AEF Locland Limited

completed

- 2 - April 23, 1998International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name AEF – KENYA: Locland Ltd.Region Sub-Saharan Africa Sector Horticultural ProductsProject No. 009056 April 23, 1998 1. This project involves the establishment of 2 ha of greenhouses to grow flowers and high value vegetables for export and the domestic market on an existing 30 ha farm at Kitengela, 32 km from Nairobi. The sponsor has a technical cooperation agreement with Sunripe (K) Ltd., one of the largest and more experienced growers and exporters in the country. This agreement will enhance the environmental management of Locland’s operations through Sunripe’s technical input, particularly with regard to pesticides management.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:· Chemical handling and application;· Integrated pest management (IPM);· Water supply;· Liquid and solid waste disposal;· Chemical container disposal;· CFCs;· Provision of personal protective equipment and employee training; and· Regular medical checkups for employees handling chemicals.The information provided by Locland 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. Locland will implement several key IPM measures; including regular pest monitoring, crop rotation, cross contamination avoidance, and detailed recordkeeping. Staff at all levels will be trained in pest recognition and monitoring methods. Severely diseased plants will be removed and burned. Fields and greenhouses will be kept clean to prevent the spreading of disease. Combinations of chemicals will not be used more than three consecutive times in order to prevent the development of pesticide resistance.4. The chemicals and pesticides used by Locland are all permissible as per local law, and European Union requirements. The sponsor has committed to only utilize chemicals which comply with World Bank guidelines and regulations for pesticides. Methyl Bromide will not be used, an alternate biodegradable chemical will be used instead.5. Water will be sourced from two onsite boreholes. Pump tests reveal that the recharge rate is rapid, and in over 2 years of pumping water levels have not dropped. There are no other nearby users who will be impacted by this borehole use. Water use will be kept to a minimum through drip irrigation. There are Masai nearby who are provided with a water tank free of charge for their cattle. In addition, Locland purchase manure from the Masai for use as fertilizer. 6. Solid waste generated at the site will be composted or, in the case of used pesticide containers and packaging waste, incinerated. Certain chemically safe green wastes, as appropriate, are provided free to the Masai as a cattle feed. Sewage generated on site is disposed of via soakaway/pit latrines. Liquid wastes from chemical mixing or fertilizer application are not generated as Locland applies these through the drip irrigation system.7. All refrigeration and cold storage facilities will be CFC free.8. A team of six employees, under the guidance of a trained supervisor, will conduct the spraying. Teams of three will spray on alternate days. The sponsor will provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to all personnel applying pesticides and those handling chemicals the PPE will include gloves, masks, gum boots and appropriate overalls. Employees also receive regular training regarding proper storage and handling of pesticides and chemicals. Regular medical checkups will be given to all employees and their families.9. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that Locland 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 Locland Ltd. and by conducting periodic supervision.lb/aef/kenya/locland ers.docP:\PIC\kee09056.docMay 6, 1998 6:28 PM