Palestine Tourism Investment Co. Ltd.

completed

Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name: WEST BANK & GAZA: Bethlehem Jacir Palace HotelRegion: Central Asia, Middle East & North AfricaSector: Hotels and ResortsProject No: 0086491. This project involves the construction of a 250 room, in-city resort hotel in Bethlehem. The project includes the renovation and incorporation of the early 20th century Jacir Palace building located on the site.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:· existing land use;· historical structures;· liquid effluent treatment and disposal;· solid waste disposal;· water supply;· power supply;· recovery of dry cleaning solvents;· CFCs;· employee safety training and emergency response; and· fire protection measures.The project Company, Palestine Tourism Investment Company (PTIC), has submitted information outlining how the key issues listed above will be addressed. This information is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. The Jacir Palace, while not a listed/officially protected building, will be preserved and rehabilitated as part of the project and will serve as it’s center piece. The Company has consulted with the Bethlehem 2000 Committee, and the relevant municipal and archaeological authorities with regard to project design and location; the necessary permits have been issued.4. The Jacir Palace, which was purchased by the Company from a private owner, was formerly rented by the Palestinian Authority and used as a girl’s school. The relocation of the primary/middle Girls''s school at Jacir Palace has been carried out by the Ministry of Education. A more convenient site close to the center of Bethlehem was obtained, and a new modern school is under construction for completion by end-July 1999. The Company provided US$400,000 for the construction of the new facility, and last July, the Company helped the school with vehicles and manpower, to move out of Jacir Palace. The new school for Dar Gaser Girls'' School would be a significant improvement from Jacir Palace, which was too small and poorly equipped for the 690 pupils and 30 staff. During the current school year (September 1998 to June 1999), the students have been provided temporary accommodation in two area schools.5. The Jacir Palace site has numerous olive trees and several 1000-year-old olive trees on site, these trees have been transplanted, and will be protected during construction, and incorporated into the project landscape.6. The hotel will be connected to the municipal sewerage system. The Bethlehem Water Supply and Sewerage Authority has confirmed that the hotel will be connected to a gravity sewer main which is linked to the Jerusalem area waste water treatment plant. Water supply to the hotel will also be provided by the Bethlehem Municipality; no bore holes/wells are included in the project.7. Solid waste from the project will be collected by the Bethlehem Municipality and will be disposed of at the Al Aizarieh Dump Site. No on-site dry cleaning will take place. Power will be provided by from the local grid. Air emissions associated with the project are minimal. Small capacity (<4.2 t/hr) fuel oil fired boilers will be installed on site. The Company has committed that all fuel storage tanks, including those associated with backup power supply, will be installed with secondary containment structures.8. The Company has committed that all cold storage and central cooling systems will be CFC-free.9. All employees will be provided with the necessary safety training in proper work procedures. The Local Civil Defense will also provide training to employees.10. An independent fire safety audit was completed by the sponsor and the sponsor has confirmed they will comply with all recommendations contained in the Final FPC November 27, 1998 Life and Fire Safety Assessment report. Given the historical importance of the palace, fire safety mitigation measures will take into account the need to preserve the character and integrity of the structure, while ensuring compliance with applicable World Bank fire safety guidelines.11. Based on its review of available information, and follow through with the commitments outlined above, regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that the proposed project is being designed to meet Palestinian Authority requirements, and World Bank environmental, health and safety guidelines.12. IFC will monitor Bethlehem Jacir Palace Hotel’s ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating annual environmental performance reports submitted by the Company along with the financial report to IFC and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.