JORDAN MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICES (JMTS)

completed

JORDAN: Jordan Mobile Telephone Services Ltd. (JMTS)Environmental Review Summary (ERS)1. This project involves the establishment of a digital cellular telephone system in Jordan serving up to approximately 35,000 subscribers. The project will be implemented in three phases, and will eventually provide cellular services to 95% of the populated areas of the country. 2. This is a category B project according to IFC''s environmental review procedure because a limited number of specific environmental impacts may result from construction activities. Key environmental issues that were considered during IFC''s environmental review of the project included: • right-of-way issues; • tower site selection and microwave transmissions;· solid waste disposal;· general employee health and safety issues; and· fire protection.3. During phase I of the project no new right-of-way is required for any cell/tower sites. New access or service roads will also not be required. All sites will be located on TCC (national Jordanian telephone corporation) property, existing buildings, and leasing of existing land and right-of-ways. Right-of-way requirements for phases II and III are not known, however JMTS have committed to identifying and establishing new right-of-ways as per local and World Bank environmental requirements. IFC will be kept informed of details concerning Phases II and III through provision of annual environmental monitoring reports and supervision visits by IFC staff.4. It is not anticipated that this project will result in the generation of any significant noise levels or air emissions. Noise and air emissions associated with establishment of the cellular system are minimal as construction involves mainly installation of electrical equipment (switching centers) and tower erection.5. No liquid effluent will be generated from project operations. Sewage generated from JMTS office buildings is disposed of via existing municipal systems. Solid waste involves disposal of used subscriber unit batteries. The sponsor has committed to initiating a joint advertising campaign with TCC to encourage customers to return used batteries to either JMTS or TCC for disposal. Batteries will then either be handed over to the respective environmental authorities, or returned to the supplier for recycling.6. JMTS have confirmed that none of the equipment to be installed, in any phase of the project, contain PCBs.7. In order to ensure employee safety around high voltage equipment, all equipment will be grounded as per the standards followed by Motorola (USA), partners in the project. Rectifiers and chargers will provide DC current and all maintenance will be conducted as per manufacturers specifications.8. JMTS office space will have fire fighting equipment and audible alarms. Fire exits are clearly marked and employees are provided basic training in emergency procedures, fire drills will be performed on a quarterly basis.9. Equipment rooms containing switching equipment and computers will utilize halon -free fire safety systems. These systems will be FM200 based, and will have a 30, 48, or 185 liter capacity flooding system. FM200 is an acceptable alternative to halon based systems, which are restricted under the Montreal Protocol.10. JMTS will keep records of significant environmental matters and this information will be included in annual monitoring reports to IFC outlining the environmental performance of the project. Based on the information provided in JMTS’s environmental health and safety plan, IFC''s Environment Division anticipates that this project will comply with applicable World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines, local laws, and host country requirements.