CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL STUDIES AND SURVEYS

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1 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL STUDIES AND SURVEYS 3

2 Flowers in spring (Georgia) Tortoises from the breeding program at Sangachal (Azerbaijan)

3 3 3 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL STUDIES AND SURVEYS A variety of ongoing studies and surveys continued in each of the three countries during the third quarter. All Host Government activities relating to the construction phase have now been completed in all countries. Details of progress on other studies and surveys recorded during the quarter are described below. 3.1 AZERBAIJAN HOST GOVERNMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES The three conditions stipulated by the MENR for approval of the Azerbaijan ESIA have all now been closed POST ESIA STUDIES Five post ESIA studies continued during Q3. Details of these studies and work relating to archaeological Late Finds are described below. Red Data Book Registered Species Preclearance Survey (includes: Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca, Porcupine Hystrix indica and ground nesting birds) Red Data Book (RDB) registered species pre-clearance surveys continued during Q In July the surveys were conducted without the participation of the Institute of Zoology due to the presence of ordinance on the ROW between KP 414 and 442. However, BTC and CCIC EFOs continued to monitor the ROW, removing and relocating vulnerable spur-thighed tortoises in accordance with the approved procedures. Zoological pre-clearance surveys on BTC ROW were completed in August upon reaching the Georgian border. The initial SCP ecological pre-clearance survey carried out in August covered KP and KP No surveys were conducted in September. The pre-scp strip survey at KP 171 (for Porcupines) was postponed pending approval for SCP stripping in this area (BTC activities ongoing). European Pond Terrapins (Emys orbicularis) were observed at a braided section of the Kura West River where further excavation works and dewatering were required. It was decided to relocate the terrapins after the dewatering operations. BTC provided advice and consultation on the relocation methods to be adopted. Iris acutiloba pre-construction translocation and monitoring programme Translocation off ROW/Arboretum: prior to relevant construction (COMPLETE) Off ROW/Arboretum Monitoring: Construction Phase (ONGOING) ROW Monitoring: Post Reinstatement/Translocation (NOT STARTED) Monitoring of translocated irises (Iris acutiloba) was ongoing during Q Monthly visits to the Mardokan arboretum and to the ROW were made in July and September with a temporary suspension in August due to the completion of the growing season. Monitoring of irises translocated to sites adjacent to the ROW was conducted in July. Similar monitoring of irises translocated to the arboretum was undertaken in September. The last monitoring, conducted jointly with an expert from the Institute of Botany identified that the translocated irises were in dormant state due to normal seasonal factors. Throughout Q3, the arboretum personnel worked continuously to maintain and improve the irises plots. 3-1

4 Cultural heritage Archaeology Phase III (Pre-construction excavation) as required Phase III archaeological works at Kasamanli (Agstafa District) continued in July and were completed in August. An early Medieval pottery kiln was found during excavation of this site. Bronze Age burials were also discovered at KP 378 with 28 graves being unearthed in July. Phase III archaeological excavation works continued in September and resulted in the discovery of the following: KP 316 (Samukh), KP 356 (Shamkir) graves, KP 378 (Tovuz), KP 399 (Agstafa) pottery, KP 406 (Agstafa) pottery and bronze artifacts. Cultural heritage-archaeology Phase IV (Late Finds) During construction A number of Phase IV (Late Finds) were made during July. These included: an Antique burial, Medieval pottery vessels and settlement area of Antique date. The following Late Finds were made during August: KP 204 (Agdash) 8 small jugs; KP 361 (Tovuz) scattered find of prehistoric pottery, struck obsidian and quern-stone fragments; KP 379 (Tovuz) pottery; KP 380 (Agstafa) a Bronze Age pottery vessel; KP 438 (Agstafa) pottery in stripping trial pits. Groundwater Monitoring Programme (Spring ) and thereafter, throughout the operations period The hydrogeological monitoring programme, which is expected to continue for the life of the BTC pipeline, has the long-term objective of providing additional information for the management of potential impacts on aquifers underlying the pipeline. Investigating and monitoring the Karayazi aquifer region will enable a more detailed hydrogeological model of the area to be developed. The results will be taken into consideration during the development of the Oil Spill Response Plan. Groundwater level monitoring of 9 wells drilled by BTC in the Karayazi area was conducted on a monthly basis throughout Q in order to adequately characterize the seasonal fluctuation in water table level, thereby ensuring that abstraction rates do not exceed aquifer recharge rates. A programme of sampling and analysis is also being undertaken to establish a reliable water quality baseline. During the last quarter data were collected from 40 key groundwater abstraction sites located along the pipeline ROW between Yevlakh and the Georgian border. 3-2

5 Identification and recording of sensitive downstream receptors Prior to linefill in Azerbaijan during development of detailed Oil Spill and Emergency Response Plans A desk-top review of sensitive downstream receptors has been competed and field verification is planned. In addition two site surveys were carried out in Q3 to identify potential oil spill response containment sites. The objectives of the surveys were to: a. Provide additional information for the GIS b. Assess the suitability of the oil containment sites c. Identify alternative locations for containment sites, if any d. Verify the relevance of the rendezvous points and clarify location e. Update the photographic and GIS records for OSR containment sites f. Assist responders. The surveys covered the entire Azerbaijan section of the pipeline route, with particular emphasis to the Karayazi wetland area (Western part) and the ROW from Kura river west to the Georgian border. The surveys resulted in identification of three new containment sites and updating of records for fifteen existing sites. The new information collected has been included into the GIS and Oil Spill Containment Manual for Azerbaijan. 3.2 GEORGIA HOST GOVERNMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES As reported in Q2, BTC considers all Host Government activities relating to the construction phase to be closed POST ESIA STUDIES A number of post ESIA studies were active in Q3. Details are as follows: Translocation of Red Data Book Species Translocation off ROW/Botanical Garden: prior to relevant construction (COMPLETE) Off ROW / Botanical Garden Monitoring: Construction Phase (ONGOING) ROW Monitoring: Post Reinstatement/Translocation (NOT STARTED) Translocation of Red Data Book Species: BTC has committed to undertake necessary steps to ensure protection, conservation and sustainable development of seven identified endangered populations through ex-situ conservation of threatened plant populations and their further reintroduction in the wild during reinstatement. Q3 activities have included mostly seed collection and plant cultivation. Early results indicate a 95% survival rate for translocated plants. 3-3

6 Study: Cultural Heritage Archaeological Late Finds Timing: Identified during Construction (Q3 2004) Surveys and construction monitoring have to date led to the identification of 260 potential archaeological sites or features. They are summarized as follows 40 sites have required salvage/large scale excavations 12 sites have been avoided via rerouting ROW reconfiguration, or special construction techniques (see Case Study 4.1) 57 locations have been the subject of limited excavation/documentation 77 sites were identified and avoided during surveys primarily associated with access roads and borrow pits (safe distance) 37 locations/features have been determined not significant/cultural either through expert consultation or construction monitoring 37 sites are viewed as at risk due to proximity to construction activity one previously undocumented modern cemetery has been found. The BTC line is clear for construction in all locations. Many of these locations require excavations in advance of SCP trenching and will require special care during reinstatement and SCP construction: KP 53, 54, 57, 74, 80, 85, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 156, 164, 165, 185, 193, 194, 198, 199, 200, 202, 202, 204, 205, 211, 212, 225, 231, 241, 248. Aquifer monitoring wells Borjomi area Prior to linefill BTC Co. has committed to undertaking groundwater and drinking water monitoring for various sections of the pipeline route throughout operations phase. Specifically: Borjomula Catchment (KP ): groundwater monitoring through the use of wells, and drinking water monitoring at selected locations Tsalka Lake area (KP ): groundwater monitoring through the use of wells, and drinking water monitoring at selected locations Georgian pump stations 1 and 2: groundwater monitoring around the two pump stations. The appointed contractor completed work in Q3 and produced a draft report suggesting specific locations for surface water monitoring. The draft report has been submitted to the MoE for comments. 3.3 TURKEY HOST GOVERNMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES There are no activities, studies and submissions that are considered conditional as part of the Host Government approval of the EIA in Turkey POST EIA STUDIES During this quarter progress was made on the eight post EIA studies with one of these reaching completion. Details are provided below. Landscape Plans for facilities Construction period The Landscape Plan for the Ceyhan Marine Terminal has been prepared in accordance with the commitments in the EIA. The landscape design has been developed to create an attractive and natural setting while de-emphasizing the visual dominancy of the structures. Landscape baseline field studies have been completed for the pump stations and landscaping plans are currently being drafted. 3-4

7 Water supply sustainability studies for groundwater and surface water supplies for temporary and permanent facilities All water sustainability studies have been completed for existing temporary facilities with the exception of Koprukoy Camp, which is currently underway. The sustainability study for Sivritepe camp was completed in Q3 for a supply located approximately 1 km from the camp. This supply requires treatment before it is fit for consumption. Until such time as a treatment plant is in place, bottled water will be supplied. Hanak Camp (Lot A) and Çadirkay (Lot B) do not require sustainability studies as they use existing water mains. Sustainability studies for operational water supply needs for AGI s are ongoing. Special Area Reinstatement Method Statements ( SARMS ) and associated surveys The Turkish section of the BTC pipeline project contains topographical, geological and ecological features that have been characterised by the project as Special Areas. These require particular attention throughout construction and reinstatement. These Special Areas are classified as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA s) or Other Special Areas that include side slopes, steep slopes, karstic areas and volcanic tuff. SARMS are Special Area Reinstatement Method Statements, and are required for all ESAs and Other Special Areas. ESA SARMS There are a total of 55 ESA s along the pipeline in Turkey, as follows: 12 in Lot A; 24 in Lot B and 19 in Lot C. At the Ceyhan Marine Terminal there are an additional two ESAs that were identified along the water supply line to the Terminal. The status of the SARMS for the ESAs is as follows: In Lot A, all SARMS and associated surveys have been completed. In Lot B, In this quarter 8 further SARMS were finalized in Lot B, bringing the total to 18. The remaining 6 have been drafted and are under review. Surveys completed in this quarter included a bird survey in ESA 13, a forest doormouse survey in ESA 21, a sand martin survey in ESA 28 and a whinchat, barred warbler and wryneck survey in ESA 33. In Lot C during this quarter the last two SARMS have been completed for ESAs 35 and 52. All SARMS in Lot C have therefore been finalized. All ESA surveys have also been completed. At the Ceyhan Marine Terminal, all SARMS and ESA surveys have been completed. Other Special Areas SARMS In Lot A, 2 Other Special Area SARMS are required and have been completed. In Lot B, 124 Other Special Area SARMS are required. 24 SARMS are outstanding. There is no change in their status from last quarter. In Lot C, all 15 Other Special Area SARMS have been completed. At the Ceyhan Marine Terminal, all 7 Other Special Area SARMS have been completed. 3-5

8 Pre-clearance surveys: identification of sensitive fauna on pipeline ROW and relocation outside ROW Lot A Pre-clearance walk-over surveys were all completed this quarter. All of the targeted surveys in Lot A were complete as of last quarter. Lot B Pre-clearance walk-over surveys prior to clearance were completed this quarter. During this quarter the following fauna surveys were completed in Lot B: Bird Survey in ESA 13 (c.kp 301 to 303) Pre-construction survey at Acisu River including survey for sand martin (c. KP 660) Buyukcay Stream Fish Survey, surveyed at two crossing points(c.kp 437and 438) Forest Doormouse survey from c. KP 469 to 472 (including part of ESA 21) Bird survey at Illgar-1 Creek (c.kp 532) (survey for route change) Bird survey at Buyukdere (c. KP 536) Bird survey at c.kp 543 (survey for route change) Whinchat, Barred Warbler and Wryneck at c.kp 720 to 741 (including part of ESA 33). Lot C Pre-clearance walk-over surveys prior to clearance were completed in Q2 2004; no further activities undertaken in this quarter. Stations completed in Q1 2004; no further activities undertaken in this quarter. Ceyhan Marine Terminal completed in Q1 2004; no further activities undertaken in this quarter. Completion Status: COMPLETE Marine turtle survey (duration of monitoring during operations to be determined) Construction and operation period Botaş undertook a marine turtle survey over a 13-week period between June 21 and September 18, The survey results showed a significant increase in the number of Green turtle nests over the previous two years and no increase in the number of Loggerhead turtle nests 1. The Ceyhan area of the Mediterranean Sea, while important for the Green turtle is not as important for Loggerhead turtles. This year s findings support the evidence that the green turtles are nesting on an approximate 2-3 year cycle. A summary of the total number of nests recorded over the three surveys is provided below. 2002: Green Turtles (42); Loggerhead (18) 2003: Green Turtles (44); Loggerhead (3) 2004: Green Turtles (118); Loggerhead (3) The high number of nests in such a small area indicates the importance of the area to the Green turtle. Each of the surveys have indicated that predation by foxes, dogs and crabs is the main cause of death in turtle hatchlings. This year the survey has been extended to include two of the Botaş beaches (Botaş and Holland) of which the former is heavily used for recreation. Efforts have been made at all of the beaches under survey to protect some of the nests from predation and/or disturbance by beach users. The Botaş and Holland beaches are affected by illumination of the existing Botaş jetty and the construction at the Ceyhan Marine Terminal jetty. The survey results appear to indicate that because these lights are seaward they do not cause disorientation in the hatchlings. It is possible that the seaward lights may even assist the hatchlings to head towards the sea although more data is need to test this hypothesis. The strong illumination at Iskenderun Power Plant does seem to cause some disorientation of the hatchlings, although based on the survey results, it does not appear to be significant. 1 An error in the number of turtle nests observed in 2002 appeared in the last (Q2) report. The last report stated that 42 Loggerheads and 13 Green turtles were observed nesting on Sugozu and Akkum beaches. This should have appeared as 42 Green turtles and 18 Loggerhead turtles. 3-6

9 Outstanding Cultural Heritage surveys at remaining camp locations and new access roads and Late Finds. Access Roads and Camp Locations: These surveys have all been completed not withstanding the potential for new camps or access roads. Late Finds: Human remains at KP17, possibly Medieval. In July during construction activities in Lot A, parts of a human skeleton were discovered. The Kars Museum Directorate came on site to investigate the bones and determined that the remains were associated with a nearby medieval castle. The remains were excavated and delivered to the Kars Museum. Construction resumed after excavation. Pictures of the skeletal material have also been assessed by Gazi University for their opinion as to their origin. Human remains, possibly Seljuk, at KP 724. In July during construction activities the archaeologists discovered a human skeleton. Construction activities were stopped while experts from Sivas Museum Directorate and Gazi University were called in to examine the skeleton. The Directorate determined that the skeleton was a single Seljuk Burial possibly dating from the 11 th Century. The burial has been left in situ (as it only just crossed over into the 28 m construction corridor). Construction continued around the skeleton under the supervision of the archaeologists. The site has since been backfilled. Antique wall remains at KP In August the remains of the antique wall were discovered just outside of the 28 m corridor. Parts were visible above the ground. Construction activities were stopped and the Sivas Museum Directorate was informed. The area was assessed by archaeologists from Gazi University and a decision was made by the Archaeological Protection Committee to resume construction under the supervision of the Sivas Museum Directorate. Stone foundations and other archaeological remains at KP In September PLL/Botaş archaeologists discovered a stone foundation during trenching activities. The Sivas Museum Directorate was informed about the discovery and archaeologists from Gazi University completed an assessment of the area. A decision was made to stop construction and undertake a salvage excavation. The excavation has been scheduled for October. Human remains at reroute KP 463. In July during construction of the reroute necessitated by the discovery of an iron-age cemetery in Lot B, archaeologists discovered a human skeleton. Construction work was stopped and the Sivas Museum Directorate and experts from Gazi University were informed of the discovery and completed an appraisal of the remains and the surrounding area. It was determined that an alternative route around the original iron-age cemetery, so as to avoid the skeleton, would be preferable. The trench was backfilled and the pipeline was routed an alternative way. No further discoveries were found. Air Quality Monitoring at BTC Ceyhan Marine Terminal Construction This study has been commissioned to monitor the ambient air quality though the deployment of passive diffuser tubes at the Terminal during construction and operations. Three air quality surveys have been completed this year, in Dec/Jan, Mar/Apr and in Jun/Jul. The survey monitors for PM 10, VOCs, SO 2 and NO x at 10 locations at the Marine Terminal. Results over the six-month period indicate that average pollutant levels are generally within project standards (when considered over the six month period). Some measurements have exceeded project standards due to project activities and those of third parties occurring outside the project boundary. On one occasion a project standard was exceeded at the same location over more than one monitoring cycle. This was for a measurement for VOCs at sample point CMT 4 and was associated with sources in nearby Sahil Sitesi. 3-7

10 Sediment Quality Survey at BTC Ceyhan Marine Terminal Construction/Operations The report describes the sediment quality survey conducted in July 2004 in line with the commitments in the BTC Turkey EIA. The sediment samples were collected at 12 different locations from the seabed between July 11-12, Samples were analyzed for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) diesel and gasoline range organics, trace metals, carbonate and organic content, water column turbidity, particle size distribution. A benthic ecological survey was also performed using a Remotely Operated Vehicle to perform grab samples and CCTV camera for the purpose of the benthic analysis. The results and conclusions are summarized as follows: No significant increases in TPH were observed. The variation between 2002 and 2003 results is likely to be due to natural variation. Using aluminum ratios it is seen that trace metal concentrations are slightly elevated above background levels. Higher concentrations of chromium and iron are not thought to have toxicological impact. Anti-fouling agents associated with ships and barges used in the construction of the marine terminal may be the cause the higher tin concentrations. Macrozoobenthic studies identified 34 species at the 12 sample sites. Polychaeta, a burrowing organism, was well represented, owing to the soft clayey substrate. 3-8