Sewer system projects environmental management plan
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6. PUBLIC AWARENESS MEETINGIn order to explain possible impacts of water supply system rehabilitation and sewer system projects and to introduce suggested mitigation measures, a public awareness meeting was organized with the support of Denizli Municipality. Meeting was held in Denizli Catalcesme Theatre on 14 November 2007 at 2:00 pm. Public, non-governmental organizations, governmental organizations/institutions was invited. List of invited participants is given in Table 6.1. Table 6.1. Associations, chambers and institutions invited to the public awareness meeting
Table 6.1. (contd.) Associations, chambers and institutions invited to the public awareness meeting
Public awareness meeting was announced via Denizli Municipality official web site, local media and posters placed at various places in the city. Fig. 6.1 presents the announcement poster, Fig. 6.2 presents the announcement made on the Denizli Municipality official web page, Fig. 6.3 presents the summary of announcements made on local media. Mukhtars of the neighborhoods to be affected from the projects, representatives of official chambers,, local press members and officials from Private Environmental Protection Association, Environmental Protection Foundation, TEMA Foundation (The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats), BASİAD, Provincial Directorate of Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Denizli Municipality attended the meeting. List of participants is given in Fig. 6.4. Program of the public awareness meeting is comprised of an opening speech, an introduction of water supply system rehabilitation & sewer system projects, an introduction of impact mitigation and environmental monitoring plans and a discussion. The opening speech was made by Mr. Samil Cinar, Deputy Mayor of Denizli Municipality. It was followed by a description of the projects made by Mrs. Sule Vardar, Director of Denizli Municipality Water and Sewage Works. Then, an introduction of the “Environmental Management Plan” prepared to mitigate and monitor the impacts of the projects was made by Prof. Dr. Necdet Alpaslan (Copy of the presentation is given in Annex). Meeting was concluded with mutual discussions on Environmental Management Plan. Pictures from the meeting are given in Fig. 6.5. A brief summary of the meeting is available on official website of Denizli Municipality since 15.11.2007 (see Fig. 6.6). News on the meeting briefly summarizing opening speech given by the Mr. Samil Cinar on target of the EMP, and presentation by Prof.Dr. Necdet Alpaslan on environmental management and monitoring plan. News about public awareness meeting at local press are depicted in Fig. 6.7.Details on the discussions are given in the following section. 
Figure 6.1. Public awareness meeting announcement (Poster) 
Figure 6.2. Public awareness meeting announcement at Denizli Municipality official web site 
Figure 6.2. (contd.) Public awareness meeting announcement at Denizli Municipality official web site 
Figure 6.3. Public awareness meeting announcement at local press 
Figure 6.4. List of participants 
Figure 6.4. (contd.) List of participants
Figure 6.5. Photographs from the public awareness meeting 
Figure 6.6. News about the public awareness meeting at Denizli Municipality official web site 
Figure 6.6. (contd.) News about the public awareness meeting at Denizli Municipality official web site Notes on Public Awareness Meeting (Discussion Part) In discussion part, Mr Mehmet Atilgan Head of the Denizli Branch of Chamber of Mechanical Engineers was the first one to deliver his opinions about the projects and said “all the systems (water, sewer etc) should be constructed in the same tunnels (e.g. pipe galleries) and especially during excavation works impact mitigation measures should be applied to minimize problems faced by shop owners”. In response to Mr. Atilgan`s suggestions, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan said “combination of all infrastructure systems in one tunnel will increase the costs and it would be difficult to make any changes on the projects after completion of tendering”. On Mr. Atılgan’s comment regarding the problems faced by the shop owners, Prof. Alpaslan has agreed and gave an example from Izmir subway construction. He also expressed the necessity for prevention measures in minimizing impacts on shop owners during construction activities. Mr. Salih Basmaci Head of Denizli Branch of Chamber of Civil Engineers briefly summarized the existing infrastructure projects and congratulated Denizli Municipality for the new investments. In his opinion, the presented EMP was a well prepared report but stressed the fact that the most important point was its application. Since contractor firms mostly prefer completing works in the shortest time possible without implementing suggested measures, public is often suffered from the consequences. Thus, control mechanism is important component of the projects. During excavation works of natural gas system project, municipality failed to follow the schedule and this delay has resulted in many problems faced by public. Furthermore, he mentioned, by making reference to the natural gas system project of the municipality, that trenches were not filled right after pipe installation and that warning signs related to road blocks were not sufficient. He also stressed the fact that these projects would be realized in a ‘living city’ and mentioned the importance of proper planning and implementation. After these statements, he suggested that either the contractor or the municipality would establish a Unit or Center (e.g Emergency Center) to receive complaints and take relative measures. Prof. Dr. Alpaslan agreed with him on establishing such a control mechanism and he said “in EMP report this was already proposed. Thus, a person should be assigned by Contractor to implement plan. He/she will work under the responsibility of Denizli Municipality, Provincial Directorate of Ministry of Environment and Forestry and other related institutions. Cooperation with companies is also possible. By describing all the activities in the EMP, contractor will be aware of his/her responsibilities in the construction period before putting out to tender and prepare his bid by taking into consideration these points. Therefore, the contractor will implement project without having financial problems caused by mitigation measures. On the other hand, control of the activities is crucial and responsible institution in this aspect is Denizli Municipality. Additionally in the EMP, the establishment of a PRU (Public Relation Unit) was suggested and responsibilities of PRU were described. Assistance of this unit to controlling mechanism was foreseen”. First question of Mr. Tarik Plevne, Director of DOCEV, was about minimizing water losses. Secondly, he said “vast amount of springs in the city causes decreasing of ground water capacity. High amount of water can not contribute to the hydrologic cycle in the nature and are discharged to sewer system”. Mrs. Vardar, Director of Denizli Municipality Water and Sewage Works and Prof. Dr. Alpaslan explained that water supply system rehabilitation project aimed minimization of water losses and SCADA system would provide online monitoring. Then, Mrs. Vardar briefly informed the participants about uses of Incirli spring and confirmed its use in irrigating the green spaces along the road. He further said that the municipality has other alternative plans for using the water’s other springs. Then, she said “water quality is suitable only for irrigation. As to artesian, tapping of this water is not possible but after collection and storage water can be used. Besides, amount of water abstracted from unregistered wells is relatively high compared to the unused water from springs. Allocation of the water for irrigation is under consideration”. Mr. Mehmet Orki, Muhktar of Aktepe District congratulated the Municipality and highlighted the deficiencies during implementation of the projects. He gave example from pavement works and complained that Contractor firms implemented projects without taking any measures and this might cause serious accidents. Moreover workers employed for infrastructure projects could cause disagreements due to their irresponsibility. His questions were answered by Mr. Samil Cinar Deputy Mayor of Denizli Municipality. He said that, investments of Municipality had concentrated on this region and problems would be solved gradually. In regards to the pavement works, he said that these problems would be considered and necessary measures would be taken. Mr. Mustafa Gulmez, Muhktar of Karsiyaka District asked about construction of a water storage tank and prevention measures against the flooding problem observed in the lower elevations. The questions were answered by Mr. Cinar and he mentioned that construction of a new storage tank was not on the agenda. Rehabilitation of the network would lead to minimize problems. Moreover, infrastructural systems (stormwater collection system, roads and pavements) would be handled in an integrated approach and they would be long lasting systems. Furthermore, supervision would be executed by consulting companies in cooperation with the Municipality. Thus, projects would be conducted efficiently. Mr. Zeki Akakca, representative of TEMA Foundation, asked whether there were any projects about the long term water supply issues and groundwater resources. Regarding this question Mr. Akca said “In parallel to population growth water demand is increasing. Therefore capacity of Gokpinar and Derindere Springs will not be enough in the future. To this end, to supply water to the city there are studies on rehabilitation of alternative water sources and allocation of Aktas Dam in cooperation with DSI. If there is the need, pollution threats on Gokpinar Spring will be eliminated and water will be treated in long term period. In respect to groundwater sources, municipality developed subscription system to determine unregistered wells and provided water conservation by installing water meters. Closing of these wells could be realized in near future. Additionally, construction of a 5000 m3 capacity water storage tank has been started in the university campus area to and will be completed by the end of this month. Water to the tank will be abstracted from wells”. Mr. Mehmet Orki, Muhktar of Aktepe District, gave examples from his previous visits and suggested construction of a sewer line for future connections not to destroy existing structures. Mr. Cinar explained that even there were no residential areas through a sewer line, manholes were planned on the route for future development possibilities. Mrs. Hulkiye Erguner from Provincial Directorate of Ministry of Environment and Forestry proposed that sewer construction would be performed at night time especially on streets having shopping centers. In her opinion, these works would create noise and traffic problem if realized during day time. Mr. Cinar answered her question and said “locations of the construction areas and other factors will be taken into consideration before preparation of work plans. For instance, at the sites in which groundwater table is relatively high, works will be performed preferably during day time (as land slide risk was high). Nonetheless work can be executed nighttime wherever conditions are suitable to work at night”. Mrs. Huriye İncecik from Provincial Directorate of Ministry of Environment and Forestry asked about stormwater collection system. Mr. Vardar briefly summarized the ongoing projects. In this scope he mentioned that Denizli Municipality had investments for 4 years and two main collectors serving two main parts of the city (2400 mm in diameter) were already completed. Sewer and stormwater systems would be separated gradually by connecting projected secondary lines. The stormwater projects were planned at basin scale. Mr. Tahir Altintas, Muhktar of Sarikapilar District emphasized that; water supply system construction should have been started from old town. Moreover he talked about problems created by uncontrolled stormwater. Then he asked completion of construction works without any delay. Mr. Samil explained that rehabilitation project mainly targeted old towns. In this context spatially small changes could be considered. Furthermore, execution of construction works simultaneously for water supply, sewer and stormwater systems were planned to minimize impacts. As to street widening, there was no solid work except main roads. Besides, Municipality reserved a budget for expropriation in the scope of these projects. Last question in the meeting was from Mr. Yasin Efesoy student at the University. He said that they followed projects conducted by Municipality and shared their opinions via internet. In this context Mr. Efesoy complained about lack of public interest to the investments and suggested cooperation to raise public awareness. He also mentioned that formerly organized tea parties were successful to reach public and presently internet could be suggested as effective tool serving the same purpose. Therefore, cooperation was necessary to achieve the goal. Mr. Cinar expressed his pleasure from this contribution and mentioned that during the project implementation there could be some deficiencies in public information process. Since authorized staff could not be at the site continuously. Updated news on the projects had been published at Municipality web site and this application would continue. However tea parties effective part of the process had to be interrupted due to elections. In regard to importance of local meetings, role of press and media, he agreed on Mr. Efesoy’s arguments. Based on the discussions, it could be concluded that during implementation of the projects, main problems are caused by (i) insensitivity of contractor firms to public’s disturbance and (ii) lack of public awareness about the planned works. Consequently, following aspects has to be taken in to consideration in the prepared management plan to minimize problems:
Figure 6.7. News about public awareness meeting at local press REFERENCES
NOMENCLATURE WB: World Bank EMP: Environmental Management Plan GNP: Gross National Product AC: Asbestos Cement TAP: Association of Portable Battery Producers HSE: Health, Safety and Environment PRU: Public Relations Unit IMC: Independent Monitoring Company EAP: Emergency Action Plan Directory: curated curated -> Concept stage curated -> Concept stage curated -> Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Urbanization Review curated -> Report No: aus11011 Central America curated -> Report No. 94474-pk fiscal Disaster Risk Assessment Options for Consideration curated -> Environmental and Social Management Framework for the Costa Rica Telecommunications Sector Modernization Project curated -> Environment Impact Assessment For Jiangxi Shangrao Sanqingshan Airport Beijing Guohuantiandi Environmental Technology Development Center. Ltd. Oct. 2012 Content curated -> Growth through Innovation An Industrial Strategy for Shanghai By Shahid Yusuf Kaoru Nabeshima April 22nd, 2009 curated -> Report No: 70178. People's Republic of China Download 0.5 Mb. Share with your friends:
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