Juan Minetti EM

completed

August 24, 1995Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name Argentina-Minetti EM Region Latin America and Caribbean Sector Manufacturing Project No 007133 August 28, 19951. This project involves a two-year US$90 million expansion and modernization program at Minetti’s 12-year old Malagueno plant in Cordoba. The program includes the installation of a new clinker kiln with a capacity of 3,000 tons per day. IFC has been working with Minetti to implement an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) within the framework of the existing Investment Agreements. The EIP, when fully implemented, will significantly upgrade the environmental performance at Minetti’s three plants, including the plant at Cordoba.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:· air emissions from kiln, cooler and cement mill operations, and from the handling equipment for raw materials and finished product;· liquid effluents from process wastewater, stormwater and domestic sewage;· solid wastes;· fire prevention; and· employee exposure to noise and dust.The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the proposed project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. The proposed new kiln line will be designed to meet the World Bank guidelines for stack emissions, including control of particulate emissions to 50 mg/Nm3. For the existing kiln line, stack emissions of particulate matter was designed for and currently meet Argentine standards, but exceed the current World Bank guideline. As part of the EIP, Minetti will install state-of-the-art bag filters on the existing kiln line in order to limit particulate emissions to the current World Bank guideline of 50 mg/Nm3. This equipment will be operational by January 1, 1998.4. The plant’s existing wastewater treatment and fire prevention systems will be extended and expanded as necessary to cover the new line. All solid waste will be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations. As part of the EIP, Minetti will make improvements in dust control at the plant, including eliminating material loss along conveyor belts, paving of plant roads, installing dedusting systems at the crushing plant and improvements in housekeeping techniques. Minetti also plans to implement a program to reuse sewage treatment plant effluent as a alternative source of water for green spaces and roads.5. Plant employees in the new line area will be provided with proper personal protective equipment when exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA or dust levels above 10 mg/m3, in accordance with Minetti’s Environment, Health and Safety program.6. As part of its EIP, Minetti has issued a Public Declaration of Ecological Environmental Policies that will govern the operation of its plants. These policies will be implemented by a new department of Occupational Health and Ecological Environment Management.7. 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 Argentina requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.8. IFC will monitor Minetti’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.