EuroTel Bratislava a.s.

completed

October 27, 1998Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name SLOVAKIA: Euro Tel Bratislava Region EuropeSector TelecommunicationsProject No. 009318 1. This project involves the financing of Euro Tel’s continued build-out of its mobile cellular telecommunications network and improve the Company’s capital structure. The network build-out is expected to increase the company’s subscriber base from 150,000 to 380,000 by the end of 2000.2. 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 this 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 Department staff. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:· right-of-way alignment· land acquisition;· development of previously undisturbed land;· tower site selection;· PCBs and Halons;· solid and liquid waste treatment and disposal;· fire prevention and emergency response; and· worker safety.The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with applicable governmental and World Bank requirements. The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. No land associated with cell sites or ROW are purchased by the company, all land is leased from owners on a willing basis. Selection of cell sites and ROW establishment requires the clearance of the respective Regional Environment Offices. Once cell site locations are selected by the company on an engineering basis, sites are approved by the Regional Environment Office who take into account ecological, water resource, atmospheric protection, agricultural protection, waste disposal, fire safety and civil defense. Following clearance by this office a Land Decision is issued and then a Building Permit. Any construction of ROW or cell sites in environmentally sensitive areas, i.e., national park or protected area, will be cleared with IFC by the company prior to construction. Cell sites which are erected on culturally significant buildings/structures are reviewed and approved by the Slovakian Office for Protection of Historic Sites.4. Solid and liquid waste generated as part of the project are minimal. Sewage (and other liquid waste) and general solid waste generated at office locations will be disposed of as per local law. No air emissions are generated by ongoing operations, except vehicles which are regularly maintained. The most significant source of ongoing waste generation is used batteries. Used batteries will be returned to the international supplier, as per the supply contract, and transported as per Slovak Law.5. The company has committed that they will not use any PCB or Halon based equipment. Generators will be equipped with noise suppression systems and ambient noise levels are expected to be negligible.6. Safety training provided to employees addresses the following:· electrical equipment handling and safety procedures;· working at heights/climbing equipment (annual training is mandatory);· general safety for new employees;· driver safety (annual training is mandatory); and· fire safety procedures.All sites are provided with smoke detectors and fire fighting equipment. In April 1998 the Slovak Office for Work Safety inspected the company, who achieved good results. All sites and structures are designed by accredited engineers to ensure the seismic risk integrity of construction.7. The sponsor has committed to making the ERS available locally by advertising it’s availability on their company web site and in a public library in a national newspaper.8. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that, the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Slovakia requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines. All safety procedures follow National Safety Council requirements.9. IFC will monitor 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.