Environment Activities

The most significant environmental protection events were held in Arkhenergo, Karelenergo and Pskovenergo branches of JSC IDGC of the North-West.

In Arkhenergo branch of JSC IDGC of the North-West, the following activities were held:

• Completed development and coordination of draft MPE for Mezensky Distribution Zone (DZ), permission received for emissions of pollutants into the air.
• Development and coordination of a draft allowable release norm (ARN) for Mezensky DZ was completed, permission was received for the discharge of pollutants into water objects, as well as a decision was made on the provision of a water object for wastewater disposal.
• Development and coordination of draft waste generation norms and disposal limits for Vilyegodskiy and Lensky DZ, PA Kotlas EG, documents on the approval of waste generation norms and disposal limits were completed.
• Changes were introduced to seven subsoil use licenses regarding their extension until 2024.
• Improvements were made on the sites for temporary storage of waste. The Company purchased and installed standard metal containers for storage of solid domestic waste, as well as concrete slabs. The costs were RUB 412.91 thous. (excluding VAT).
• The Company made preparatory work for the liquidation and localization of oil spills. The costs were RUB 37.41 thous. (excluding VAT).
• The Company completed reconstruction of oil receivers, oil pipelines, emergency oil collectors on Kuznechevskaya Substation, which is part of the first start-up facility.

In 2014, at the training site of Pskovenergo affiliate of JSC IDGC of the North-West a large-scale reconstruction of artesian water treatment plant was carried out for drinking and household needs.

In order to comply with the environmental legislation, as well as to monitor the quality of water coming from the well, a production control Program was developed which includes quarterly laboratory studies. The studies were aimed at determining the level of organoleptic and microbiological parameters monitored under in SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 Drinking water. Hygienic Regulations of the Water Quality of Centralized Drinking Water Supply Systems.

Experts of Neva Water Treatment Technology LLC developed a water treatment project with the selection of optimal water treatment equipment, which allowed bringing water to the required quality standards taking into account all additional factors, including small amount of water consumption, weather conditions in the area, etc.

As a result, in Q3 2014 the equipment was put into operation. Control measurements showed that all controlled water quality indicators comply with the sanitary rules and norms.

Measures to protect the environment are developed in the branches of JSC IDGC of the North-West on an annual basis. The activities are focused on the collection and transfer of 1-4 hazard class waste by specialized companies licensed for decontamination and disposal of waste. The Company carries out continuous monitoring of the activities.

As part of the environmental policy, the affiliates of JSC IDGC of the North-West conducted routine replacement of oil switches with vacuum and sulfur hexafluoride switches. The purpose of these actions is the implementation of the environmental legislation requirements and prevention of environmental pollution.

Karelenergo branch of JSC IDGC of the North-West performed complete decommissioning and disposal of equipment containing PCBs. Under the contract of April 02, 2014 with JSC Cuprite, the Company transferred for disposal 46 capacitors KS2-10,5-67-2UZ (2,668 t); expenses amounted to RUB 272.988 thous., excluding VAT.

Kolenergo branch of JSC IDGC of the North-West has scheduled the disposal of capacitors containing PCBs for 2016.

Modern equipment installed within the framework of modernization of the grids and decommissioning of obsolete equipment allow reducing negative environment impact in transportation and distribution of electricity.

The branches of JSC IDGC of the North-West carry out land improvements on the territories of power grid bases.

In order to prevent animal incursions at substations and getting an electrical shock the territories are fenced and working mechanisms are equipped with covers. Transmission lines, supports and insulators are equipped (in the period of migration as needed) with special bird scare devices, including devices preventing from nesting in the areas allowing contact of birds with conductive wires.

In 2014, Pskovenergo branch carried out the following technical arrangements for protection of the animal world, including birds:

Developed environmental measures are included in the Environmental Policy Implementation Program of IDGC of the North-West. Branches provide quarterly reports on the implementation of these activities.

In 2014, employees of JSC IDGC of the North-West were trained under the following programs:

• Provision of Environmental Safety by Managers and Specialists of General Management Systems — 8 employees;
• Provision of Environmental Safety relating to Waste Treatment — 6 employees.

The Company employs seven environmental engineers certified to perform environmental audit and having certificates of environmental auditors (six — in the Company’s branches, one — in the executive body).

Environmental audit is carried out at the Company’s facilities in order to prevent violations of the environmental protection requirements as well as to reduce the negative impact of economic activities on the environment.