habitation (WPE056) - view SE. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) footprint (WPE055). Vulpes vulpes scats (WPE057). Mediterranean maquis vegetation on top of the hill. Osumi River and surrounding crop fields of Mbrakulla (Cepani) downhill. (WPE057) view N.
Page 9 of 16 Colchicum autumnale (WPE057). View over the Mbrakulla re-route passing along the ridge covered with thick and dense Mediterranean maquis vegetation (WPE057) view S. Mbrakulla re-route coming down along the ridge and steep slopes, close to Mbrakulla (Çepani). (WPE058) view S. Crossing point of the Mbrakulla re-route with the basecase route (March 2014): olive groves and hedges. (WPE059) - view SW. Mbrakulla re-route crossing with the basecase route (March 2014): olive groves, crop fields and hedges. Osumi River nearby. (WPE059) - view NW.. View over the entire Mbrakulla re-route from the crossing point with the KP 134 of the basecase route (March 2014). (WPE059) view S.
Page 10 of 16 Socioeconomic Findings Summary Datasheet Project: TAP Re-routes 2015 Specialist: Daniel Alonso Settlements: Mbrakulla (Vojaka) Mbrakulla (Cepani) Poliçan Note: the name of the settlement included between brackets refers to the specific name of the neighbourhood. Project Feature Investigated: Mbrakulla Re-route Date: 12/10/2015 Mbrakulla (Vojaka) is located approximately 450 m south of the most southern extent of the pipeline re-route (KP 0). It is a small village, constituted of approximately 20 houses and surrounded by agricultural fields. Mbrakulla (Cepani) is located approximately 400 m north of the northern extent of the pipeline reroute, near the bank of the Osumi River. It is also a small village, constituting of approximately 10 houses and surrounded by agricultural fields. The most populated settlement in vicinity of the pipeline re-route is Poliçan, located approximately 3.5 km to the east. Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and Mbrakulla (Cepani) are both part of the municipality of Poliçan. Land Uses: The Mbrakulla re-route is approximately 2 km in length. The land crossed by the pipeline re-route is similar to that crossed by the previous centreline, including: Livelihood: Grasslands Shrublands / forested areas Agricultural fields Livelihoods along the Mbrakulla re-route are mostly related to the land and associated natural resources: Much of the land observed along the pipeline reroute is managed by the local population to varying degrees. Agricultural areas occur in the proximity of Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and Mbrakulla (Cepani), accounting for approximately 600 m of the total pipeline re-route. Shrubland and forest cover the rest of the pipeline re-route. The shrubland is mostly a very dense maquis formation, found on the steeper slopes. In addition, a small patch of grassland was noted at KP 0.6 of the pipeline re-route, covering about 100 m. This is a flat section of the ridgeline where livestock can be grazed. Agriculture is the dominant livelihood in the vicinity of the pipeline re-route and the two settlements, Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and Mbrakulla
Page 11 of 16 Agriculture Rearing of livestock that graze the grasslands and shrublands, and Firewood collection activities in the forested areas. (Cepani). Seasonal and permanent crops are grown near Mbrakulla (Vojaka). Seasonal crops include alfalfa and corn. The alfalfa field looked to be abandoned, due to the presence of weeds, such as peppermint. The corn had been harvested very recently. Permanent crops include grapes (vineyards) and olive trees. Some plowed fields were also noted. The agricultural fields near Mbrakulla (Cepani) were very similar to those surrounding Mbrakulla (Vojaka). A similar mixture of seasonal and permanent crops was also being grown. The olive groves included both mature (i.e. producing) and newly planted trees. Some plowed fields were also noted. The grasslands and shrublands are evidently grazed by sheep. A flock of sheeps was observed in the agricultural fields near Mbrakulla (Cepani). Infrastructures/Construction: The Mbrakulla re-route runs between Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and Mbrakulla (Cepani). Noted infrastructure includes: An unpaved road Local footpaths Electrical transmission lines The settlement of Mbrakulla (Vojaka) is accessible by vehicle due to the presence of an unpaved road. This road connects the settlement of Mbrakulla (Vojaka) with the Osumi valley (national road from Berat to Çorovode). Welltrodden footpaths can be found along the pipeline re-route. These footpaths are used by the local population to travel between Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and Mbrakulla (Cepani), typically using animals as the mode of transport (especially when transporting materials). The village of Mbrakulla (Cepani) is situated on a meander of the Osumi River. A footbridge (constructed in steel and wood) over the river provides access to the settlement. Electrical transmission lines were noted in the settlements.
Page 12 of 16 Conclusions and key aspects: The proposed pipeline re-route is approximately 2 km in length [equivalent to the section of the basecase route (March 2014) it is due to replace]. The land cover and land use are similar between the proposed re-route and the corresponding section of the basecase, although their distribution is different. The dominant land cover along the pipeline re-route is shrubland / forest; the dominant land cover along the corresponding section of the basecase is agricultural fields. Overall mitigation measures provided in the Albania ESIA (2013) are valid and applicable to this pipeline re-route. In addition, the following mitigation measures should be considered along this pipeline re-route: Potential interference to agricultural and grazing activities in the local area should be taken into account during the pipeline construction activities. Similarly, a detailed transport/construction plan should be in place to avoid/manage potential nuisances derived from the use of the local road between Mbrakulla (Vojaka) and Mbrakulla (Cepani). Potential interference to the electric transmission line in Mbrakulla (Cepani) should be taken into account during the pipeline construction activities. A micro-re-route should be considered to avoid the electrical tower identified in the proximity of Mbrakulla (Cepani). Photos: Pipeline re-route WPS112: View of the village Mbrakulla (Vojaka) view S. WPS112: Plowed field and haycock (corn) view N.
Page 13 of 16 WPS113 Pipeline re-route WPS113: Olive trees. WPS113: Plowed field and olive trees in the background view S. WPS114: Shrubland / forested area (maquis). WPS114: Evidence of firewood collection activity. Pipeline re-route WPS115: Grassland and evidence of firewood collection activity view NW. WPS118: Use of the footpaths by the local population.
Page 14 of 16 WPS119: Agricultural fields near Mbrakulla (Cepani) view NE. WPS119: Sheep flock on the path to Mbrakulla (Cepani). WPS120: Electrical tower at the crossing point between the pipeline re-route and the basecase route (March 2014) view N. WPS120: General view of the pipeline re-route view S. WPS121: View of Mbrakulla (Cepani). WPS121: View of the bridge over the Osumi River near Mbrakulla (Cepani).
Page 15 of 16 Cultural Heritage Findings Summary Datasheet Project: TAP Re-routes 2015 Specialist: Iris Pojani Archaeological Sites: Hilltop fortification at Mbrakulla (Vojaka), (WPC072 / CH-379). Monuments: No listed monuments found along the Mbrakula survey area. Sites with Intangible Cultural Value: Cemetery near the beginning of the pipeline re-route (WPC070 / CH-589). s with High Archaeological Potential (AHAP): The area around the Mbrakulla (Vojaka) hilltop fortification. Project Feature Investigated: Mbrakulla Re-route Date: 12/10/2015 Ruins of Late Roman-Medieval Period Mbrakulla (Vojaka) fortification / castle. Site consists of stone blocks surrounding the small hill north of the Vojaka village. Remains of structures are visible within the walls. Site identified during original ESIA baseline survey as site CH-379. Determined to be a high sensitivity resource in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013). Cemetery containing over 25 graves. Graves are marked by above ground, tabular monuments on concrete slabs or stone platforms. Graves dated to the late 19 th through 20 th centuries. The cemetery is located at an approximate distance of 30 m from the pipeline re-route (KP 0). The area around the Mbrakulla (Vojaka) hilltop fortification is an area with high archaeological potential. The area is likely to contain additional ruins and/or archaeological resources associated with the use/occupation of the Mbrakulla (Vojaka) fortification. The area around the fortification is also part of a larger cultural landscape associated with the site. Conclusions and key aspects: These findings are consistent with the types of cultural heritage resources identified in the TAP ESIA (2013). A number of cultural heritage mitigation measures presented also in the TAP Albania ESIA (2013) should be implemented along the proposed pipeline route. The Mbrakulla (Vojaka) hilltop fortification is a high sensitivity resource and should be avoided; Due to the high archaeological potential around the Mbrakulla (Vojaka) resource, a
Page 16 of 16 reduced working strip should be used in the vicinity of the Mbrakulla (Vojaka) hilltop fortification to reduce impacts to previously unknown archaeological resources; Ground works done in the vicinity of the Mbrakulla (Vojaka) hilltop fortification should be subject to archaeological monitoring and a chance finds procedure; and Due to its proximity to the proposed pipeline route, the cemetery should be marked for avoidance and pollution and vibration monitoring conducted to prevent impacts to grave markers. Photos: WPC072 / CH-379: hilltop fortification of Mbrakulla (Vojaka). View of WPC072 / CH-379, northern slope of Mbrakulla (Vojaka) hilltop fortification. WPC070 / CH-589: Grave in cemetery.