6.2 Centralised Irrigation Systems ‘Tectinical Notes Engineering ‘The irrigation systems (CIS) developed typically consists of a primary pump station at the water source, conveyance facilities, a balancing reservoir (basins) in some cases, a secondary pump station and/or a tertiary pressure pump station, an underground (tertiary) pipe network with hydrants, and on-farm irrigation equipment. Historically, the on-farm equipment west of the Nistru in Moldova almost exclusively comprised large-scale sprinkler irrigation systems that required high pressures at the hydrants. ‘The layout of a typical CIS Page |Each CIS comprises numerous irrigation systems each with multiple pump stations. ‘The objective of the individual pump stations is to either provide pressure and capacity for the itrigation equipment or to convey water from one pump station to another, Based on the application, irrigation or conveyance, the size, type and configuration of the station will vary. ‘The primary/secondary pump stations pump stations are equipped with a number of pumps capable of lifting water from a lower elevation (such as the river) to a pump station (or i some ceases ittigation land) at a higher elevation. ‘The primary/secondary pump stations typically have fewer pumps. Ina few cases, these pump stations, in addition to lifting water will also irrigate the land within their service areas. Alternatively, as is the case with Cahul and Chircani-Zimegti, the primary pump stations function exclusively to extract water from the source and pump it directly to the irrigation land. ‘The tertiary (pressure) pump stations are designed to provide the required flows at adequate pressures to irrigate land within their service areas. Irigation pumps usually are smaller pumps and designed to provide the appropriate capacity and pressure for the individual irrigation equipment used and total hectares to be irrigated. The service area can vary in size from 90 ha to 2,000 ha. There are a total of 34 pressure pump stations for all the CIS under consideration serving a total area of 15,535 ha, ‘These pump stations were designed to deliver water at the hydrants (at the end of the piping network) at a pressure ranging between 6 and 10 bars. This was adequate considering the watering equipment used to irrigate the fields discharged water at a pressure range between 3 to 6 bars. ‘The overall configuration of primary pump stations is similar. ‘The stations typically have a free ‘water surface in the form of a retention basin, Retention basins serve to hydraulically separate all the pump stations, and provide storage at each site to allow for customized control of the station. Bach pump is connected to the basin through a network of buried suction piping. The pump types are consistent throughout the service areas, Most pumps are horizontal split case pumps with electric motors. The discharge piping is connected to a header that conveys flow to the irrigation system, or to a downstream pump station. The piping at the pump stations is generally steel or ductile iron with a series of isolation and check valves. Most stations have ancillary systems to support the pumps or station, Those systems are vacuum, or priming pumps to ensure air is removed from the lines prior to pump startup. This is a necessary function for the proper operation of the pumps. Some stations are also equipped with drainage ot sump pumps to remove any water that may collect on the floor. The vacuum and drainage system vary in design and materials. Another ancillary system found at most stations is a bridge crane. These eranes are necessary to properly maintain the equipment at the station. ‘The bridge cranes are either manually or electrically operated. ‘The irrigation systems in Moldova rely heavily on pumping water to the farms. The static pumping head ranges from 40 m to more than 300 m. A distribution of pumping heights in the inrigation schemes is presented the table below: Page2‘Aroa under Varying Pump 7 Fume Head. 7 (my Love then $0. S0t0 99 100 +0 145 15040 199 200-to 299) Foy ana above Total Beas ___ [eo 3.0 Electrical Systems {All pump stations are fed with power by the local utilities at either medium voltage (MV) level (10 kV, 6 KV, or 4 kV), and/or low voltage (LV) level (400 V). The adjacent substations, or load centers, next to or in the proximity of the pump stations are owned and maintained by the power utility. The power supply starts with an incoming overhead (OH) or underground (UG) power fine, which originates from a Power Substation, and ends with a step-down transformer usually placed next to the pump station, ‘There are three power suppliers (the “Utility”) in Moldova: Union Fenosa (the largest), Rednord, ‘and Moldelecttica By convention, the demarcation point (DP) between Apele Moldovei and the Utility has been established at the pump station wall transition insulators if the connection is in overhead bus, or at the cable terminal in the switchgear if the conncetion is underground. Upstream of the DP, the obligations for maintenance and operations are assumed by the Utility, while downstream of the DP is the responsibility of AM personnel. In all cases, the energy metering units are on the low voltage side of the step-down transformers, so the upstream power losses are absorbed by the Utility. The following figure provides a basic schematic that illustrates the agreement between the two entities: Typical Power Supply for Pump Station TYPICAL POWER SUPPLY OR APUMPING STATION Based on the above convention, the medium voltage power lines (35 kV, 10 kV, and 6 kV), the main power transformers, and the associated equipment (disconnect switches, circuit breakers, fuses) are maintained by the Utility. There are several situations where the above equipment missing due to vandalism and/or theft. In such cases, as stipulated by the national regulations, the Utility does NOT take the responsibility to rebuild the power supply. The same approach applies if the transformers for instance need to be upgraded due to higher power demand by Apele Page 3Moldovei. ‘The consumer is expected to pay for the upgrades/re-construction, and then transfer the electrical equipment to the Utility for maintenance. After discussions with Union Fenosa to find a compromise on this issue and to eliminate a burden to the project, the Utility suggested that all these situations to be inventoried and submitied to the Ministry of Energy (ME). The ME has the authority to include such kind of works into the “Development Plan” paid for by the Utility. This subject matter is worth pursuing with ME since the estimated costs to fix the power supplies can reach as much as $1.5 million. This cost has been included in the compact estimates. Other issues like category of consumer, allowable voltage/frequency variations, and maximum uration of power outages are not clearly defined in the contract with the Utility. Union Fenosa proposes to review these clauses on a case by case basis, looking at various factors like the condition of power supply, length, age, loads, demand, etc. Currently, there is no Load Shedding program in effect in Moldova, since there is enough power generated in the country to satisfy consumers around the clock. All pump stations are fed with power from one source, only. If that fails, the pumps are dormant until power is restored. At the time this Report is compiled, Union Fenosa cannot ensure Emergency Diesel units for any pump station in case of long power ‘outages. During the field reconnaissance assessment, visual inspections at conducted to evaluate the condition of the main electrical components: switchgear, control and automation panels, power and control cables, cable racks, grounding, and lighting. Besides surveying the indoor electrical equipment owned and maintained by Apele Moldovei, similar consideration was given to the outdoor equipment owned by the local Power Utility: power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and overhead power lines. Nameplate data has been collected where safely accessible. During detailed design, when the total installed power capacity for each pump station is determined, analyses will need to be conducted to confirm the sizing, coordination and other requirements of the electrical equipment. Pipe Network The total underground pressure pipe network (covering 15,535 ha) is covered by a total length of ‘more than 400 km of principal, secondary and tertiary pipes varying in diameter. Pipe materials are concrete, asbestos cement and steel. From the underground pipe network the water is distributed to the field through hydrants and sprinkler equipment. Hydrants for sprinkler equipment are spaced at 50 ~ 72 m along tertiary pipes. The distance between tertiary pipes varies in the range 600 ~ 800 m. Sprinkler spacing is normally 18 x 24 m up to 24 x 24m. Site Conditions ‘The assessment of site conditions entailed identifying parameters directly affecting crop production and productivity of the irrigated land, ie, topography and soil agronomic characteristics forall 11 CIS. Moldova is located in southeastern Europe, bordering Ukraine to its north, east and south, and Romania to the west. It has maximum dimensions of 350 km (north-south) by 150 km (east- Page 4west) and a surface area of 33,846 km?, ‘The landscape is dominated by rolling hills. The mean altitude of the country is 147 m above sea level (masl) and the highest elevation is 429 masl around central Moldova. ‘The topography of the 16 CIS under assessment varies from flood plain clevations ranging around 0-10 mas! (such as the ease with ‘Talmaza along the Nistru and Cahul along the Prut) to elevation at high benches between the two rivers at elevations as high as 200 masl. Moldova is richly endowed with soils highly suitable for agricultural production. Soils are mainly: ‘© Heavy textured which cover 64% of the territory covered by heavy loam soils and 17% by loam soils. © Carbonate (21% of the area), ordinary (21% of area), leached (favorable for many agricultural plants covering 13% of areas), and typical black soils (9% of area), the most favorable for arable agriculture, make up the heavy textured soils. * Alluvial soils, of which 55% are saline, cover 10% of the land. © Grey wood soils are found at elevations above 250-270 m and cover about 10% of the country. Over the last century, the average humus content of soils has decreased from 6% to 3.2% due to anthropogenic activities. Poor agricultural practices have contributed to increasing erosion and soil loss, with more than 17% of agricultural lands being heavily eroded and 33.9% of all arable lands (more than 858,000 ha) eroded to varying degeees. Erosion is increasing at 0.9% annually, with annual soil losses to erosion of approximately 26 million tons of soil containing 700,000 tons of humus, $0,000 tons of nitrogen and 34,000 tons of phosphorus. These soil losses translate {nto annual agricultural Losses of 525,000 tons of food crops and 57,000 tons of fruit and grapes. The highest incidences of erosion have been recorded in the Calarasi, Ungheni, Cahul and Hincesti Districts. Soil degradation also results from compaction due to the passage of heavy equipment, although this has decreased in recent years duc to farmers’ lack of access to such equipment. In addition, in areas of alternating permeable and impermeable strata, under the right hydrological conditions, landslides and/or land subsidence may occur and further contribute to land degeadation. Currently, landslides affect an area of 55,500 ha, mostly within central Moldova. This area is increasing by 1,000 ha annually. There are approximately 6,200 active ravines in the country, and nearly 80,000 ha that have been completely degraded by ravines. ‘Total annual losses to the Moldovan economy as a result of soil degradation have been estimated at about US$ 251 million, High soil alkalinity and salinity, commonly generated by poor irrigation practice in the past, affect large areas of land in Moldova (107,500 ha and 112,200 ha respectively, of which 30 to 35% are arable land). Overgrazing further exacerbates land degradation, Moldova has deep and highly fertile rich black soils that cover approximately 75% of the country. The type of soil found in Moldova that is of concem includes, Solonetz, which as described in the USU report, is “sodic, high clay content soil”. Irigation on these soils would require reclamation and drainage. ‘These soils are generally found in the west, southwest regions of the country. Specific to the CIS in consideration, these soils were observed to border the irrigation areas in Chircani-Zirnesti and Cahul. Page 5No historical records of fertilizers usage (or any other chemicals) were readily available. However, groundwater contamination has been reported from abuse of fertlizers,pesticides, and herbicides during the Soviet era. Previous available monitoring reports from the early 1990s showed no indication of widespread salinity or sodicity problems even in the CIS identified with potential problems. Periodic assessments of salinity (and by inference the drainage status) are required by lavr in Moldova. However, such assessments have not been done for at least 10 years mostly because of the lack of funds. Water Resources ‘The Prut and Nistru Rivers are the two major sources of surface water in Moldova. Based on analysis of available data: ‘© Assuming an extraction rate of 1 Ips/ha at each of the seven CIS proposed for rehabilitation, approximately 42% of the Prut River flow (available in Moldova) will be used for irrigation during average flow conditions, while 79% of this flow (available in Moldova) will be used for irrigation during drought conditions. ‘© The nine proposed CIS rehabilitated irrigation schemes, each extracting water at a rate of 1 Ipstha would consume approximately 22% of the flow in Nistru River for itrigation during normal flow conditions, and approximately 46% of the flow during drought conditions. Rehabilitation Plans Rehabilitation plans for each CIS were developed based on the assessment of its existing conditions, and the existing CIS’s ability to deliver the required water for HVA crop cultivation, as recommended in the USU report and as directed by MCC. Based on these crop water requirements, the following criteria established the basis for infrastructure needs: ‘© Ability for the CIS to supply a flow of 1 Ipsiha (established based on MC acceptance of USU recommendation); ‘A minimum water pressure at the hydrants of 4 bars (established based on. discussions between MCC, MCA-Moldova and Apele Moldovei); and Energy efficient systems. In defining the infrastructure requirements for the above criteria, the following assumptions were made: + ‘Tho typical watering equipment is assumed to be Reel Hose, Hand-moving laterals, Drip irrigation equipment or of similar kind that function at the mini pressure identified; # Discharge rate of the water equipment is assumed to be 20 Ips; and «Pressure pump stations would need to have adequate capacity to meet the I Ips/ha criteria. Page 6Since there was potential for the present capacities of existing pump stations and underground pipe networks to be lower than the requested capacity criteria (1 Ips/ha), hydraulic analysis was undertaken for each of the 11 CIS to assess the capacity could satisfy the required design criteria, ‘Subsequently, pumps and pipes were identified for rehabilitation. In summary, the proposed rehabilitation include: ‘The following descrip © Rehabilitation interventions identified and included in Section 3.0, based on technical assessment of present condition of existing infrastructure (pump stations, pipe network, hydrants, dams, drainage network ete.); ‘© Replacement of pump units to provide capacity to meet the design criteria of 1 Ipshnas + New pump stations to provide the desired capacity of lips/ha where simply increasing/replacing existing pumps capacities was not sufficient, © Replacement of existing pipes to higher diameter pipes to handle increased flows (1 Ips/ha) and minimize hydraulic energy losses; * Additional pipes and hydrants required for the new watering equipment to cover the original irrigated areas; ns summarize the interventions to be done at each of the sites included in the compact: Blindesti: Water source: Prut River Area: 52] ha. ‘The system was completed in 1971 and was subsequently rehabilitated in 1986. Water is pumped through three pumping stations with thirteen total pumps. ‘The pumps stations are currently inoperable, Individual mechanical and electrical components are worn out and require rehabilitation or replacement. ‘The underground pipe network is in fairly adequate condition, but some hydrants and valves are not functioning or are damaged beyond repair and will need to be replaced. The stations are adequately sized for the proposed flow requirements; therefore pump sizing and power requirements will not change. Cahut: Water souirce: Prut River. ‘Area: 1,930 ha ‘The system was completed in 1963 and has not been rehabilitated since, The system consists of four pumping stations (for two stations, the irrigation and drainage pumps are in the same structure) and twenty one-total pumps. Approximately half of the stations are inoperable due to previous flooding or deferred maintenance, and all stations require substantial rehabilitation, Although the underground piping network is in fairly good condition, there still exist broken pipes, hydrants and valves that do not function oF are damaged beyond repair and will need to be replaced. Based on the proposed irrigation Page 7rates, some pump stations should be designed for increased capacity. Pump sizing and power requirements will also change. Cosnita: Water source: Nistru River Area: 2,800 ha The system consists of four independent subsystems completed in two phases: S-1 and ‘SP-4 were built in 1963; while $-2 and S-3 were commissioned in 1978. This system has not been rehabilitated since then. In these subsystems there are five pump stations with a tofal of nineteen pumps. All pumping stations are functional, but three stations are in need of substantial rehabilitation. ‘The underground piping network is defective: There is not enough pressure at hydrants and the main pipes break frequently. Based on the proposed rehabilitation, pump station capacities should be increased to meet the required irrigation demand. The increased capacity requires new pumps and motors. The hydrants and distribution (branching) wells are missing or need repaii Criuleni Water source: Nistru River Area: 677 ha ‘The system was completed in 1985 and has not been rehabilitated since. The system consists of three irrigation pump stations with a total of six pumps. Currently, one pump station is not operational and requires substantial rehabilitation, while the other two pump stations are operational. ‘The underground piping network is in bad condition, Most of the ittigated area served by NSP-1 is no longer in working condition due the disappearance of key parts and structures like hydrants and distribution (branching) wells. ‘The proposed rehabilitation includes increasing the capacity of NSP-1 and NSP-2 in order to mect the irrigation needs, New pumps and motors are required at these stations, Valves, piping and ancillary systems shall be repaired or replaced as needed. Grozesti: Water source: Prut River Area: 1,018 ha ‘The system was completed in 1973 and has not been rehabilitated since. The system consists of two pumping stations with ten total pumps. Both stations are functional, but in need of rehabilitation, ‘The underground piping network is in reasonably good condition, but still there are broken pipes, hydrants and valves which are not functioning, cor ate damaged beyond repair, Due to these damages, delivering water across the entire area of the scheme has become impracticable. The proposed rehabilitation requires capacity in this system to be increased, requiring new pumps and motors. Valves, piping anid ancillary systems shall be repaired or replaced as needed. Jora de Jos: Water source: Nistru Area: 1,165 ha ‘The system was completed in 1977 and was last rehabilitated in 1988. The system consists of four pumping stations with twenty-one total pumps. All four st er Page 8‘operational, but they are in need of rehabilitation. ‘The underground piping network is in reasonably good condition, but still there are hydrants and valves that are not functioning ‘or are damaged beyond repair. The proposed rehabilitation requires the capacity of two pump stations be increased to meet the irrigation needs, New pumps and motors are required at these stations Leova Sud: ‘Water Source: Prut Area: 963 ha ‘The system was completed in 1992 and has not been rehabilitated since. The system consists of two pump stations with a total of six pumps. Currently, the influent station, S- functional but in need of rehabilitation. The other pump station, S-2, is in a state of ruin and not salvageable. In general, the underground pipe network is in reasonably good condition, Under the proposed rehabili n, S-28 is adequately sized but the capacity of $-2 needs to be increased. At $-28, all pumps should be repaired and the motors replaced. Pump station $-2 should be replaced in its entirety. 7 Lopatna: Water source: Nistru River Area: $06 ha ‘The system was completed in 1974 and has not been rehabilitated since then. ‘The system consists of two pump stations with a total of 8 pumps. Currently, the influent station is functional and gravity conveys water flow to the nearby basin. The other pump station is ina state of ruin and is not salvageable. Although the underground piping network isi fairly good condition, still there are hydrants and valves that are not functioning or are damaged beyond repair. Under the scope of the proposed rehabilitation, the stations are adequately sized for the proposed flow requirements; therefore pump sizing and power requirements will not change. At the influent station, all pumps should be repair and the motors replaced. The other pump station should be replaced in its entirety. Puhaceni: Water source: Nistru River Area: 856 ha The system was completed in 1964, and has not been rehabilitated since. ‘The system consists of 2 pump stations, independent from each other (S-17 & S-18), with a total of 6 pumps. The pump stations are functional. ‘The underground irrigation pipe network needs repairs: approximately one third of the network needs to be replaced, and all the hydrants need to be replaced. Based on the proposed rehabilitation, the pumps are under sized for the irrigation needs. Pumps at both stations should be increased in capacity. The piping at one station needs to be increased in size to account for the higher flow rate. Roseani: Water source: Nistru River Area: 682 ha ‘The system was completed in 1983 and has not been rehabilitated since. ‘The system consists of two pump stations (S-20 & S-22) with a combined total of 7 pumps. Page 9Currently, the influent station S-20 is not functional but station S-22 is. Currently a farmers’ cooperative operates the system. Only about 160 ha are irrigated. The system also provides water for about 140 ha which is not part of the original designed command area, The farmers have replaced and installed alternative reaches of pipe to get water to some areas, but many hydrants and the distribution (pipe branching manholes) have missing parts or are totally damaged. The main pipe breaks at least 3 to 4 times during the season. Under the proposed rehabilitation, the stations are adequately sized for the proposed flow requirements; therefore pump sizing and power requirements will not change. Three of the pumps should be repaired, and all motors replaced. Valves, piping and ancillary systems shall be repaired or replaced based on field assessment. Chircani-Zirnesti: ‘Water source: Prut River Area: 4,417 ha The system, composed of five pumping stations (three for itrigation; two for drainage) and twenty pumps, was completed in 1963 and has not been rehabilitated since. Only ‘one pump station in the system is operational, all others are in need of substantial rehabilitation, ‘The underground piping network is in fairly good condition, but there are still broken pipes, hydrants and valves that are not functioning, or ate damaged beyond repair. Due fo the damage, delivering water across the entire area of the scheme has become impracticable. Based on the proposed irrigation needs, the three irrigation pumping stations are under capacity and should be replaced. Valves, piping and ancillary systems shall be repaired or replaced as needed. Page 10