Friar S. A.

completed

Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name: ARGENTINA: Friar S.A.Region: Latin America and the CaribbeanSector: AgribusinessProject No.: 78121. Friar S.A. is Argentina’s third largest beef exporter and a pork meat processor. Friar has requested IFC involvement in financing the expansion and modernization of its facilities, development of regional distribution centres and improved marketing. The project will increase the total processing capacity by 55 % in its three existing meat processing facilities.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 information submitted by the project sponsor and the technical appraisal completed by IFC Agribusiness Department staff. The following potential environmental, health and safety problems of this project were analyzed: air emissions; liquid effluents; solid waste disposal; use of refrigerants; fire prevention and emergency response; and employee health and safety. Information provided as to how these issues would be addressed are summarized below.3. The main air emissions problems from meat processing facilities such as these are related to smell from cooking by-products. As part of the project, cleaning filtering systems will be installed to reduce smell. Boilers and other energy consumers will use natural gas and will comply with local requirements and with World Bank guidelines.4. All solid waste from the meat processing will be treated on site, producing a variety of by-products. Liquid wastes are subject to physical and biological treatment. Liquid effluent from the plants’ treatment systems is discharged to local surface waters. Friar will ensure that the effluents meet all local and World Bank guidelines.7. All refrigeration equipment uses ammonia rather than CFCs. There is a comprehensive system to safeguard against ammonia leaks, including ammonia detectors and remote shut-off valves. There is a comprehensive health and safety program in place, including the provision of personal protection equipment as needed for work in noisy areas and in low temperature areas. Training in health and safety procedures is carried out on a continuous basis, and includes waste minimization procedures and personal hygiene.10. IFC will ensure ongoing compliance with World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by Friar and by conducting periodic supervision.11. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that Friar''s proposed project is designed to meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines as well as host country requirements.