Mobil Rom S.A.

completed

Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name Romania-Mobil RomRegion EuropeSector TelecommunicationsProject No. 008135 May 23, 19971. This project involves the development and operation of a nationwide digital mobile cellular system. Mobil Rom, a joint venture between France Telecom and several Romanian and foreign partners, will construct, over a five year period, and operate a GSM based system which will serve 677,000 subscribers at full capacity, and will include approximately 500 cell sites.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 following key environmental health and safety issues were analyzed:· creation of new right-of-way alignment;· antenna/tower site selection;· solid and liquid waste disposal;· PCBs and Halons;· fire protection; and· general employee safety and training.The sponsor has submitted a information outlining how the key issues listed above will be addressed. This information is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. Of the 500 sites that are to be developed, 360 cell sites have been identified. Construction of these sites will not involve the establishment of new right-of-way (ROW). All cell sites will be accessible from existing roads. Cell sites in urban and rural areas will be leased from private individuals or the government. Land disturbed during tower installation will be restored to it’s original condition. Maximum use will be made of existing buildings and structures in the siting of towers. Approximately 15% of the cell sites established as part of the overall project will be on towers that will be shared with another local telecom company. This will minimize (visual) aesthetic impacts. Mobil Rom have confirmed that no cell sites will be located in national parks or other protected/sensitive areas. It is anticipated that the site selection process for the remaining cell sites will aim to minimize/eliminate the creation of new ROW. In the event that new ROW alignments are established (as part of future network development) that will traverse or impact environmentally sensitive areas, Mobil Rom has committed to providing IFC with a ROW impact mitigation plan for clearance by IFC prior to implementation of the respective plan. These plans must identify what: environmentally sensitive areas will be traversed (e.g., forest, wetlands, national park etc.); what the environmental impacts will be; and how these impacts will be mitigated.4. Solid and liquid waste generated as part of network installation and operation are limited and will be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Portable sewage and septic facilities will be provided during construction and operation.5. Mobil Rom have confirmed that all electrical equipment and fire safety equipment will, respectively, be PCB and Halon free. All cell sites will be equipped with either manual or automatic fire safety equipment.6. All employees will be provided with the necessary safety training in proper work procedures and equipment handling methods. Mobil Rom’s safety standards will be based on France Telecom’s standards, which are equivalent to European Union standards. Mobil Rom and France Telecom are currently finalizing an Environmental Health and Safety Management Plan for the project, submission of a plan acceptable to IFC will be a condition of disbursement of IFC’s loan.7. Based on it’s review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures and based on Mobil Rom’s commitment to provide a final Environmental Health and Safety Management Plan, IFC concludes that the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Romania requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.8. 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.lb/romania/mobilrom.ers