stakeholder engagement plan the interconnection …
TRANSCRIPT
VESTMOLTRANSGAZ S.R.L. IDNO 1014600024244
MD-2004, Republica Moldova mun. Chişinău str. Ștefan cel Mare 180. bir 515
IBAN: MD42AG000000022512333387 IBAN: MD07RN000000000225140151 tel +373 22 66 72 91, fax +373 22 29 10 40,
e-mail: [email protected]
www.vmtg.md
Revision Date Issued by Checked by Approved by
Document title:
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN
Document number:
Project: THE INTERCONNECTION OF THE ROMANIAN NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINE WITH THE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, PHASE II, IASI – UNGHENI – CHIȘINĂU ROUTE
Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2. THE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SEP ............................................................................................ 4
2.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Objectives of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan ................................................................................ 4
2.3 Principles of information disclosure and engagement of stakeholders ............................................. 5
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Location of the project ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Project construction ............................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 The DN600 Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline ................................................................................... 9
3.4 Above-ground facilities ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Direct, indirect and cumulated impact on the environmental factors and on the local communities,
protection measures from the perspective of the environmental agreement ...................................... 15
3.5.1 Environmental agreement for the Ungheni-Chisinau natural gas pipeline ............................... 15
3.5.2 Forecasted impact and envisaged stakeholder engagement mitigation measures .................. 15
4. EUROPEAN, NATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION,
EBRD REQUIREMENTS, CORPORATE POLICIES AND INTERNAL DOCUMENTS OF THE COMPANY ............. 15
4.1 National legal framework ................................................................................................................. 16
4.2 EBRD requirements on information disclosure and stakeholder engagement ................................ 17
5. PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS ........................................................................................................................ 17
5.1 Identification of stakeholders ........................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Analysis of stakeholders and prioritization ....................................................................................... 18
5.3 Past stakeholder and public engagement and participation ............................................................ 31
5.3.1 Engagement during the pre-feasibility study ............................................................................. 31
5.3.2 Engagement during the ESIA phase ........................................................................................... 33
5.3.3 Engagement for land acquisition purposes (after the publication of Law no. 105/2017 .......... 34
5.3.4 Planned stakeholder engagement for 2019 - 2020 ................................................................... 37
6. GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ........................................................................................................................ 41
6.1 What could be considered a grievance ............................................................................................. 41
6.2 What is the Grievance Mechanism? ................................................................................................. 41
6.3 How to submit a grievance? ............................................................................................................. 41
6.3.1 Submitting grievances regarding land acquisition and easement ............................................. 41
6.3.2 Submitting grievances regarding construction and operation .................................................. 42
6.4 Grievance processing ........................................................................................................................ 43
6.4.1 Grievance processing regarding land acquisition and easement .............................................. 43
6.4.2 Grievance processing regarding construction and operation.................................................... 43
6.5 Grievance records ............................................................................................................................. 45
7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN SEP IMPLEMENTATION ...................................................................... 45
8. MONITORING, REPORTING AND EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEP
.................................................................................................................................................................... 47
8.1 Monitoring ........................................................................................................................................ 47
8.2 Reporting........................................................................................................................................... 47
8.3 Evaluation of effectiveness ............................................................................................................... 47
Annex A ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
Annex B ....................................................................................................................................................... 49
1. INTRODUCTION This SEP is prepared in relation to Ungheni-Chișinău Gas Pipeline project. It sets out to the planned
program for disclosure of project information and consultation with stakeholders, as well as the
methods for recording and addressing comments and grievances from various stakeholders.
This Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been developed considering the provisions of Moldavian
legislation, Î.S. „Vestmoldtransgaz” (VMTG) Policies and Procedures, as well as good international
practice, EBRD’s Performance Requirement 101, and IFC’s Stakeholder Engagement Good Practice
Handbook (2014)2.
VMTG as promoter of the project “The Interconnection of the Romanian Natural Gas Transmission Pipline
with the Natural Gas Pipeline of the Republic Of Moldova, Phase II, Iasi – Ungheni – Chisinau Route”
understands the importance off all stakeholders and the public at large and is committed to provide timely
information to the public, using transparent communication methods and constantly considering the
feedback provided by all stakeholders.
The SEP will be updated during the implementation of the project based on the needs highlighted
throughout the provision of information to and engagement with stakeholders.
Stakeholder engagement refers to a process of sharing information and knowledge about the Project,
seeking to understand and respond to the concerns of other parties who may be affected by the Project.
1 EBRD Performance Requirement 10 – Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement; 2 Stakeholder Engagement : A good practice handbook for companies doing business in emergent markets –IFC 2014;
Stakeholder consultation and disclosure are key elements of engagement and essential for the delivery of
successful projects.
The current structure of the SEP refers to matters related to: general aspects, description and project
objectives, SEP objectives and principles, applicable legal framework, identification and analysis of
stakeholders, past and planned stakeholder engagement activities, grievances system, etc.
2. THE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SEP
2.1 Purpose
Stakeholder engagement is a key element in building strong, constructive and responsive relationships in
order to assure a successful management of the project’s environmental and social risks and impacts. Its
aim is to inform stakeholders about the potential social and environmental impacts related to the project
through appropriate disclosure of information, to ensure their perceptions of the proposed development
are as accurate as possible, to consult with them to obtain feedback, and to provide a mechanism for
resolving any concerns or complaints they might have.
The overall aim of this SEP is to ensure that a timely, consistent, comprehensive, coordinated and
culturally appropriate approach is taken to consultation and Project disclosure.
The main purpose of the SEP is the presentation of the principles and method used for information
disclosure and the engagement with stakeholders throughout the pre- construction, construction of the
Project and during its operation phase. The current SEP is to be updated in subsequent stages of the
Project planning and construction and also later during Project implementation. The planned activities to
be conducted in this respect will be presented at least annually in line with the calendar for the
implementation of the project.
One of VMTG’s priorities is to cultivate a transparent and constructive dialogue oriented towards
providing information and identifying solutions to mutual problems identified together with the
stakeholders and especially with directly affected stakeholders, and to develop robust, continuous and
constructive relations with different stakeholder groups in VMTG’s capacity as promoter of the Project.
As we are informed of and understand better the nature of the different concerns, we will listen
respectfully to people’s concerns and the values promoted by their communities along the route of the
pipeline Project, and we will aim to implement measures to support vulnerable groups and directly
affected stakeholders where necessary.
2.2 Objectives of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan
The overall objective of the SEP is to support VMTG in its effort to implement the proposed project by
assuring that all stakeholders are informed adequately and in a timely manner, and engaged during
project implementation. The SEP aims to describe the specific measures for stakeholder information on
the potential environmental and social impacts related to the project through appropriate disclosure of
information, to ensure the perceptions of the proposed development are as accurate as possible, to
consult with stakeholders to obtain feedback, and to provide a mechanism for resolving any concerns or
complaints they might have.
The SEP focuses, but is not limited to, the following aspects:
• identification of affected stakeholders and other interested stakeholders;
• ensuring a transparent framework for a uniform, systematic and reliable approach in the
interaction with stakeholders;
• identification of the most efficient methods for the dissemination of information related to
the Project;
• presentation of past information disclosure and consultation activities as well as of those
planned for the future;
• highlighting the principles which will govern the implementation of the SEP;
• defining the roles and responsibilities in view of the implementation of the SEP;
• establishing efficient methods to ensure the rapid and safe handling of concerns and
grievances by stakeholders related to the Project;
• offering clear and consistent answers and developing meaningful and accessible information
(including brochures, flyers, etc. for dissemination) dedicated both to informing and to
familiarizing the public with the project;
The SEP is a “live” document that will be progressively developed through updated versions in line with
the phases of the project. The SEP will be made publicly available on VMTG’s website.
VMTG and the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will respect individual stakeholders’ Right to Privacy
which is relevant to this SEP in regard to information relating to personal or private affairs and the
protection of communications, including grievances.
2.3 Principles of information disclosure and engagement of stakeholders
Throughout the project implementation process the following principles will be respected:
• Open and pro-active relation with the stakeholders;
• Openness toward dialogue and best efforts to clarify all aspects, uncertainties, worries the
communities might have in connection with the implementation of the project;
• Building awareness of the importance of the project due to its status of: project of common
interest and project of national importance in gas field.
• Showing respect towards the affected communities and their values;
• Ensuring the transparent communication of project impacts and risks, as well as how these
are being monitored and mitigated;
• Building and maintaining cooperation and dialogue with affected communities, project
contractors and workers, with NGOs, public organizations, and the regulatory authorities in
view of facilitating future successful relations;
• Updating the SEP on a regular basis (at least once per year) to ensure these principles can be
upheld throughout the different stages of implementation of the project.
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project (the “Project”) foresees the development of a 110 km long gas pipeline on the
territory of the Republic of Moldova, which would cross Ungheni, Nisporeni, Călărași, Strășeni and
Chișinău districts. The width of the construction strip for the execution of the works is 20 m, and the
pipeline will be buried for the entire route. The interconnection pipeline will allow the country to fully
benefit from the Iași-Ungheni pipeline, and it will connect Chișinău Municipality, the largest gas consumer
area from the Republic of Moldova, to an alternative natural gas source. Besides the actual pipeline, the
Project foresees the construction of an administrative unit, the construction of 4 new Gas Pressure
Regulation Stations (GPRS), the upgrading of an existing bidirectional gas measurement station, and the
supporting infrastructure consisting of block valve stations, watercourses and infrastructure crossings,
and access roads.
The localization of the Project site is presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1 The route of the Project (blue line)
The main components of the Project are the following:
• DN600 Ungheni–Chișinau Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline
• Ghidighici Administrative unit
• Semeni Gas Pressure Regulation Station (GPRS)
• Ghidighici Gas Pressure Regulation Station
• Petricani Gas Pressure Regulation Station
• Tohatin Gas Pressure Regulation Station + Tohatin Gas Measurement Node
• Interconnector Pipeline GPRS Ghidighici – GPRS Petricani and interconnector pipeline GPRS
Petricani - Gas Distribution Network, Chișinău
• Natural Gas Pipelines SRM Tohatin – CET Chișinău and GPRS Tohatin – Gas Distribution Network
Chișinău
3.1 Location of the project
The DN600 Ungheni – Chișinău Natural Gas Pipeline starts in the Ungheni district, from the existing C
platform, located in the area of the Todirești territorial-administrative unit, to south-west, passing south
from Pîrlița, north from Alexeevca, south from Radenii Vechi, north-east from Milești (Nisporeni
district); it follows the course of the Bîc river through Vălcinet, Peticeni, Tuzara, it bypasses the city of
Chișinău from west to the north, and returns near the course of the Bîc river at the eastern part of the
city, heading to Nișcani and Pitușca in Călărași district, then Bucovăț, Vorniceni, Căpriana, Pănășești,
Ghelăuza, Negrești, Roșcani and Sireți in Strășeni district, passing through the territory of Ghidighici,
Grățiești, Stăuceni, Tohatin and the Municipality of Chișinău. The pipeline ends in the Tohatin territorial-
administrative unit, to the east from Cheltuitori.
All along its route, the pipeline crosses 4 watercourses included in the land registry, the Delia and Bîc
rivers in 3 locations, 4 railway tracks and 17 roads (road R1 – 3 locations, road L391 – 2 locations, and
roads L390, L418, L411, R20, L409.2, L409, L447, L 448, L443, M14 M21 and M2, all in one location).
Main components of the project on territorial-administrative units (TAU) District TAU Objective/Facility
Ungheni
Zagarancea GPRS Semeni Interconnection GPRS Semeni Pipeline DN600
Todirești Pipeline DN600 Pîrlița Pipeline DN600 Rădenii Vechi Pipeline DN600 Alexeevca Pipeline DN600
Nisporeni Milești Pipeline DN600
Călărași
Temeleuți Pipeline DN600 Vălcineț Pipeline DN600 Peticeni Pipeline DN600 Călărași Pipeline DN600 Pitușca Pipeline DN600 Sadova Pipeline DN600
Strășeni
Vorniceni Pipeline DN600 Căpriana Pipeline DN600 Pănășești Pipeline DN600 Strășeni Pipeline DN600 Ghelauza Pipeline DN600 Negrești Pipeline DN600 Radeni Pipeline DN600 Roșcani Pipeline DN600
Sireț Pipeline DN600
Chisinau
Ghidighici
Pipeline DN600 CA Ghidigihici GPRS + Interconnection Ghidighici Interconnection GPRS Ghidighici – GPRS Petricani
Grătiești Pipeline DN600 Stăuceni Pipeline DN600
Chișinău
Pipeline DN600 GPRS Petricani Interconnection GPRS Ghidighici – GPRS Petricani Distribution pipelines
Tohatin Pipeline DN600 GPRS + GMN Tohatin Distribution pipelines
3.2 Project construction
The objective of the investment, called „Execution works for the interconnection of the Romanian Natural
Gas Transmission System with the Natural Gas Transmission System of the Republic of Moldova - Phase
II – Iași-Ungheni-Chișinău route” is divided into 7 lots, as follows:
• LOT 1 - Natural gas transmission pipeline DN600, pressure 55 bar, length 26.070 km, located on the
territory of Ungheni and Nisporeni districts, Zagarancea, Todirești, Pîrlița, Rădenii Vechi, Alexeevca,
Milești administrative units.
• LOT 2 - Natural gas transmission pipeline DN600, pressure 55 bar, length 35.890 km, located on the
territory of Călărași district, Temeleuți, Vălcineț, Peticeni, Călărași, Pitușca, Sadova administrative
units.
• LOT 3 - Natural gas transmission pipeline DN600, pressure 55 bar, length 32.180 km, located on the
territory of Strășeni district, Vorniceni, Căpriana, Pănășești, Strășeni, Ghelăuza, Rădeni, Negrești,
Roșcani, Siret administrative units.
• LOT 4 - Natural gas transmission pipeline DN600, pressure 55 bar, length 15.860 km, located on the
territory of Chișinău district, Ghidighici, Grățiești, Stăuceni, Chișinău, Tohatin administrative units. The
Ghidighici interconnection with diameter DN300, is 2.6 km long, being located in the Ghidighici TAU.
• LOT 5 refers to the execution of the gas pressure regulation stations, of the bidirectional
measurement node, of the pig receptor station and of the pipeline automation and security systems,
as follows:
i. GPRS SEMENI - works aiming at the execution of the gas pressure regulation
station (GPRS) Semeni, located on the administrative area of Zagarancea village,
in the proximity of the existing transmission pipeline PE SDR 11 Dn 180 Ungheni
– Petrești – Sculeni.
ii. GPRS GHIDIGHICI - works aiming at the execution of the gas pressure regulation
station (GPRS) Ghidighici, located on the administrative area of Ghidighici village,
near the city of Chișinău. GPRS will be installed in the same facility with the
Ghidighici Administrative Unit,
iii. GPRS PETRICANI - works aiming at the execution of the gas pressure regulation
station (GPRS) Petricani, located on the administrative area of Chișinău, near
Petricani street.
iv. GPRS+BMN+PRS TOHATIN - works aiming at the execution of the bidirectional
measurement node, pig receptor station and the gas pressure regulation station,
located near Chișinău municipality. The GPRS will be installed in the same facility
with the bidirectional measurement node and with the pig receptor station.
v. AUTOMATIZED AND SECURE PIPELINE - The automation and security systems of
the pipelines will be installed at:
1) A Platform Ungheni - by mounting 2 measurement lines and integrating them into the
existing gas measurement system;
2) Gas pressure measurement stations: Semeni, Petricani, Ghidighici;
3) GPRS Tohatin + BMN Tohatin;
4) Interconnection works and pig launcher station on Platform C Todirești;
5) 7 groups of main block valves and interconnection valves R1,R3,R5,R6,R8,R10,R11;
6) 4 groups of secondary valves R2,R4,R7,R9;
7) Execution of the Administrative Unit in Ghidighici.
• LOT 6 - Natural gas distribution pipeline GPRS Tohatin - CET Chișinău and GPRS Tohatin - distribution
Chișinău; Interconnection pipeline GPRS Ghidighici - GPRS Petricani and interconnection pipeline GPRS
Petricani - Distribution network Chișinău, consisting of:
o Interconnection pipeline (P = 0,6 ÷1,2 MPa) GPRS Ghidighici – GPRS Petricani and
interconnection pipeline GPRS Petricani – distribution network Chișinău;
o Natural gas distribution pipelines GPRS Tohatin – CET 2 Chișinău (P = 0,3 MPa) and GPRS
Tohatin – distribution network Chișinău (P = 0,3 MPa).
• LOT 7 refers to the building of the Administrative Unit in Ghidighici, located in the administrative area
of Ghidighici village, near the city of Chișinău.
3.3 The DN600 Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline
The 110 km long Ungheni-Chișinău natural gas transmission pipeline is located on the territory of Ungheni,
Nisporeni, Călărași and Strășeni district, and the municipality of Chișinău.
The DN600 natural gas transmission pipeline implies the following works:
• Developing the DN600 natural gas transmission pipeline, with a length of 110 km;
• Upgrading of the existing Gas Pressure Regulation Station on platform A, by building two DN300
measurement lines, equipped with separators, gas dryers and measurement systems with
correction, similar to the existing ones, connected to the existing automation and metering
systems, in order to allow the GPRS Ungheni to ensure a peak capacity of 250.000 Nm3/hour;
• Designing a platform (50 m x 30 m) on the existing GPRS Ungheni area (outside the actual
delimited area), destined to the depositing of the reserve and intervention materials, parking,
placement of heavy machinery, vehicles and special equipment.
• Building of a pig launching station on the C Platform in Todirești, and its connection to the Iași–
Ungheni interconnector pipeline, respectively pig receptor station placed within the bidirectional
gas measurement node in Tohatin;
• Mounting 11 groups of block valves;
• Developing the DN300 Ghidighici interconnection pipeline with a length of 2.6 Km.
• Mounting fiber optic cables on the route of the pipeline.
The technical features of the investment are the following:
Design pressure 55 bar;
Pipeline nominal diameter DN 600;
Pipeline material L415 NE – SR EN ISO 3183;
Length 110 km;
The natural gas transmission pipeline of high operation pressure on the Ungheni-Chişinău route, which is
the objective of the present project, will be buried, at a depth of 1.1 m.
Several above-ground infrastructural facilities will be built: 11 groups of block valves, one pig launching
station on the C platform in Todirești, two DN300 measurement lines on the existing A platform.
The proposed locations for the worksites needed for the execution of the pipelines are presented in the
table below:
No. Name Area (sq m) Localization
1 Worksite for LOT 1 10,000 Km 9+700 2 Worksite for LOT 2 10,000 Km 40+900 3 Worksite for LOT 3 10,000 Km 71+200 4 Worksite for LOT4 10,000 Km 101+300
3.4 Above-ground facilities
Cathodic protection stations
The cathodic protection of the entire pipeline will be ensured by 5 cathodic protection stations, installed
at the following locations: C Platform Todirești, R5 valve groups, R10 valve groups, regulation and
measurement node + GPRS Tohatin.
No. CPS Location localization 1 Ungheni district, Zagarancea administrative unit Km 0 2 Călărași district, Călărași administrative unit Km 41+893 3 Strășeni district, Negrești administrative unit Km 80+312 4 Chișinau district, Tohatin administrative unit Km 110
Valve stations
11 stations of block valves are installed on the route of the pipeline.
No. Location localization 1 Ungheni district, Todirești administrative unit Km 4+630 2 Ungheni district, Pîrlița administrative unit Km 5+374 3 Ungheni district, Milești administrative unit Km 21+926 4 Călărași district, Călărași administrative unit Km 41+571 5 Călărași district, Călărași administrative unit Km 41+893 6 Călărași district, Nișcani administrative unit Km 56+409 7 Călărași district, Nișcani administrative unit Km 56+843 8 Strășeni district, Căpriana administrative unit Km 66+989 9 Strășeni district, Căpriana administrative unit Km 67+313 10 Strășeni district, Negrești administrative unit Km 80+312 11 Chișinau district, Grătiești administrative unit Km 100+400
Pig launching/ receptor stations
The project includes one pig launching station located on the C Platform in Todirești, and one pig
receptor station located within the bidirectional gas measurement node in Tohatin.
No. Location Localization 1 Ungheni district, Zagarancea administrative unit Km 0 2 Chișinau district, Tohatin administrative unit Km 110
Gas pressure regulation stations
The project foresees 4 stations for gas pressure regulation (GPRS), namely GPRS Semeni, GPRS
Ghidighici, GPRS Petricani and GPRS Tohatin.
- GPRS SEMENI
It is located in the administrative area of Zăgărancea village, near the existing PE SDR 11 Dn 180 Ungheni
– Petrești – Sculeni transmission pipeline.
It was designed for a peak capacity of 10,000 Nm3/h and a maximal operation pressure of 10 bar.
The total area of the finalized station will be of 815.24 sq m, completed by a 4 sq m area destined to the
delimiting of the valve at the connection spot of the DN100 tie-in pipeline, 63 design pressure, to the DN
500 Ungheni – Chișinău natural gas transmission pipeline; and 4 sq m for the delimiting of the valve from
the designed DN 200 output pipeline of 16 bar design pressure.
In order to develop the designed DN 100, Pn 63 bar interconnection pipeline, provisionally a construction
strip of 10 m width will be occupied, and for the DN 200 Pn 16 bar output pipeline a construction strip of
11 m width will be temporarily used.
- GPRS PETRICANI
It is located in the administrative area of the Municipality of Chișinău, near Petricani road.
It was designed for a peak capacity of 60,000 Nm3/h and a maximal operation pressure of 4 bar.
Taking into account the area where the designed station will be located and the configuration of the area,
there is a need for a total area of 858.00 sq m (39.0 m x 22.0 m); this area requires levelling (digging, filling,
retaining walls, ditches etc.).
- GPRS TOHATIN + GAS MEASUREMENT NODE TOHATIN
It is located in the northern part of the city of Chișinău, to the south from Cheltuitor.
The bidirectional measurement node was designed for a peak capacity of 140,000 Nm3/h and a maximum
operation pressure of 35 bar.
The GPRS for this location was designed for a peak capacity of 100,000 Nm3/h and a maximum operation
pressure of 3.5 bar for CET Chișinău, and a peak capacity of 70,000 Nm3/h and a maximum operation
pressure of 3.5 bar for the distribution network of the city of Chișinău.
The GPRS will be installed in the same facility with the bidirectional measurement node and the pig
receptor station. Taking into account the area where the designed GPRS will be located and the
configuration of the area, there is a need for a total area of 4867.00 sq m (115.60 m x 42.10 m), this area
requires levelling (digging, filling, ditches etc.)
The actual delimited area of the GPRS is of 3850.00 sq m (110.0 m x 35.0 m).
- GPRS GHIDIGHICI
It is located within the administrative area of Ghidighici village, in the proximity of Chișinău Municipality,
in the same facility where the Ghidighici Administrative Unit is located.
It was designed for a peak capacity of 70,000 Nm3/h and a maximum operation pressure of 12 bar.
Levelling (digging, filling, retaining walls, ditches etc.) will be carried out on the area delimited for the
installations belonging to the GPRS, on a surface of 900.00 sq m (30.0 m x 30.0 m)
Ghidighici Administrative Unit
The facility is located to the north-west from the Municipality of Chișinău, open in the direction of the
Balcani Road, between Poltava and Leușeni. The area where this investment is to be executed is arable
land, where at present there aren’t any other buildings.
The ensemble (operation unit, administrative unit, maintenance unit) will be built in the same area with
the GPRS Ghidighici. The complex implies the construction of facilities, like: office building, dispatch
centre, laboratory, maintenance and repair workshops, deposits (open and closed structures), garage,
area for the strategic pipeline reserves and parking areas for vehicles, trucks and heavy machinery
(separate platforms for light and heavy equipment, parking for cars), and a surveillance building. These
investments represent the following objectives:
- Objective 1: Administrative building
- Objective 2: Mechanical workshops
- Objective 3: Deposit
- Objective 4: Laboratory
- Objective 5: Surveillance cabin at the gate
- Objective 6: External facilities
Proposed built area:
- Objective 1: Administrative building: 1260 sq m
- Objective 2: Mechanical workshops: 1060 sq m
- Objective 3: Deposit: 1060 sq m
- Objective 4: Laboratory: 182 sq m
- Objective 5: Surveillance cabin at the gate: 32 sq m
Total: 3594 sq m
The facility is equipped with all necessary utilities: electrical installations, heating and ventilation systems,
sewage and water system. All water, sewage and electricity utilities will be connected to the urban
network.
The table below summarizes the total areas that would be used by all components of the project.
USED AREAS, REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
(approximately)
NAME OF THE OBJECTIVE ROB GROUP ROAD TOTAL
R1 182 sq m 81 sq m 263 sq m
R2 182 sq m 179 sq m 361 sq m
R3 182 sq m 112 sq m 294 sq m
R4 182 sq m 0 sq m 182 sq m
R5 182 sq m 695 sq m 877 sq m
R6 182 sq m 77 sq m 259 sq m
R7 182 sq m 0 sq m 182 sq m
R8 182 sq m 202 sq m 384 sq m
R9 182 sq m 127 sq m 309 sq m
R10 182 sq m 87 sq m 269 sq m
R11 311 sq m 82 sq m 393 sq m
GPRS SEMENI 815 sq m 473 sq m 1288 sq m
GPRS PETRICANI 858 sq m 287 sq m 1145 sq m
GPRS TOHATIN 3850 sq m 800 sq m 4650 sq m
C PLATFORM 0 sq m 0 sq m 0 sq m
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT 52800 sq m 0 sq m 52800 sq m
TOTAL 63656 sq m
The Investment Project is currently divided in 7 lots. For lots 1,2,3,4,5 and 7 the Works supply contracts
have been signed. All the Contracts are ongoing and pipeline construction works are in progress.
For lot 6 the public procurement process is close to be final and the Works supply contract will soon be
signed.
On some sections of the Project, top soil has been stripped from on the right of way and line pipe is being
laid on the ground.
Civil works on the Ghidighici complex are well advanced.
3.5 Direct, indirect and cumulated impact on the environmental factors and on the local
communities, protection measures from the perspective of the environmental
agreement
3.5.1 Environmental agreement for the Ungheni-Chisinau natural gas pipeline
The Environmental Agreement for the Ungheni-Chisinau natural gas pipeline Project was obtained in
February 2016. The environmental agreement was issued by the Ministry of the Environment of the
republic of Moldova (ME) and is based on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
developed in 2016. The ESIA document, as well as the environmental agreement and information related
to the environmental permitting procedure were made available, to interested parties on the ME and
VMTG’s websites and also as hard copies at ME and regional authorities along the pipeline route (4
regional councils offices).
3.5.2 Forecasted impact and envisaged stakeholder engagement mitigation measures
The project related activities presented below are expected to have an impact on the local community
and stakeholders, and require stakeholder engagement activities as part of the mitigation measures.
Issue Mitigation Responsibility Timeline
Population and human health
The local community shall be informed about the construction route, construction schedule, the on site safety restrictions, traffic schedule and route for heavy equipment
VMTG Before construction starts
Soil and land use Land owners and land user shall be notified about the pipeline route, construction schedule and the restrictions imposed during the construction and operation period
MEPIU VMTG
Before construction starts
Noise and vibrations Local communities shall be informed about the construction schedule in order to minimize potential grievances related to noise and vibrations
VMTG Before and during construction
4. EUROPEAN, NATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE INFORMATION
AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION, EBRD REQUIREMENTS, CORPORATE
POLICIES AND INTERNAL DOCUMENTS OF THE COMPANY Information disclosure and public consultation for the Project is governed in principle by four type of
documents:
• Moldavian legislation regarding procedures for the evaluation of the environmental impact
and the ones related to the implementation of projects of national importance in the field of
natural gas;
• VMTG corporate policies on environmental and social policies;
• Lender’ s environmental and social policies and performance requirements, including EBRD’
s PR 10 on Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement.
4.1 National legal framework
Law No. 105 of June 9, 2017 on declaring public utility for works of national interest the construction
of the gas pipeline in the direction Ungheni-Chisinau and the implementation of some measures for
the operation, exploitation and maintenance of the gas transport pipeline Iasi-Chisinau-Ungheni:
The law No. 105/09.06.2017 was specifically tailored for the Project and stipulates the legal framework
for the land acquisition and easement. It establishes the principles and steps for expropriation and
stakeholder engagement. The main points regarding stakeholder engagement are the following:
• Access to information regarding the expropriation procedure
o The PAPs shall be personally informed about the expropriation steps, about the area of
land that will be affected by the project, the amount of compensation and the
documents required in order to access the compensation
• Grievance mechanism
o The PAPs shall be informed about existence of a grievance procedure and the steps
necessary in order to access the grievance procedure
Law No. 86 of May 29, 2014 on Environmental Impact Assessment of the Republic of Moldova:
The Law No. 86 of May 29, 2014 on Environmental Impact Assessment of the Republic of Moldova is a
partial transposition of the Directive 2011/92/EU the European Parliament and Council from December
13, 2011 about the assessment of impact of some state and private projects on the environment.
The law establishes the principles of EIAs, defines the scope of the EIA, the powers of competent
authorities and the application procedure for planned activities. It defines, in addition, the procedures for
public consultation and participation in the EIA process, which are the focus of this section. The main
points are as follows:
• Access to and comments on documentation
o The public shall be given the opportunity to have access to the EIA related documents and
to comment on some of them
• Public debates
o The developer is obliged to review the public opinion by means of public consultations
(public debates and written comments). Public debates shall be conducted in the territory
of the local public authority where the planned activity is to be implemented
o Information of the public about the conduct of public debates: adverts in the mass-media,
official web-page of the developer and local governments of the project area, posts at
public places and the offices of the local governments;
o The findings of the public debates shall be entered in a minute (indication of the total
number of participants, list of questions, objections and proposals put forth).
4.2 EBRD requirements on information disclosure and stakeholder engagement
According to EBRD, stakeholder engagement is central to building strong, constructive and response
relationships which are essential for the successful management of a project’s environmental impacts and
issues. EBRD’s Performance Requirement 1 (PR 1) states that the ESIA process will include a public
disclosure and consultation process, and that the client will implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan in
accordance with EBRD’s PRs.
EBRD’s Performance Requirement 10 (PR10) further states that the national laws (including the ones
transposing international regulations) regarding public information disclosure and consultation must
always be complied with. The application of EBRD PR10 therefore aims to supplement the national legal
framework.
PR10 contains guidelines similar to those in Regulation EU No. 347/2013, in the sense that the affected
stakeholders, especially local communities affected by the implementation of a project benefit from a set
of proactive measures by the project promoter, aimed at (a) diminishing or eliminating negative
environmental or social impacts related to the implementation of the project and (b) ensuring stakeholder
perception of the project is as accurate as possible.
According to PR10, the following should be retained as principles:
• Promoting transparent communication between the project promoter, its employees, the
local communities directly affected by the project, and other interested stakeholders;
• The involvement of the stakeholders is a process free of manipulation, interference, coercion
and intimidation;
• The involvement of the stakeholders will be differentiated according to their belonging to the
directly affected or indirectly affected stakeholders. For vulnerable groups specific actions will
be considered to eliminate possible barriers to their participation in the engagement process;
• The involvement of stakeholders is a process which must take place in the early stages of the
project, and continue throughout the entire life of the project;
• Ensuring access to a complaints receiving/solving mechanism, for stakeholders to submit their
questions, concerns or grievances about the Project.
5. PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS
5.1 Identification of stakeholders
Stakeholder identification is a key step in managing the stakeholder engagement process. Taking into
consideration the status of project of national interest, the procedure carried aut in order to obtain the
Construction Permit and the identification of land owners as well as the ESIA elaborated in 2016, the
following categories of Stakeholders have been identified:
• Civil society:
o General public: directly or indirectly affected population groups and subgroups (e.g.,
youth, girls, and women’s groups), and ethnic minority groups.
o People owning land or assets impacted by the project, both on and off-site.
o People using agricultural land or natural resources, such as forests or rivers. o Squatters already on-site. o People’s organizations and institutions affected by the project, such as village
development associations, recreational groups, women’s groups, farming and fishing cooperatives, and religious groups.
o Locally disadvantaged and voiceless groups, such as the poor and women. o People from surrounding villages who may be potential sources of labor. o Civil society organizations: national and international NGOs, community-based
organizations, foundations, labor unions, and independent research institutes. o Informal representatives: scientific community, schoolteachers, religious leaders.
• Government: o Central Government: civil servants in ministries, cabinets, etc. o Representative assemblies: elected government bodies; o Bilateral and multilateral government institutions: international financial institutions,
bilateral government donors, etc. • Private Sector:
o Private companies (including suppliers, customers, and contractors), umbrella groups representing groups in the private sector, and chambers of commerce.
o Media outlets.
5.2 Analysis of stakeholders and prioritization
The construction of the pipeline will cross the administrative area of the following districts, villages,
communes and towns:
• Chișinău district - Chișinău city, the communes of Tohatin, Stăuceni, Grătiești, Ghidighici;
• Strășeni district - the villages of Sireți, Roșcani, Negrești, Căpriana, Vorniceni, the communes of
Rădeni, Ghelăuza, Pănășești and Bucovăț city;
• Călărași district – Tuzara commune, the villages of Pitușca, Nișcani, Temeleuți, Peticeni,
Vălcineț, Sadova and Călărași city;
• Nisporeni district – Milești village;
• Ungheni district – the communes of Alexeevca, Pârlița, Todirești, Zagarancea and the village of
Rădenii Vechi.
The information obtained so far shows that no squatters exist in the area, but that there are people occupying land for which they have no official written title. After the Soviet Union has been dismantled, the people received the land they have been working on. However, due to reasons still not clear, some of these owners never received or applied for a formal land title. Table 5.1 lists the stakeholders identified by the ESIA and their interest in the project:
Table 5.1 Stakeholders identified during ESIA preparation
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
Civil society
Land owners and
land users subject
to
land and/or
financial
compensation
They will lose
private land
and potentially
productive
land, as well as
agricultural
assets
Timely and fair
financial
compensation for land
and crops
Land and
agricultural
assets
Not applicable Database with land owner is
available
Inhabitants of
Ungheni, Calarasi,
Straseni,
Nisporeni and
Chisinau
They can be
directly affected
by
environmental
and social issues
They can be
potential
sources
of labor
Environmental and
social impacts of the
project; Environmental
and Social
Management
Plan; Job opportunities
Work force
Public resources
(air, water, soil,
forests)
Not applicable Not applicable.
People
are involved through the
local governments.
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
Villagers from
surrounding areas
They can be
potential
sources
of labor
Job opportunities Work force Not applicable Not applicable. People are
involved through the
local governments.
BIOTICA,
Ecological
Association
To be aware and
comment on
the
environmental
impacts of
the project
Environmental impacts
of the project; public
consultation process;
Environmental and Social Management Plan
Internal budget
and staff
BIOTICA is active in
the field of
biodiversity
conservation. It
participates in
developing
management plans for protected areas, drafting regulations and plans.
Mun. Chisinau, str. N.
Dimo, 17/4 ap.22
fax: 0-22-495625;
tel: 0-22-498837; 0-22-
434726
http://www.bioticamoldova.
org
Ecological
Movement
of Moldova
(including its
territorial dept. in
Ungheny)
To be aware and
comment on
the
environmental
impacts of
the project
Environmental impacts
of the project; public
consultation process;
Environmental and
Social Management
Plan
Internal budget
and staff
EMM has the main
mandate/mission of
promoting
environmental
awareness in the
country by
promoting
environmental
education actions. It
Mun. Chisinau, str.
S.Lazo, 13
tel/fax: 0-22-232408; 0-
22-237423;
tel: 0-22-232654
http://www.mem.md
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
also participated in
the drafting of
environmental laws
and strategies.
AGROINFORM,
Agricultural
producers’
National
Federation of
Moldova
To provide
support to the
associated
farmers which
are
affected by the
project
Impacts related to
losses of productive
land and agriculture
assets
Internal budget
and staff
Agroinform is a
network of 15
regional
organizations that
support the
sustainable
economic
development of
rural communities
by providing
complex assistance
in business
development and
marketing, advanced
technologies
implementation, as
well as representing
the interests of its
members by
promoting policies
for
Mun. Chisinau, bd.
Stefan cel Mare si Sfint,
123-V
fax: 0-22-237830;
tel: 0-22-237730
Business association.
http://www.agroinform.m
d
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
sustainable rural environment development.
Government
Ministry of
Economy
Project’s
developer and
owner; Recipient
of the loan
EIA, Environmental
and Social
Management
Plan, PCDP
Ministry’s internal
budget and staff;
Project loan
The Ministry is
responsible for
analysis of social and
economic position,
structure and
condition of the
production potential
of industry,
agriculture, energy
complex, transport,
communication and
road infrastructure
and other branches
of
economy; on this
basis,
development of
concepts, strategies
and programs for
www.mec.gov.md
Direct contact person for
the project: Ms. Mariana
Botezatu, Director of the
General Department of
Energy Security and
Efficiency
mariana.botezatu@mec.
gov.md
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
restructuring of
economic sectors
and social and
economic
development of the
country.
MEPIU (Moldova
Energy Project
Implementation
Unit)
Representative
of the MoE for
the
implementation
of the project
EIA, Environmental
and Social
Management
Plan, PCDP
World Bank’s
loan
MEPIU is the key
organization in
supporting the
implementation of
Energy II Project
from the technical
point of view. Upon
necessity and
within the scope of
its competence,
the implementation
unit is involved
by the Ministry of
Economy and
other public
administration
www.mepiu.moldnet.md
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
institutions in
assessment of the
long term key
developments in the
energy sector and in
the international
cooperation in the
field.
Ministry of
Environment
Its permission or
agreement
is necessary in
order to
construct the
pipeline.
EIA, Environmental
and Social
Management
Plan, PCDP
Approvals: Application,
EIA Program/ToR, EIA
Documentation/Repor
t
Ministry’s internal
budget and staff
The Ministry of
Environment shall
coordinate the
process of
environmental
impact assessment
of the planned
facilities and
businesses with
substantial effect
on the environment.
Www.mediu.gov.md
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
Ministry of
Agriculture
and Food Industry
Its permission or
agreement
is necessary in
order to locate
the pipeline on
“Ghidighici”,
on Didactic
Station
territories
(Gratiesti
administrative
unit)
of the State
Agrarian
University of
Moldova, and on
the National
College of
Viticulture and
Winemaking
EIA, Environmental
and Social
Management
Plan, PCDP
Ministry’s internal
budget and staff
The Ministry of
Agriculture shall
promote a rational
use of the
natural resources
and
environmental
protection,
arrangement of
works for land and
forestry cadastre,
land monitoring,
implementation of
uniform policy for
land management
and control over
the land use.
www.maia.gov.md
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
territories in
Stauceni
administrative
unit.
The involvement
of this ministry
in the EIA
process
shall be a
decision of the
Ministry of
Environment
State Ecological Inspection
The Inspection shall assure the fulfillment of the EIA process with the EIA Law
The involvement
of this agency in
the EIA process
shall be a
decision of the
EIA, Environmental
and
Social Management
Plan, PCDP
Agency’s internal
budget and staff
The agency exercises
the state control and
supervision over
compliance with
valid legislation
and regulations in
environmental
protection and use
of the natural
http://inseco.gov.md/
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
Ministry of
Environment
resources by
economic operators
of any type .
Agency Moldsilva Its permission or
agreement
is necessary in
order to locate
the pipeline on
forest lands
owned by the
State and
managed by its
subdivisions.
The involvement
of this agency in
the EIA process
shall be a
decision of the
Ministry of
Environment
EIA, Environmental
and
Social Management
Plan, PCDP
Agency’s internal
budget and staff
The general task of
the Agency is
to implement the
constitutional
prerogatives and
international
ratified obligations
of the Republic
of Moldova on
development,
promotion and
implementation of
its
policy in forestry and
hunting.
www.moldsilva.gov.md
Agency Apele
Moldovei
Its permission or
agreement is
necessary in
EIA, Environmental
and
Agency’s internal Agency “Apele
Moldovei” is the
www.apelemoldovei.gov
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
order to locate
the pipeline on
aquatic lands,
river protection
strips and
protected areas
of the rivers.
The involvement
of this agency in
the EIA process
shall be a
decision of the
Ministry of
Environment
Social Management
Plan, PCDP
budget and staff administrative
authority
responsible
for implementing
state policy in the
field of water
resources
management,
hydrological, water
supply and
sanitation, which
operates under the
Ministry of
Environment.
.md
Councils of
Ungheni Region,
Calarasi Region,
Straseni Region,
Chisinau Region,
Tier 1 local
governments of
the area
Located in the
project area
EIA, Environmental
and Social
Management
Plan, PCDP
Disclosure of project’s
Information
Internal budget
and staff
The Tier-1 and Tier-2
governments
give orders in
accordance with the
law on
implementation of
public consultations
on the projects of
www.crungheni.md
www.calarasi.md
www.straseni.md
www.nisporeni.md
www.chisinau.md
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
Public consultation:
collection of
comments and
questions; forward
these to the MoEn or
the developer; support
in organization of
public debates
local importance,
which can have
economic,
environmental and
social consequences
(for life of the
people, for culture,
health and
social protection for
local communities
and public services),
as well as on other
issues which are of
interest for all
population of
the administrative-
territory unit or its
part.
Private sector Media Publication of
information
about the EIA
process
Disclosure of project’s
information
Communication
platforms (TV,
radio, internet
The national,
regional and local
media fulfill the
communication
Stakeholders Stakeholder
Interest
Perception of the
problem/Issues to be
discussed
Resources Responsibilities Contact data
and newspapers) needs of the project.
5.3 Past stakeholder and public engagement and participation
5.3.1 Engagement during the pre-feasibility study
During the preparation of the pre-feasibility study, consultations with relevant actors have been
undertaken by the consulting company working for preparing the project documentation. Members of
the private sector, government, scientific community and the financing institutions have been consulted
in this initial phase to discuss technical, design, legal, policy and environmental issues. The feedback from
these meetings has been incorporated into the studies undertaken up to now.
All the engagement activities conducted in the pre-construction period have been completed and are in
line with the legal requirements for the project.
A summary of these activities are detailed in Table 5.3.1:
Table 5.3.1 Summary of pre-feasibility consultations
Date and location Stakeholders involved Description
Private sector
16.07.2014 Office of Gazproiect, Moldova
Gazproiect - Gazproiect is an engineering company that has the required license and resources to design HP main gas pipelines
Discussion of the project’s background, design, routing, and feasibility study.
Government
17.07.2014 Offices of the Ministry of Economy of Moldova
Ministry of Economy (MoE) Handing over of the list of the members of the Working Group; handing over of documentation and technical standards; discussion of the project’s design.
18.07.2014 Temporary office of Vestmoldtransgas, Moldova
Vestmoldtransgas - state company established for the operation of the Iasi – Ungheni – Chisinau pipeline.
Discussion of the project’s routing and connection issues.
21.07.2014 MEPIU’s office in Moldova
MEPIU (Moldova Energy Projects Implementation Unit)
Discussion of the project’s design, routing and connection issues.
30.07.2014 ANRE’s office in Moldova
ANRE (National Agency for Energy Regulation of Moldova)
Discussion of regulatory and legal issues
30.07.2014 Energocom’s office in Moldova
S.A. Energocom - state owned company with the license for supply of electricity and gas with nonregulated tariffs.
Discussion of supply issues
19.09.2014 Offices of the Ministry of Economy of Moldova
Ministry of Economy (MoE) Disclosure of the work so far undertaken; discussion of technical, design, supply, demand, legal, budget and routing issues
23.09.2014 Offices of the Ministry of Finance, Moldova
Ministry of Finance Discussion of taxes, other financial duties of the project, public procurement, sovereign guarantee, and the loan
15.10.2014 MEPIU’s office in Moldova
MEPIU (Moldova Energy Projects Implementation Unit)
Discussion of the project’s connection, costs, and technical and issues; discussion of timelines
15.10.2014 Offices of the Ministry of Economy of Moldova
Ministry of Economy, Public Property Agency, PPP Unit
Discussion of legal and regulatory issues related to PPP
16.10.2014 Offices of the Ministry of Economy of Moldova
Ministry of Economy, Advisor on Energy Policy to the Prime Minister’s Office
Discussion of gas market and supply issues
16.10.2014 Offices of the Ministry of Economy of Moldova
Ministry of Economy Brief the MoE on the progress of the routing work
16.10.2014 Offices of the Ministry of Environment, Moldova
State Environmental Inspection, subordinated to Ministry of Environment
Brief the Ministry of Environment on the project status; discussion of routing issues, EIA procedures, and permitting.
International financing institutions
23.07.2014 Moldova
EBRD Discussion of the project’s capacity and background.
Scientific community
17.10.2014 Academy of Science, Institute of Power Engineering
Academy of Science, Institute of Power Engineering
Discussion of gas consumption forecasts in Moldova
Group meetings
03.12.2014 Chisinau
Government ministries and agencies; EIB and EBRD; EU Delegation; Embassy of Romania SIDA
Workshop for presentation and discussion of the pre-feasibility study: routing, basis of design, environmental issues, investment recovery options, and economic/commercial issues
04.12.2014 Chisinau
Ministry of Economy, EBRD, EIB
Workshop for discussion of the pre-feasibility study:
economic/financial issues, Moldova/Romania co-operation, legal and regulatory development, PIU (Project Implementation Unit), procurement rules, co-operation with the Ministry of Environment, construction rules
04.12.2014 Chisinau
ANRE (National Agency for Energy Regulation of Moldova); EBRD; EIB
Discussion of the pre-feasibility study: economic/financial issues, legal and regulatory development, tariffs, gas distribution.
5.3.2 Engagement during the ESIA phase
In the beginning of February, 2015 the organization and planning of the ESIA and the feasibility study have
started. Fichtner has been involved in group meetings undertaken for this purpose in Chisinau. After these
meetings, the agenda for undertaking the ESIA activities has been agreed and the project’s initiator (MoE)
and responsible authority (MoEn) undertook some disclosure activities according to the legal
requirements of the new EIA Law.
All the engagement activities conducted within the ESIA process have been completed and the
environment permit obtained.
A summary of the consultations is presented in Table 5.3.2:
Table 5.3.2 Consultations during the ESIA phase
Date and location Stakeholders involved Description
04.02.2015 05.02.2015 Chisinau
MoEn; MoE; EIB and EBRD; EU Delegation; Embassy of Romania; MEPIU; Working Group
Presentation of the MEPIU; discussion of the timeline for the EIA; clarifications about the new EIA Law; discussion about public debates; commercial considerations; technical issues; input data; coordination with the Romanian government; responsibilities and budget.
13.02.2015 MoE; MEPIU; Working Group; MoEn
The MoE, as the project’s initiator, filed the “Application regarding planned activities” to the responsible authority (the MoEn).
17.02.2015 MoEn; general public; The MoEn disclosed on its
affected people website that an Application for the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline had been filed
25.02.2015 MoEn; MoE; general public; affected people
The MoEn disclosed on its website and to the MoE the result of the Preliminary Assessment of the planned activities.
04.03.2015 MoEn; MoE; general public; affected people; tier-2 governments
The MoEn disclosed on its website, to the MoE and the tier- 2 governments of the area the result of the new Preliminary Assessment of the planned activities (after discussion with the Romanian authorities)
20.03.2015 MoE; general public; affected people
The MoE published the draft EIA Program on the MEPIU’s and the MOE’s websites
20.03.2015 25.03.2015
MoE; tier-2 governments The MoE disclosed the draft EIA Program per letter and e-mail to the 5 potentially affected district councils
25.03.2015 MoE; MoEn The MoE disclosed the draft EIA Program to the MoEn for evaluation and comments
30.03.2015 MoE; tier-2 governments The MoE printed 5 hard copies of the draft EIA Program and distributed them among the 5 district councils.
27.03.2015 and 03.04.2015
MoEn; national and local newspapers; general public; affected people
Advertisements have been published in newspapers announcing that the draft EIA Program was available for public Comments
5.3.3 Engagement for land acquisition purposes (after the publication of Law no. 105/2017
In accordance to Law no. 105/2017, MEPIU has undertaken in 2018 a series of measures for the
engagement of relevant stakeholders and persons affected by the project. In this context, MEPIU has
conducted the following actions:
• The notification in writing of the land owners;
• The display of relevant project information at the headquarters of local authorities;
• Meetings with representatives of local authorities;
• Public consultations;
• Individual meetings;
• The notification through email of interested parties.
A summary of the activities is described in Table 5.3.3 below:
Action Date and location
Stakeholders involved Description
Written notification
25.06.2018 - 09.07.2018
Land owners All land owners that are affected by the project have been notified in writing. The notification contained information about the object of expropriation, the term for evacuating the land and general information about the expropriation procedure.
Display of relevant project information at the headquarters of local authorities
02.07.2018 - 04.07.2018
General public, affected persons Simultaneously with the transmission of the notifications, the information contained therein and the extracts from the cadastral plans, corresponding to each locality, with information on the pipeline axis and the lands located in the working strip for the construction of the gas pipeline were placed at the headquarters of the localities whose land will be affected by the works construction.
Meetings with representatives of local authorities
2018 Local authorities The process of information and consultation was initiated with the mayors of the localities affected by the pipeline construction in order to establish a cooperation relationship in the organization and carrying out of the expropriation procedure and in informing the affected persons about
Action Date and location
Stakeholders involved Description
the subsequent stages of this process and the implementation of the Project in general.
Public consultations
23.07.2018 - 08.08.2018
General public, affected persons, local authorities
During these meetings, the persons who attended were provided with details, in accessible language, on the legal provisions regarding the expropriation procedure for the construction of the pipeline.
Individual meetings
2018 Affected persons, land owners Individual meetings with affected individuals have been undertaken as an additional measure of information and consultation to anticipate some impacts of pipeline construction on people with specific cases, such as landowners with multiannual plantings, or at the request of affected people.
Expropriation proposal
2019 Affected persons, land owners All land owners that are affected by the project have been notified in writing about the amount of compensation proposed, based on the evaluation reports.
A breakdown for each Administrative Unit for the public consulations that took place between
23.07.2018 - 08.08.2018, can be observed below. A total of 112 persons attended the consultations, out
of which 76 men and 36 women.
Administrative Unit Number of participants
Breakdown by Gender
Male Female
Călărași 18 16 2
Ungheni 33 17 16
Strășeni 19 10 9
Chișinău 20 14 6
Stăuceni 22 19 3
5.3.4 Planned stakeholder engagement for 2019 - 2020
The below table presents the action plan for stakeholder engagement for 2019 - 2020. This was
designed based on the project implementation timeframe and the current needs for engagement. The
action plan will be updated based on needs or at least once per year.
No. ACTION
Targeted stakeholder Purpose/Description Estimated timing Responsible
General aspects
1 Disclosure of ESMF package
- Environmental and Social
Management Framework will
be publicly disclosed:
- electronically via EBRD and
VMTG website
- in hard copy: at VMTG office A hard copy of Remedial Action Plan for land acquisition will be also made available at Ungheni, Nisporeni, Straseni and Calarasi Regional Councils offices.
All stakeholders - To provide meaningul and timely information related to project development and management
October 2019 VMTG
2 Updating the project website with relevant information regarding project progress
All stakeholders - provide constant and timely information about the project - updates about the project: stage, result of public debates etc.
Minimum once per month
VMTG
3 Media coverage All stakeholders - press releases/ conferences - participation at media events - etc.
When key project milestones are achieved or when the need for it arises
VMTG
4 Grievance mechanism All stakeholders - submission of written grievances
All of the projects’ lifespan
VMTG
No. ACTION
Targeted stakeholder Purpose/Description Estimated timing Responsible
- calls received for suggestions/complaints - online submission of complaints
Land acquisition
1 VMTG shall seek to conclude
an agreement with MEPIU /
IPOT on the RAP
implementation process
Ministry of Economy / MEPIU
and IPOT
- To develop and agree on a working framework in order to ensure that RAP is properly implemented
Q4 2019 VMTG
2 Implementation of
engagement actions
foreseen according to the
RAP
PAPs - To provide information about the entitlements related to acquisition of land rigths
Q4 2019 – Q1 2020 VMTG
Tendering process
1 Publication of tender documents
Potential contractors - To provide information to potential contractors about the conditions for the tendering process
Q4 2020 VMTG
2 Answering to clarifications Potential contractors - To provide clarifications regarding the tendering proccess to potential contractors
Q4 2020 VMTG
Construction activities
No. ACTION
Targeted stakeholder Purpose/Description Estimated timing Responsible
1 Sending notifications regarding the commencement of the works
Local communities in the Project area Local and regional authorities
- To post
announcemets in local
communities reagrding
the construction start,
the construction
schedule and specific
construction activities
Before construction starts
VMTG
2 Displaying the notification regarding the commencement of the execution of the works
Local communities in the Project area Local and regional authorities
- Information in case PAPs are unknown or have not been reached
Before construction starts
VMTG
3 Ad-hoc consultations Local communities in the Project area Local and regional authorities
- the CLOs will organize consultations along the Right of Way of the project in order to address specific issues that might result from the construction work
During the construction phase
VMTG
6. GRIEVANCE MECHANISM
6.1 What could be considered a grievance
It is important to keep in mind that submitting a grievance is the first condition and also a necessary tool
for VMTG, to know any concerns and to meet them. In this regard, VMTG undertakes full responsibility
and impartiality in managing all grievances received, the responses submitted and in conducting an open
and trustworthy dialogue with all stakeholders.
6.2 What is the Grievance Mechanism?
The grievance mechanism is a very useful and practical mechanism dedicated to receiving, recording,
investigating requests, complaints, and questions about the project and submitting answers to them.
The Grievance Mechanism is designed to enable Affected stakeholders or any other Interested
Stakeholder to submit their grievances about the Project to VMTG and MEPIU. The Grievance Mechanism,
as with the overall SEP, will be in place over the whole life of the Project, namely during planning,
construction and operation stages.
A grievance may take the form of specific complaint about impacts, damages or harm caused by the
Project. Similarly, a grievance may refer to concerns about access to the stakeholder engagement process
or about how comments have been addressed. Grievances can also be related to project activities during
construction or operation, or perceived incidents or impacts.
6.3 How to submit a grievance?
Due to the fact that the entity responsible for stakeholder engagement differs for different phases of the
project, MEPIU for the pre-feasibility and the land acquisition phase, and VMTG for the construction and
operation phase, we need to differentiate between two grievance procedures:
• Grievances regarding land acquisition and easement;
• Grievances regarding construction and operation.
However, because this differentiation might prove confusing for the general public, the PMU should be
able to receive all types of grievances related to the project and transfer them to the responsible entity.
The PMU should also monitor the status of the grievance and record the process of the grievance
resolution.
6.3.1 Submitting grievances regarding land acquisition and easement
MEPIU is responsible for the stakeholder information and the implementation of the the grievance
mechanism for land acquisition and easement, in accordance to Law no. 105/2017. In the expropriation
letter (see Annex C) PAPs were notified of the possibility to submit grievances regarding land acquisition
and easement. All grievances must be submited within 45 days of receiving the letter and must contain a
justification and documents to support their claim. The papers will be sent to the Commission established
by MEPIU at the address: Chișinău, Alecu Russo street, nr.1, bloc A1.
A grievance can be a complaint, concern, question, suggestion or other comment about the Project and how it is implemented.
MEPIU has already developed a grievence register that will be shared with VMTG subject to the agreement
that willbe developed betweent the two parties.
6.3.2 Submitting grievances regarding construction and operation
VMTG is responsible for the stakeholder information and the implementation of the the grievance
mechanism for the construction and operation phases of the Project.
A Public Grievance Form (see Annex A) is available for submitting grievances. Such Grievance Forms will
be available as hard copies in the AUs crossed by the project as well as the electronic versions on the
VMTG’s website (www.vmtg.md). However, other written letters, emails, text messages and phone calls
can also be used for submitting grievances, as described below.
Stakeholders will be able to submit a grievance in relation to the Project, at any time and free of charge,
by using one or several of the following ways:
• Contacting VMTG’s Community Liaison Manager at +373 22 66 72 91 or by email at
• Contacting VMTG’s Local Community Liaison Officers (local CLOs). Their contact details will be
provided in a later stage, together with the following revision of this SEP.
• submitting a written grievance to the Mayoralty, whith the aim to be forwarded to VMTG /local
CLOs ;
• submitting a verbal grievance in person to the Mayoralty or to the Local CLOs if a stakeholder is
not able to or comfortable submitting a grievance in writing;
• sending a grievance via fax or regular mail or email at the contact details below:
- Mail: Address: Blvd. Ștefan cel Mare nr. 180 et.5 bir. 516;
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Fax: +373 222 910 40
• By filling in a Contact form available on VMTG’s website at :
https://www.vmtg.md/index.php/contact ;
Grievancees will have the option of submitting anonymous grievances using any of the means described
above, however, in order to allow follow up and feedback it is recommended to provide contact details.
In justified cases, VMTG will also consider anonymous grievances.
Besides the means described above on ways to lodge grievances, stakeholders will have the possibility to
express concerns or make complaints verbally during the public meetings organized for the Project. These
public meetings will be scheduled and announced within a reasonable timeframe.
For an efficient treatment of the grievances they should include a set of minimum information related to:
• The reason/description for/of the situation/complaint;
• The contact information of the person submitting the grievance;
• The date of submission.
6.4 Grievance processing
As with the grievance submission process, the grievance processing will also be divided into two
different phases:
• Grievance processing regarding land acquisition and easement;
• Grievance processing regarding construction and operation.
6.4.1 Grievance processing regarding land acquisition and easement
As per the privatization contarct of VMTG, the responsbilities for land acquisition and easment for this
project are with Ministry of Economy (via MEPIU). As indicated already, the all the past engagement
activities related to this topic have been done by them.
PAPs have the possiblity to submit a grievance related to land acquisition process to MEPIU. The
grievance system designed by them is in line with Moldovan legislation and EBRD requirements. A
grievance commission consisting of 3 experts designated by MEPIU and 3 locals was established as
stated in Law no. 105/2017. The grievance procedure consists of the following steps:
1. Identification of grievance: The grievance is recorded and classified after the PAP submits it
to the Commission.
2. The commission reviews the grievance and issues a decision to establish the compensation
amount.
3. The decision is communicated to the PAP within 5 days since issuance.
4. If the PAP is not satisfied with the proposition, he can then address a court of law with 2 years
since the issuance of the new proposition.
6.4.2 Grievance processing regarding construction and operation
The grievance will be analysed by the responsible VMTG personnel and any required corrective actions
will be identified.
Figure 7.4 presents the general steps that will be taken when a complaint is received by VMTG:
Figure 7.4 Overview of the grievance mechanism
If not satisfied consider
addressing the court of
justice
Grievance received
Grievance recorded
and classified by the
PMU
Implement corrective
actions
Inform the
appellant about
the outcome of his
complaint
Is the grievance
anonymous?
Is the appellant
satisfied with the
response?
Register how the
grievance was
addressed.
YES
YES
NO
Obtain more information
from the appellant to
establish validity of
disagreement and whether
or not further corrective
action is needed.
Implement corrective
actions
Inform the appellant
about the outcome of
his complaint
YES
NO
Register how the
grievance was
addressed.
Is the appellant
satisfied with the
response?
NO
The Grievance Procedure comprises the following steps:
1. Identification of grievance: The grievance is recorded and classified in the ‘Grievance Log (see
Annex B)’, in a written and electronic manner by the CLM and its CLOs team. The Grievance Log will be
held by Project Management Unit;
2. Grievance is formally acknowledged through community meetings or letter as appropriate since
registration. In case the appeal cannot be understood, VMTG will request additional data for clarifications;
3. The grievance is analysed and a response will be developed by the relevant departments and
forwarded to the CLM.
4. Required actions are implemented to deal with the issue, and completion of these is recorded
on the Grievance Register ;
5. The response is to be approved and signed by the CL Manager and by the Project managers, by
the case;
6. The grievance response is communicated to the appellant ;
7. In the situation in which the appellant is not satisfied with the proposed response, further
investigation can be requested. In this case, VMTG will require further information from the appellant in
order to establish the validity of the claim and propose an updated response. In the case in which the
second response is still not satisfactory for the repellent, addressing court of justice is the next step.
8. The grievance is closed with a note about the solution in the Grievance Register. (The grievance
will be considered solved and the complainant satisfied with the taken measures as long as after informing
the complainant about the taken measures, he will not send a new grievance regarding the previous
matter.)
The grievances received by contractors will be recorded by contractors in their own Grievance Logs and
will be reported monthly to the PMU Communication and Stakeholders Management Department.
During construction, VMTG will perform periodical E&S audits to its contractors and will carefully check
the efeciveness of their grievance mechanisms, and where possible, will take take measures to remediate
any impediments.
6.5 Grievance records
The grievance record will assure the recording of grievances, with an entry number for each grievance,
for effective tracking thereof. The grievance records will be done by following the Grievance Log template
provided in the Annex B.
7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN SEP IMPLEMENTATION VMTG is the primary entity responsible for the implementation of the SEP.
A dedicated role has been included in the organizational chart of Project Management Unit in order to
deal with social aspects and engage with stakeholders: Stakeholder Management and Project
Communication. Apart from the CSM expert, at least 2 Community Liaison Officers will be included in
the project team in order to offer a direct link with the local community.
Within the Project PMU, the Communication and Stakeholder Management expert has the following
responsibilities:
• Update the registry of the stakeholders in the project
• Update the Stakeholders matrix according to their interest and their influence on the Project.
• Determines the information necessary for each stakeholder;
• Updates the Stakeholders Engagement Plan
• Prepares, develops, implements and updates the Communication Management Plan related to
the project;
• Prepares, and monitors the updates for the information related to the project on the company’s
web page;
• Provides the necessary support for drawing up the notification/reporting forms;
• Coordinator of engagement actions
• Coordination of community liaison officers,
• Monitoring/evaluation
• Any other responsibilities as agreed from time to time in their job description.
Due to the fact that MEPIU was the main driver of the stakeholder engagement process for the land
easement and acquisition phase of the project, certain engagement activities may require cooperation
with them in order to implement these activities. The Remedial Action Plan for land acquisition (RAP)
includes details about what engagement activities are still to be done in the context of land acquisition.
As already indicated, the privatization contract of VMTG describes clearly what are the responsibilities of
VMTG and Ministry of Economy (via MEPIU). The below figure offers an overview on these
responsibilities.
Based on this framework, all VMTG will continue to cooperate with MEPIU in order to implement all the
engagement actions foreseen for the finalizing the land acquisition and compensation process.
Calculating the
compensation amounts
Acquiring land for AGIS - own
budget
Evaluation of properties
and damages
Payment of compensations for
land easment - VMTG budget
Identification of
land owners Transfer the land to VMTG
Government of Moldova via
Ministry of Economy
MEPIU
Vestmoldtransgaz
VMTG
Detailed design of the
project
Transfering money to MEPIU for payment for land easment based on
a memorandum that is expected to be singed in December 2018
Calculating the land needs
Privatization contract
8. MONITORING, REPORTING AND EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEP
8.1 Monitoring
During the monitoring of the SEP implementation the following performance indicators will be
considered: the number of received complaints and the percentage of closed complaints during the set
timeframe, number of consultations held during the SEP implementation period, number of persons
consulted, number and type of information materials prepared and distributed, media coverage
indicators.
8.2 Reporting
The current SEP is a living document which has to be periodically updated as the Project progresses.
The consultation schedule detailed in Chapter 5.3.4 – Planned Stakeholder Engagement for 2019-2020 is
mainly focused on the actions planned to be implemented during 2019 and 2020, which represents the
construction stage of the project.
Therefore, this SEP has to be updated as needed to reflect any Project or stakeholders changes, at least
once per year, preferably in last quarter of the year. This will allow proper adjustments of the next year’s
consultation program, correlated with the planned Project activities. In the process of updating the SEP
the past stakeholder engagement activities will be described.
8.3 Evaluation of effectiveness
The effectiveness of engagement activities will be evaluated against the goals and objectives set out in
the SEP. This evaluation will examine the extent to which activities were implemented in accordance with
the Plan and the extent to which they achieved the aims defined here (including the effectiveness of the
SEP in obtaining comments and feedback from the stakeholders).
The results and any lessons learned will then be incorporated into further updates of the SEP as the Project
evolves and is implemented.
Annex A Grievance Form
PUBLIC GRIEVANCE FORM
Reference No (for VMTG .internal purpose):
Full Name:
First name _____________________________________ Last name _____________________________________ ❏ I wish to raise my grievance anonymously ❏ I request not to disclose my identity without my consent
Contact Information Please mark how you wish to be contacted (mail, telephone, e-mail).
❏ By Post: Please provide mailing address:
_________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________ ❏ By Telephone: _______________________________________________ ❏ By E-mail _______________________________________________
Preferred Language for communication
❏ Romanian ❏ English ❏ Other, please specify Description of Grievance:
If Grievance is related to a specific event/Incident;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Incident ❏ One time incident/grievance (date _______________) ❏ Happened more than once (how many times? _____) ❏ On-going (currently experiencing problem)
Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________
Please return this form to: Mr. XXXXX (CLManager) , VMTG Phone no.: xxxxxxxx E-mail: xxxxxx&xxxxx
Annex B GRIEVANCE LOG
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No. Incoming letter
registration No. and date
of receipt
Type and form of
grievance
Full name of
individual. Name of
the company for legal
entity
Appeal essence
Solution of the
grievance
Measures taken
No. of outgoing letter and
date of mailing
Person in charge
Grievance open or closed?