Messer Trinidad & Tobago Limited

completed

- 1 - December 17, 1998International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name: Trinidad & Tobago-Messer Trinidad & Tobago Ltd.Region: Latin America and CaribbeanSector: ChemicalsProject No: 0092231. This project involves the construction and operation of air separation units with a combined capacity of 2,215 tpd of oxygen and other gasses, and a gas reformer for production of 100 tpd of hydrogen. All units will be erected within the existing Point Lisa Industrial Estate and are designed to support the existing industries, including Titan Methanol Company, Cliffs & Associates, and Caribbean Ispat.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 Chemical, Petrochemical and Fertilizers Department. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:· site location;· air emissions;· waste water· solid waste handling; and· employee health, safety, and training.The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate 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. Each of the three production units will primarily supply industrial gases to one company, and will be located on the land rented by the off-take companies from the Industrial Estate. The Industrial Estate was originally established on reclaimed land and has 17 major industrial enterprises, including 7 ammonia urea plants, 3 methanol plants, and 2 DRI plants. A 230 tpd oxygen unit is located at, and will be supplying to, Caribbean Ispat (a large steel producer), a 1480 tpd oxygen unit is located at, and will be supplying to, TITAN (a large methanol producer), and a 41,500nm3/hours hydrogen unit is located at, and will be supplying to, CLIFFS (a producer of quality iron briquettes). All three units are partly or fully erected.4. The raw materials are air and natural gas. The oxygen will be produced by separation of atmospheric air, while hydrogen will be produced by reforming of natural gas. The separation of atmospheric air does not create new pollutants. The reforming of natural gas, for hydrogen production, will result in CO2 emission. All emissions will be well within both local regulations and World Bank guidelines.5. Water used at the units is related only to cooling purposes. The cooling water is kept in a closed circuit, to minimize the use and avoid discharges. Other minor effluents will be treated at the off-take company’s wastewater treatment facilities.6. The units do not produce solid waste.7. All units will be within fire water loops operated by the off-take companies. The operators have been hired and are currently undergoing training at existing facilities.8. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines during the lifetime of the project by evaluating reports submitted annually to IFC by Messer Trinidad & Tobago and by conducting periodic supervision.9. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that Messer Trinidad & Tobago’s proposed project will meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines and host country requirements.