AEF Mayo Fish S.A.

completed

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATIONA Member of the World Bank GroupINTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATIONA Member of the World Bank Group Environmental Review Summary (ERS) Project Name Mauritania-Mayo Fish S.ARegion Sub-Saharan AfricaSector FisheriesProject No. 007605 May 17, 1996 1. This project, which is being financed through the Africa Enterprise Fund, involves upgrading and expansion of an existing fresh fish export business by establishing a new company specialized in fishing operations, and onshore fish processing. The company will process approximately 450 tons of fish per year, 40% of which will be purchased from local artisanal fisherman. Fishing will be conducted using improved artisanal methods, for a planned catch of approximately 300 tons per year of high value demersal fish. Two small fiberglass fishing boats, with a capacity of 3 to 6 tons of fish per week each, will be acquired for the project. Fish will be processed in an onshore facility in Nouakchott that will include a preparation and packaging unit, a freezing tunnel, cold storage rooms, an ice making unit and ice silos.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 following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:liquid and solid waste disposal:Fishing Operations· resource sustainability;· safety at sea;· fire protection;· recycling/disposal of used motor fluids and oils; and· compliance with all applicable Mauritanian maritime requirements.Fish Processing Plant· liquid and solid waste disposal;· CFC-free cold storage;· provision of personal protective equipment; and· general housekeeping and plant hygiene.The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the proposed project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow3. Fishing Operations· Resource Sustainability All fish purchased and caught by Mayo Fish originates from the special artisanal fishing zone set aside by the Government for small vessels. The Government is currently restructuring the fishing sector and is putting in place various laws relating to sustainability. These measures include: one month per year moratorium on fishing, fish size, and fishing techniques. There are also bans in place on fishing certain species. Mayo Fish will be using hook and line methods to catch fish, this is a less harmful and species specific technique of catching fish and result in minimal bycatch. The Mauritanian Fisheries Department estimates sustainable demersal catch levels in the special zone to be around 80,000 tpa, the current artisanal catch is approximately 7,500 tpa. Mayo Fish will report to IFC on the sustainability issue on a yearly basis, and will ensure that their catch levels and purchasing operations are in line with resource to catch ratio.· Safety at Sea personnel will be trained in navigation and life safety techniques. Equipment on board will include inflatable lifejackets, emergency flares, and radio communication equipment. Fire extinguishers will also be provided. Operations will fully comply with Mauritanian safety, employment, and fishing laws; boat engines will not exceed the 200 hp limit set for artisanal craft in the reserved 6 mile coastal zone.· Disposal of Used Oils all used oils from the two vessels will be recovered for sale to recycling facilities.4. Fish Processing· Waste Disposal Liquid waste will be channeled into a septic system from where it will pass through a charcoal filter. Subsequently waste will enter a sand filter prior to discharge to the ground. Mayo Fish have committed to conduct, immediately following plant startup, final discharge water sampling tests to confirm that this system is functioning adequately in order to reduce BO, TOSS, and Oil&Grease levels to meet World Bank guidelines. If testing proves effluent quality to be in non-compliance, the sponsor has committed to then immediately proceed with installing a grease trap/skimmer, and aerobic and anaerobic ponds in order to settle solids and aerate effluent. Solid waste from processing will either be sold for use as a supplement in animal feed or disposed of via municipal incineration services. All solids recovered from the charcoal and sand filters will also be incinerated by municipal services.· Cold Storage will utilize an R-22 based cold storage system. R-22 is a transitional substance and is currently an acceptable refrigerant under the Montreal Protocol.· Employee Safety and Plant Hygiene Employees will be provided with personal protective equipment as necessary and will receive basic safety training. Ablution services will be provided. With regard to hygiene the plant will be designed and operated according to EC standards. All surfaces will be washed daily. The plant will be equipped with fire extinguishers and alarms.5. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that proposed project is being designed to meet the Government of Mauritania’s requirements, and World Bank policies and environmental, health and safety guidelines.6. IFC will monitor Mayo Fish’s ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.l:\wpeu\lb\aef\mauritania\mayofish.ers