Iran - Ahwaz and Shiraz Water Supply and Sanitation Project : environmental assessment

This is an environmental assessment for the Ahwaz and Shiraz Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Iran, which anticipates possible negative environmental impacts and proposes measures to mitigate them. During the construction phase, expected impacts include noise and dust nuisances, construction waste disposal, and safety concerns. Other impacts during operation include odors, sludge removal, and disease and hazard prevention and control. To reduce noise, build in damping in the plant, screen plant equipment with sandbags, notify residents, confine noisy work to daytime, equip workers with protective devices, and restrict construction traffic in the nighttime. Lessen vibration impacts by using modernized and well-maintained equipment, limit the use of percussive equipment when excavating sewer trenches and tunnel shafts, use dead weight when compacting trenches close to the building, provide building supports, and locate works away from sensitive buildings. To relieve impacts from dust, restrict work on excessively windy days, spray unsealed routes and excavation work faces, cover stockpiled excavated material with tarpaulins or spray with water, and equip employees with masks. To avoid traffic congestion, restrict vehicle movement, divert traffic and provide diversion signs, minimize lengths of open trench, and expeditiously complete backfill and reinstatement. Inspect site access roads regularly and make repairs, and cover and pave roads and streets used for laying pipes. Apply protective measures in areas close to historical sites, and implement Chance Find Procedures. Collect and dispose of wastes, demolition, and excavated material at appropriate sites, and restrict surface runoff from the site to prevent water pollution. To ensure public safety and site security, control access of unauthorized personnel, provide pedestrian access, and use safety barriers and signs. To decrease air pollution, do not burn wastes on site, and routinely maintain construction equipment and vehicles to minimize exhaust emissions. Minimize wastes generated during construction, reuse construction wastes where practicable, use appropriate methods for storing waste materials, and dispose of wastes at appropriate sites. To prevent degrading of water quality, monitor raw water and treated water, and avoid cross-contamination with sewage. To prevent water supply reduction, prohibit illegal connections, avoid leakage, and ensure proper maintenance. To maintain occupational health and safety, maintain hygiene, medical surveillance, showers and sanitary facilities, an emergency response plan, and earthquake emergency preparedness procedures. Monitor nematodes, coliforms, and heavy metal content of treated sludge, and transport sludge in closed containers to prevent to infection risks to farmers and the public. Cover equipment and containers likely to cause odor nuisance.