AEF Gomba Fishing Company

completed

- 2 - November 6, 1998International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name AEF-UGANDA: Gomba Fishing Industries Ltd.Region Sub-Saharan AfricaSector AgribusinessProject No. 009245 1. This project involves the relocation and modernization of an existing 15 tpd fish processing plant located at Jinja on Lake Victoria. A new plant, of the same capacity, will be located on an adjacent plot, and the existing plant will be converted into a storage area.2. This is a category B project according to IFC’s environmental review procedure because specific impacts may result which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The review of the project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor, and the technical appraisal and site review completed by IFC’s Technical and Environment staff. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:· land use;· impacts from past operations;· fish supply;· liquid effluent treatment and disposal;· sewage and solid waste disposal;· water and power supply;· hygiene and housekeeping;· CFC-free refrigeration; and· employee training and general safety.The information provided by Gomba Fishing Industries Ltd. about how each of these potential impacts will be addressed in the development of the proposed project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. The sponsor has confirmed that the site for the new facility is vacant and no economic activity is being undertaken on the site by any party. Based on information provided by the company contamination associated with past operations does not appear to be an issue as waste is being appropriately handled. Gomba had infact received, in 1997, a certificate of recognition from Uganda’s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)for it’s efforts in improving industrial effluent handling.4. Given that plant capacity will remain at 15 tpd the project will not result in any incremental demand for fish from Lake Victoria. Catch rate statistics compiled by Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, indicate that catch rates for Lake Victoria have remained consistently in the 100,000 tpa range during the period 1994-1997. Catch rates supplied by the sponsor for 1998 are 102,000 tons to September. While consistent catch rates over a 5 year period indicate, for the moment, a steady resource supply, the sponsor will report to IFC annually on catch rates of key species purchased and, in coordination with IFC, adjust consumption based on trends in sustainable supply.5. All liquid waste (including plant floor washings) generated by Gomba is pretreated through settling, neutralization and aeration ponds located on site. Effluent is then discharged to the Municipal Treatment Plant in Jinja for further treatment. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation conduct regular inspections and testing of Gomba’s effluent discharges and have confirmed that these are within permissible limits and that they can handle Gomba’s discharges.6. All solid waste generated from processing (including cut-offs and bones) are converted into fishmeal and sold to animal feed manufacturers. Fish skins are sold to a tannery that is a sister company of Gomba. Solid waste requiring disposal is therefore minimal and is handled as per local municipal requirements.7. Water and power are supplied by the local/national grid. Water meets WHO standards and fuel tanks associated with backup power supply are provided with secondary containment structures. The sponsor has confirmed that no new CFC based cold storage equipment will be installed.8. With respect to plant hygiene and health issues the plant operates it’s own laboratory to monitor fish quality. NEMA, the National Bureau of Standards, the EU, and overseas buyers conduct regular inspections of the plant. Employees are provided with regular safety training, emergency response, and protective equipment. Regular medical checkups are also provided to all employees and first facilities are available on site.9. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that Gomba Fishing Industries Ltd. proposed project will meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines and host country requirements.10. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines during the lifetime of the project by evaluating reports submitted annually to IFC by Gomba Fishing Industries Ltd. and by conducting periodic supervision.S:\AEF Projects\Uganda\Gomba-9245\gomba ers.docNovember 6, 1998 3:21 PM