Attachment 1 Sol_72011121R00002.pdf

DCN: 2021-ARM-002

Armenia / IWM

US Agency for International Development (USAID) USAID/Armenia

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Program/Project/Activity Data

Activity/Project Name: Improved Water Management for Sustainable Economic Growth (IWM)

Assistance Objective: Economic Security Enhanced

Program Area: Sustainable Access to and Management of Water Resources Improved.

Country(ies) and/or Operating Unit: Armenia/E&E Originating Office: Economic Growth Office Date: November 24, 2020

PAD Level IEE: Yes☐ No☒ Supplemental IEE: Yes☐ No☒RCE/IEE Amendment: Yes☐ No☒

DCN of Original RCE/IEE: None

DCN of Amendment(s):

None

If Yes, Purpose of Amendment (AMD):

DCN(s) of All Related EA/IEE/RCE/ER(s):

Implementation Start/End: AMD: FY2021- FY’

Funding Amount: $7,000,000

Contract/Award Number (if known): None

Recommended Environmental Determination:

Categorical Exclusion: ☒ Positive Determination: ☐ Negative Determination: ☒ Deferral: ☐

Additional Elements:

Conditions:

Local Procurement:

Government to Government: ☐

Donor Co-Funded:

Sustainability Analysis (included): ☒

Climate Change Vulnerability Analysis Low Risk level (included): ☒

1. Background and Project Description Purpose and Scope of IEE:

1.1 The purpose of this IEE to analyse potential environmental impacts and recommend environmental determination for the new 5 years, $ 7, 000.000 for the base activities and $ 2, ATTACHMENT 1 - Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Armenia / IWM

000.000 for the optional activities of the Improved Water Management 1 Activity. This activity level IEE will address the development and dissemination of improved approaches and tools to support sustainable and secure water management; advancing improved water governance; and spreading best practices and innovative approaches in water conservation and use. The activity will also provide technical and advisory services (including training, applied research, and analysis) to the Government of Armenia (GOAM), local communities, and the private sector, and support the implementation of small-scale demonstration projects to improve water management and use.

1.2 Project Overview: The lack of proper management practices has resulted in the overuse of existing water resources in Armenia, and an urgent need to reshape its natural resource management and distribution in order to respond to economic and environmental demands and ensure sustained economic growth. Communities are already suffering the consequences of poor water management - approximately 30 communities in the Ararat valley and about 85 communities in the Syunik region are facing serious water availability issues. These communities are running out of water for irrigation and drinking due to uncontrolled water use by fish farms and small hydro power plants (SHPP), and pollution caused by untreated mining tailings. At the same time, some SHPP are unable to operate at their installed capacity due to insufficient water flow, causing economic losses for power producers. Armenia faces a multitude of serious obstacles to reaching sustainable water resource management, including:

● A lack of proper data on water usage and the technical and human capacity to monitor and analyze the data in order to model future water availability.

● A regulatory environment which currently does not support the efficient redistribution of resources in accordance with water use priorities outlined in the Water Code or maintain the quality of water resources. Instead, the current system provides preferences to oligarchs and other groups.

● Relevant stakeholders, such as small water users, civil society, and local governments are not currently included in decision-making and oversight processes.

● Aging and inefficient infrastructure and a related lack of reliable services, especially in rural areas.

● Limited adoption of new, innovative technologies by farmers, SMEs, energy producers, and other water users, which results in low water usage efficiency. This limited adoption is due to a combination of a lack of knowledge about new technologies, low capacity to apply the new technology, and inability to access the credit and financing necessary to acquire it.

● Low levels of investment in water infrastructure in the villages, including local and foreign direct investment, due to broader economic and political factors and uncertainty about the operating environment.

● Limited access to data from the neighboring riparian countries due to the geopolitical situation.

Despite these challenges, the GOAM has indicated the necessary political will to strengthen environmental compliance and promote long-term growth based on the sustainable management of natural resources. The Activity will help Armenia in addressing above mentioned challenges. The purpose of the five-year activity is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to shift Armenia to a new, sustainable paradigm for water management and use. The activity’s Theory of Change is that, If USAID strengthens the capacity of the GOAM, local communities, and

Armenia / IWM the private sector to apply advanced technologies and increase the use of data for decision making, then equality of access to water will increase, while maintaining environmental flow and water quality.

1.3 Activity Description, Objectives, Expected Results Illustrative Activities and Indicators The contract purpose will be achieved through three interconnected Objectives and Expected Results (ER), and Illustrative Activities. Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Objective 1 - Application of advanced technologies and tools to support sustainable and secure water management Base Under Objective 1, the contractor will provide demand-driven technical assistance, including but not limited to application of modern approaches for data gathering and analysis (e.g. remote sensing technologies, modelling), analytical support, research studies, general training, and on-the-job to support the Ministry of Environment, other state entities at the national and basin/community levels, scientific institutions and other stakeholders in promoting and implementing data driven and evidence based water management.

Expected Results:

● Improved monitoring of water availability, quality, and use/allocation.

● Data-driven water modelling, planning and decision-making capacities enhanced to support evidence-based water allocation and management at the selected basin and national levels, and, if the opportunity arises, at the regional level.

● Increased water resource management transparency and accountability at the national and basin levels using modern technology and innovation

● Enhanced engagement with academia, universities, research institutions and the private sector for development and application of modern water management tools.

Illustrative Activities:

● Support rehabilitation of monitoring posts and application of remote-sensing technologies for improved monitoring of water availability, quality, and use/allocation.

● Assist in strengthening of data-driven water modelling, planning and decision-making capacities of the Ministry of Environment and other water entities at the selected basin and national levels, and, if the opportunity arises, at the regional level.

● Support application of modern technologies and innovation, including Decision Support Systems, on-line platforms for data access and permits, for increased water resource management transparency and accountability at the national and basin levels.

● Assist in closer cooperation with and between academia, universities, research institutions and the private sector for development and application of modern water management tools.

Illustrative Indicators:

● Number of water monitoring points upgraded with modern tools to provide data ( e.g.

SCADA or renovation of monitoring observation points).

● Milestones and/or point based reduction of information gaps that lead to greater accountability of GOAM.

● Number of tools/approaches institutionalized and applied to enhance the functional and operational capacity for assessment of the water availability, quality and allocation ( e.g.

Armenia / IWM decision support system, remote data gathering system). Tools and approaches will applied centrally at the Water Agency/ Department of the Ministry of Environment, including Decision Support software, remote sensing images, GIS based modeling, etc.

● Number of tools/systems/processes to enhance functional and operational capacity for sustainable water management institutionalized in three departments of the Ministry of Environment.

● Number of partnerships with academia, universities, research institutions and the private sector resulted in development and/application of modern water management tools.

Deliverables/Outcome Indicators:

● At least 10 water monitoring points upgraded with modern tools to provide data.

● At least 6 tools/approaches institutionalized and applied to enhance the functional and operational capacity for assessment of the water availability, quality and allocation.

● At least 6 tools/systems/processes to enhance functional and operational capacity for sustainable water management institutionalized in departments of the Ministry of Environment.

● At least 6 partnerships with academia, universities, research institutions and the private sector resulted in development and/application of modern water management tools.

Objective 2 - Improved water governance Base Under Objective 2 the contractor will support the GOAM and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the systems and institutions that influence water use and management implement sound, evidence-based policies and practices in an equitable manner.

Expected Results:

● Legal, regulatory and planning environment streamlined to support sustainable, transparent governance of water resources and efficient/effective use.

● Improved enforcement of laws, regulations and plans that support conservation and the efficient use of resources.

● Government water-related institutions - including the National Assembly and the Executive branch - strengthened to exercise transparent and accountable water governance and maintain on-going dialogue with the public.

● Strengthened linkages between stakeholders (GOAM, private sector water user associations, non-governmental organizations and communities - including youth and women) in participatory water governance and water management oversight and advocacy, including, but not limited to, the application of innovative approaches. Stakeholder engagement for improved accountability and GOAM buy-in to stakeholder initiatives is promoted.

● Assist in developing amendments to Water Code and improving regulatory and planning environment to support sustainable, transparent governance of water resources and efficient/effective use.

● Strengthen the Government of Armenia’s (GOAM) capacity in enforcement of laws, regulations and plans that support conservation and the efficient use of resources.

● Strengthen water-related institutions - including the National Assembly and the Executive branch capacities to exercise transparent and accountable water governance and maintain on-going dialogue with the public.

Armenia / IWM

● Assist in strengthening linkages between stakeholders (GOAM, private sector water user associations, non-governmental organizations and communities - including youth and women) in participatory water governance and water management oversight and advocacy, including, but not limited to, the application of innovative approaches/ platforms.

● Number of legal-regulatory or planning acts/amendments/documents streamlined and enforced to support transparent, effective, efficient and sustainable governance of water resources. Training will be provided to the enforcement department of the Water Agency and enforcement will be tracked.

● Number of institutions’ capacity strengthened to exercise transparent and accountable water governance. They will be providing feedback on water management and water allocation decision making. Water modelling and decision support software will be provided to take part in water governance and oversight.

● Number of stakeholder engagements, including of youth and women, in developing legal or planning documents. Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

● Number of stakeholder organizations participated in water governance and oversight. Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate."

Deliverables/ Outcome Indicators:

● At least 8 laws, policies, regulations, planing documents or standards to enhance water sector governance formally proposed, adopted, or implemented as supported by USG assistance.

● At least 6 institutions’ capacity strengthened to exercise transparent and accountable water governance.

● At least 10 stakeholder engagements, including youth and women, in developing legal or planning documents.

● At least 6 stakeholder organizations participated in water governance and oversight.

Objective 3 - Preparing for regional cooperation with neighboring countries Option:

Contingent on funding levels and the GOAM request, USAID may exercise the option of preparing for regional cooperation over shared waters with riparian countries.

Expected Results

● Assessment of opportunities for transboundary water cooperation in water monitoring, management, governance, and economic benefits with neighboring countries of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

● Improved water monitoring over shared resources, including data gathering and analysis.

● Enhanced engagement with the Governments, academia, universities, and research institutions of neighboring countries for development and application of modern water management and governance legal documents and tools to support evidence based decision making and enhance economic benefits over the shared water resources.

Armenia / IWM

● Assess the opportunities for transboundary water cooperation in water monitoring, management, governance, and economic benefits with neighboring countries of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

● Improve water monitoring over shared resources via data gathering and analysis.

● Enhance engagement with the Governments, academia, universities, and research institutions of neighboring countries for development and application of modern water management and governance legal documents and tools to support evidence based decision making and enhance economic benefits over the shared water resources.

● Number of assessments/studies for transboundary water cooperation in the South Caucasus.

● Number of legal documents, protocols and tools developed and applied to enhance transboundary water cooperation.

● Number of partnerships with academia, universities and research institutions resulted in improved cooperation over shared water resources.

Deliverables/ Outcome Indicators:

● At least 4 water monitoring points used for joint monitoring of shared water resources.

● At least 3 legal documents, protocols and tools developed and applied to enhance transboundary water cooperation.

Objective 4 - Promote and scale best practices and innovative approaches in water conservation and use to increase equitable access to water resources Base Conservation practices are a key bottleneck to equitable and sustainable access to water for productive use. Under Objective 3, water conservation and more efficient technologies will be demonstrated for different users. The contractor will explore different modalities of private sector and scientific institution participation to apply innovative best practices and/or increased efficiency in small-scale, water projects. These small-scale projects are intended to benefit communities as well as serve as demonstrators for uptake within the private sector. The contractor will implement these advances in water conservation and disseminate the results of these activities to promote uptake.

Meanwhile, per community request, the contractor may support rehabilitation of small- scale water infrastructure in the communities that increase equitable access to water.

The contractor shall identify locations of the projects based on their analysis, the activity should focus on those projects that have greater impact.

Expected Results

● Improved small scale irrigation and drinking water supply based on innovative and/or efficient technologies, as well as community needs.

● Small-scale modern water treatment and/or conservation technologies applied at different levels, including SMEs, and the public sector.

● Increased water saving, reuse and recycled pilots as a result of Public-Private Partnerships.

● Scaled up pilots for sharing experience across basins and communities.

Armenia / IWM

● Enhanced collaboration of university, research institutions and private sector partners to promote knowledge transfer between scientific organizations and the private sector to strengthen technological improvements and implementation.

● Demonstrated uptake of new technologies not directly funded by the activity.

Illustrative Activities:

● Implement small scale irrigation and drinking water projects to show-case efficient technologies and /or respond to community needs.

● Implement small-scale water treatment and/conservation technologies at the SME and community levels.

● Develop partnerships to cooperate with university, research institutions and private sector partners to promote knowledge transfer between scientific organizations and the private sector to strengthen technological improvements and implementation.

● Support in scaling up the water pilots within the boundaries of the small-scale size.

Illustrative Indicators:

● Number of small-scale innovative and/or efficient irrigation and drinking water supply projects are implemented. Expecting to have small scale irrigation and drinking water projects, including replacing old Soviet pumps with modern more efficient ones and deteriorated pipes with new ones.

● Small wastewater facilities like septic tanks, small solar panels for water pumping.

● Number of small-scale water treatment and/or conservation technologies applied.

● Amount of water saved.

● Amount of electricity saved.

● Number of collaborative efforts that promoted knowledge transfer.

Deliverables/Outcome Indicators:

● At least 10 small-scale innovative and/or efficient irrigation and drinking water supply projects implemented.

● At least 6 water treatment and/or conservation technologies applied.

● At least 9 mln/ cubic meters of water saved

● At least 8 MWh of electricity saved.

● At least 10 collaborative efforts that promoted knowledge transfer between scientific organizations and the private sector to strengthen technological improvements and implementation, as well as uptake of new technologies.

Objective 5 - Improved access to water.

Option:

Contingent on funding levels and the GOAM, as well as community requests, USAID may exercise the option of extending a number of small scale infrastructure projects than proposed in the base period of the SOW.

Expected Results

● Improved access to water source for irrigation and drinking water, which may include household connection, public pipe, borehole, or spring and rainwater collection; and

● Improved small scale irrigation and drinking water supply based on efficient technologies and community needs, including border communities.

Armenia / IWM

Illustrative Activities:

● Support access to water source for irrigation and drinking water, which may include household connection, public pipe, borehole, or spring and rainwater collection

● Assist in development and implementation of the small-scale irrigation and drinking water projects, based on efficient technologies and community needs, including border communities.

● % of increased access to water.

● Number of small-scale efficient irrigation and drinking water supply projects are implemented.

● Amount of water saved.

● Amount of electricity saved.

Deliverables/Outcome Indicators:

● At least for 20 000 beneficiaries received access to improved water source.

● At least 5 mln/ cubic meters of water saved

● At least 4,5 MWh of electricity saved.

2. Baseline Environmental Information

2.1 Locations Affected and Environmental Context

General Baseline Data: Sustainable management of Natural resources and use is critical for this country wide project to ensuring a well-governed Armenia in which environmentally friendly growth, stability and more equitable prosperity are sustained over the long-term, as this project is country wide.

Environmental professionals and water stakeholders advise that data-driven decision making and enforcement of legal-regulatory framework is a big issue in Armenia. This is due to a lack of capacity and staffing constraints, budget constraints, corruption and weak data. There is also limited transparency and public participation in government decision making on environmental issues, despite the provisions of Armenia’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) law adopted in 2014. All these reflect a weak governance to protect and conserve natural resources. In addition, fair access to water in compliance with legal priorities outlined in the Water Code also in issue.

2.2 Description of Applicable Environmental and Natural Resource Legal Requirements

Policies, Laws, and Regulations: The project will positively impact access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision making and access to water in compliance with Aarhus Convention, to which Armenia is a party, law on Environmental Impact Assessment and Water Code with respective regulations. In accordance with the Water Code, adopted in 2002, the water permits for extraction and discharge are required. The new Environmental Impact Assessment law, adopted in 2014, does not require full scale Environmental Impact Assessment for the small-scale projects, including renovation, small scale water pipeline rehabilitation, and other similar interventions.

Armenia / IWM

Also, the project will support implementation of Armenia’s Law on Waste and a number of other legal acts. The RA Law on Waste adopted on November 24, 2004 is a key piece of legislation regulating relations on waste collection, storage, transportation, processing, recycling, removal, volume reduction and mitigation of adverse impacts of waste on human health and the environment, setting of legal basis for the regulation of waste management.

2.3 Country/Ministry/Municipality Environmental Capacity Analysis: Because of municipalities’ weak capacity and staffing constraints, decisions at times do not reach out to the public and fail to consider environmental compliance recommendations.

The responsible institutions, including Ministry of Environment, often have insufficient capacity to implement modern environmental compliance and monitoring approaches.

Permitting, Licensing and Compliance Department of the Ministry of Environment and larger municipalities/communities maintain the in-house capacity to oversee compliance with environmental regulations during the implementation of projects involving infrastructure, as well as waste collection and administration and other types of services connected with the environment. Typically, special staff is assigned to review the process and provide analytical status reports. If violations occur, the Ministry of Environment and/or municipality should then take corrective action. Due to the small size and limited staff capacity, smaller communities/villages assign this role to the mayor, who must ensure that community services and projects comply with the environmental regulations.

Municipalities with larger budgets occasionally outsource environmental analysis to engineering companies, which, along with construction services, maintain experts specializing in environmental regulations. The USAID Contractor will hire a professional to conduct environmental impact analysis and monitor mitigation measures.

2.4 Sustainability Analysis: The contractor must ensure that the systems, knowledge, and skills introduced during the performance of the contract are properly and in a timely manner transferred to identified and relevant local champions and actors. The project will pursue compliance with the legislation on proper water management and water permits wherever applicable. In addition, it will strictly follow all the required environmental, health and safety safeguards for small-scale rehabilitation and water conservation projects. This will promote environmental compliance and responsibility among implementing partners and local stakeholders and mitigate risks related to small-scale construction. The purpose of the project is to increase the water sustainability in these local businesses. Consequently, each training and other support will focus on improving the sustainability in the area. Strengthening of the Ministry of Environment, local government, along with activities to improve water management , increase transparency and greater citizen participation, must consider improving environmental compliance capacities of counterparts and stakeholders, including development of environmental programs, ability to review environmental impacts of water activities and monitor respective mitigation measures to minimize impact on water, biodiversity, and broader environment.

2.5 Climate Change Vulnerability Analysis and Climate Risk Screening

Armenia / IWM

Climate Risk Screening was based on the analysis of the existing climate information from Armenia's risk profile(https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/climate-change-risk-profile-armenia#:~:text=Frequent%20landslides%2C%20mudflows%2C%20floods%20and,to%20cli mate%20variability%20and%20change), CRM analysis for USAID Armenia’s CDCS and respective references and the impact upon this project. See Annex 1 of this IEE for further details of the climate risk screening for the activity. The climate risk analysis was conducted using the Climate Risk Screening and Management Tool The implementer will ensure appropriate management of the climate risks and implementation of mitigation measures in accordance with Annex 1 of this IEE, as well as the EMMP and local requirements.

3. Analysis of Potential Environmental Impact

Pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)92)(iii), the originator of the proposed project has reviewed the potential environmental impacts of the action summarized in the foregoing IEE. As per Program Description Section of this document, different types of activities will be provided under the IWMU. Most of the activities outlined in the table below are not expected to have an adverse impact. Small-scale water infrastructure projects may have negative effects in the case of improper implementation.

Objective 1: Application of advanced technologies and tools to support sustainable and secure water management

Illustrative Activities Potential Impacts

Potentia l Climate Risk

Climate Risk Rating

Opportunities for Climate Resiliency

1.1 Support

rehabilitation of monitoring posts and application of remote-sensing technologies for improved monitoring of water availability, quality, and use/allocation.

For SCADA -no adverse impact anticipated.

Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns and evaporation rates, increases in the intensity and/or frequency of extreme precipitation events, can increase result in climate risks for water sector projects. Monitoring of water resources is important for assessing climate risks for water sector. For the rehabilitation of monitoring points, the activity will have positive impact on the environment, climate change and water availability by improving water monitoring, reducing illegal water extraction and assessing water availability under climate change scenarios.

N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/climate-change-risk-profile-armenia#:%7E:text=Frequent%20landslides%2C%20mudflows%2C%20floods%20and,to%20climate%20variability%20and%20change.

https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/climate-change-risk-profile-armenia#:%7E:text=Frequent%20landslides%2C%20mudflows%2C%20floods%20and,to%20climate%20variability%20and%20change.

https://www.climatelinks.org/resources/climate-change-risk-profile-armenia#:%7E:text=Frequent%20landslides%2C%20mudflows%2C%20floods%20and,to%20climate%20variability%20and%20change.

Armenia / IWM

For restoration of each monitoring point less than 10 people will be involved.

1.2 Assist in

strengthening of data-driven water modelling, planning and decision-making capacities of the Ministry of Environment and other water entities at the selected basin and national levels, none

N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

1.3 Support

application of modern technologies and innovation, including Decision Support Systems, on-line platforms for data access and permits, for increased water resource management transparency and accountability at the none

N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

1.4 Assist in closer

cooperation with and between academia, universities, research institutions and the private sector for development and application of none

N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

EMMP will be developed.

Objective 2 Improved water governance

Armenia / IWM

Illustrative Activities Potential Impacts

Potentia l Climate Risk

Climate Risk Rating

Opportunities for Climate Resiliency

2.1 Assist in

developing amendments to Water Code and improving regulatory and planning environment to support sustainable, transparent governance of water resources and efficient/effective use.

N/A Low N/A

2.2 Strengthen the

GOAM capacity in enforcement of laws, regulations and plans that support conservation and the efficient use of resources.

none

N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

EMMP will be developed.

2.3.Strengthen water-related institutions -including the National Assembly and the Executive branch capacities to exercise transparent and accountable water governance and maintain on-going dialogue with the public.

N/A Low N/A.

2.4 Assist in

strengthening linkages between stakeholders e.g.

GOAM, private none

N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

Armenia / IWM sector water user associations, non-governmental organizations and communities -including youth and women in participatory water governance and water management oversight and advocacy, including, but not limited to, the application of innovative approaches/ platforms.

Objective 3 Preparing for regional cooperation with neighboring countries Option

Illustrative Activities Potential Impacts

Potentia l Climate Risk

Climate Risk Rating

Opportunities for Climate Resiliency

3.1 Assess the

opportunities for transboundary water cooperation in water monitoring, management, governance, and economic benefits with neighboring countries of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

in a way to

Armenia / IWM

3.2 Improve water

monitoring over shared resources via data gathering and analysis none

N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

3.3 Enhance

engagement with the Governments, academia, universities, and research institutions of neighboring countries for development and application of modern water management and governance legal documents and tools to support evidence based decision making and enhance economic benefits over the shared water resources.

in a way to

Objective 4 - Promote and scale best practices and innovative approaches in water conservation and use to increase equitable access to water resources

Defined/Illustrati ve Indicators Potential Impacts

Potential Climate Risk

Climate Risk Rating

Opportunities for Climate Resiliency

4.1 Implement

small scale irrigation and drinking water projects to show-case efficient

Small scale activities will have positive impact on the environment and climate change by

During the implementation there might be adverse Moderate

Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

EMMP will be developed and implemented.

Armenia / IWM technologies and /or respond to community needs.

increasing use efficiency of water and energy resources.

However, climate variability and change can place additional, significant stress on water services and infrastructure if poorly maintained.

Habitats can be damaged during the construction of water systems.

leading to loss of biodiversity, Soil erosion resulting from poor construction practices, leakage or lack of adequate drainage, is the principle impact on land resources.

This in turn can lead to siltation in receiving waters.

environmental effects and emissions. For example oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of air,

4.2 Implement

small-scale water conservation and/or treatment t technologies at the SME and community levels.

Small scale water conservation and/or water treatment technologies activities will have positive impact on the environment and climate change by increasing use efficiency of water and energy resources.

However, for example improperly designed or unused sanitation facilities can contaminate soil and water by pathogens from human excreta or

During the implementation there might be adverse environmental effects and emissions. For example oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of air, Moderate

Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

EMMP will be developed and implemented.

Armenia / IWM decomposing wastes.

Contamination of soil and water can result in increased incidences of diseases associated with poor sanitation.

4.3 Develop

partnerships to cooperate with university, research institutions and private sector partners to promote knowledge transfer between scientific organizations and the private sector to strengthen technological improvements and implementation.

none N/A Low Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

EMMP will be developed.

4.4 Support in

scaling up the water pilots within the boundaries of the small-scale size.

Small scale activities will have positive impact on the environment and climate change by increasing use efficiency of water and energy resources.

However, climate variability and change can place additional, significant stress on water services and infrastructure if poorly maintained.

Habitats can be damaged during the construction of water systems.

During the implementation there might be adverse environmental effects and emissions. For example oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of air, Moderate Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

Armenia / IWM leading to loss of biodiversity, Soil erosion resulting from poor construction practices, leakage or lack of adequate drainage, is the principle impact on land resources.

This in turn can lead to siltation in receiving waters.

Objective 5 Improved Access to Water

Illustrative Activities Potential Impacts

Potential Climate Risk

Climate Risk Rating

Opportunities for Climate Resiliency

5.1 Support access

to water source for irrigation and drinking water, which may include household connection, public pipe, borehole, or spring and rainwater collection

Small scale activities will have positive impact on the environment and climate change by increasing use efficiency of water and energy resources. However, climate variability and change can place additional, significant stress on water services and infrastructure if poorly maintained.

Habitats can be damaged during the construction of water systems. leading to loss of biodiversity, Soil erosion resulting from poor construction practices, leakage or lack of adequate drainage, is the principle impact on land resources. This in turn can lead to siltation in

During the implementation there might be adverse environmental effects and emissions. For example oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of air, Moderate Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

EMMP will be developed.

5.2 Assist in

development and implementation of the small-scale irrigation and

Small scale activities will have positive impact on the environment and climate change by increasing use efficiency

During the implementation there might be adverse

Moderate Schedule works in a way to avoid severe weather events.

Armenia / IWM drinking water projects, based on efficient technologies and community needs, including border communities of water and energy resources.

However, climate variability and change can place additional, significant stress on water services and infrastructure if poorly maintained.

Habitats can be damaged during the construction of water systems. leading to loss of biodiversity, Soil erosion resulting from poor construction practices, leakage or lack of adequate drainage, is the principle impact on land resources. This in turn can lead to siltation in environmental effects and emissions. For example oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of

4. Recommended Environmental Actions

4.1 Recommended Environmental Actions

Component 1:

Defined/Illustrative Activities

Defined/Illustrative Activities Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Recommended Threshold Determination

1.1 Support

rehabilitation of monitoring posts and application of SCADA or remote-sensing technologies for improved monitoring of water availability, quality, and use/allocation.

The activity will have positive impact on the environment by improving water monitoring.

During the implementation there might be adverse environmental and health/safety effects. For example During the implementation there might be adverse environmental and health/safety effects. For example oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of

The implementing partner will develop and/ or follow the ERC and EMMP for each defined pilot and provide for USAID/Armenia Mission approval. For each site-specific activity, the ERC/EMMP prepared will be attached to the signed Certification of No Adverse or Significant Effects on the Environment and sent by the implementer to the COR/AOR for his or her records and copied to the MEO.. After the IP has finalized activities at a specific site, the IP shall sign

Negative Determination with Conditions recommended

Armenia / IWM water, soil and air, noise and vibration may impact nearby.

a Record of Compliance with the EMMP certifying that the organization met all applic able EMMP conditions and submit it to the COR/AOR.

During in-person contact the Contractor will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

1.2 Assist in

strengthening of data-driven water modelling, planning and decision-making capacities of the Ministry of Environment and other water entities at the selected basin and national levels, No adverse impact anticipated. , Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.).

1.3 Support

application of modern technologies and innovation, including Decision Support Systems, on-line platforms for data access and permits, for increased water resource management transparency and accountability at the

For use of softwares--no adverse impact anticipated

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as

Armenia / IWM construction of facilities, etc.).

1.4 Assist in closer

cooperation with and between academia, universities, research institutions and the private sector for development and application of modern water management tools.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.).

2.1 Assist in

developing amendments to Water Code and improving regulatory and planning environment to support sustainable, transparent governance of water resources and efficient/effective use.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.);

2.2 Strengthen the

Government of Armenia’s (GOAM) capacity in enforcement of laws, regulations and plans that support conservation and the efficient use of resources.

anticipated. However.

trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment

Armenia / IWM

(such as construction of facilities, etc.);

2.3 Strengthen water-

related institutions -including the National Assembly and the Executive branch capacities to exercise transparent and accountable water governance and maintain on-going dialogue with the public.

anticipated. However, any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures.

trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.);

2.4 Assist in

strengthening linkages between stakeholders (GOAM, private sector water user associations, non-governmental organizations and communities -including youth and women) in participatory water governance and water management oversight and advocacy, including, but not limited to, the application of innovative approaches/ platforms.

anticipated.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.

3.1 Assess the

opportunities for transboundary water cooperation in water monitoring, No adverse impact anticipated.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or

Armenia / IWM management, governance, and economic benefits with neighboring countries of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.

3.2 Improve water

monitoring over shared resources, including data gathering and analysis.

anticipated.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.

3.3 Enhance

engagement with the Governments, academia, universities, and research institutions of neighboring countries for development and application of modern water management and governance legal documents and tools to support evidence based decision making and enhance economic benefits over the shared water resources.

No adverse impact anticipated.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.

Armenia / IWM

4.1 Implement small

scale irrigation and drinking water projects to show-case efficient technologies and /or respond to community needs.

Small scale pilot activities, including pump and pipes renovation and replacement, will have positive impact on the environment by increasing use efficiency of water and energy resources.

During the implementation there might be adverse environmental and health/safety effects, For example generated waste can impact water and soil. Oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of water, soil and air, noise and vibration may impact nearby population, etc.

Habitats can be damaged during the construction of water systems. leading to loss of biodiversity, Soil erosion resulting from poor construction practices, leakage or lack of adequate drainage, is the principle impact on land resources. This in turn can lead to siltation in receiving waters.

population, etc.

The impacts need to be mitigated.

The implementing partner will develop and/ or follow the ERC and EMMP for each defined pilot and provide for USAID/Armenia Mission approval. For each site-specific activity, the ERC/EMMP prepared will be attached to the signed Certification of No Adverse or Significant Effects on the Environment and sent by the implementer to the COR/AOR for his or her records and copied to the MEO.. After the IP has finalized activities at a specific site, the IP shall sign a Record of Compliance with the EMMP certifying that the organization met all applic able EMMP conditions and submit it to the COR/AOR.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Negative Determination with Conditions recommended

4.2 Implement small-

scale water conservation and/ot treatment technologies at the SME and community levels.

Small scale water or wastewater treatment and/or conservation technologies applied will have positive impact on the environment by supporting water conservation. During the implementation there might be adverse environmental and health/safety effects. For example generated waste can impact water and

The implementing partner will develop and/ or follow the ERC and EMMP for each defined pilot and provide for USAID/Armenia Mission approval. For each site-specific activity, the ERC/EMMP prepared will be attached to the signed Certification of No Adverse or Significant Effects on the Environment and sent by the

Negative Determination

Armenia / IWM soil. Oil leakage from equipment may lead to pollution of water, soil and air, noise and vibration may impact nearby population, etc.

Improperly designed or unused sanitation facilities can contaminate soil and water by pathogens from human excreta or decomposing wastes. Contamination of soil and water can result in increased incidences of diseases associated with poor sanitation.

The impacts need to be mitigated.

implementer to the COR/AOR for his or her records and copied to the MEO.. After the IP has finalized activities at a specific site, the IP shall sign a Record of Compliance with the EMMP certifying that the organization met all applic able EMMP conditions and submit it to the COR/AOR.

Any activities with in-person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

4.3 Develop

partnerships to cooperate with university, research institutions and private sector partners to promote knowledge transfer between scientific organizations and the private sector to strengthen technological improvements and implementation.

person contact (e.g., trainings or meetings) will follow local COVID procedures for safety, including wearing face masks, keeping social distance, and/or conducting the trainings in the virtual space when appropriate.

Categorical Exclusion per…