RODOVIA PRESIDENTE DUTRA

completed

Environmental Review SummaryProject Name Brazil-Concessionaria Da Rodovia Presidente Dutra S.A. (Via Dutra Highway)Region Latin America Sector TransportProject Number 007545 July 25, 19961. This project involves the expansion and rehabilitation of the 407 km Via Dutra highway and includes the addition of two lanes along 40 km of heavily traveled sections, rehabilitation of highway structures, construction of barriers, signaling, illumination, improvement of drainage and installation of medical facilities. The addition of the two lanes, scheduled for the 4th year of the project, will require the resettlement of approximately 200 families. Also, a section of the highway that traverses a protected area may be realigned during the years 2009-2010.2. This project will improve traffic safety and road conditions of the Via Dutra highway. It is the most heavily used highway between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and has not been renovated in 25 years. The company has presented a manual of “Best Management Practices” (BMP) to be implemented during the development of the project. The BMP plan details the specific procedures and mitigating measures that will be used by the company and its contractors during all phases of the project to protect the environment, and employee and public health and safety. The prescribed practices are satisfactory to IFC.3. 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 company, and the technical appraisal and site review completed by IFC’s staff and consultants. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:· air emissions;· liquid effluents;· spill prevention;· solid and liquid wastes;· construction and maintenance safety;· emergency response;· employee, public and transportation safety;· land use; and· resettlement, public consultation and disclosure plan.The company has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrates that the proposed project will comply with applicable governmental and World Bank requirements. The information provided concerning how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.4.. Air quality during project operation should be improved because of the resulting more efficient flow of traffic. During project construction, best management practices, including the use of water spray, will be used to minimize dust emission. Mechanically driven ventilation units will be installed in toll plaza booths. Monitoring will be conducted to assure that occupational standards are not exceeded.5. Ambient noise levels will increase during construction, but be reduced versus present levels during the toll road operation due to improved traffic flow and design measures to mitigate noise impacts where indicated by monitoring the noise level during normal operations.6. Water quality impacts from the present highway and right-of-way area will be improved due to reduced vehicle pollutant emissions resulting from the elimination of stop-and-go traffic patterns and by improvements to the drainage systems. Liquid effluents from the administrative offices and the maintenance depot will be treated to meet the relevant World Bank guidelines. Water quality impacts during construction will be minimized by the installation of temporary sediment barriers to prevent sediment from entering the drainage systems, and subsequently, surface waters.7. Solid wastes will be generated during the construction phase of the project as well as during maintenance and operation of the completed highway. The waste generated during construction and subsequent closure of the construction camps and materials sites will be disposed of in designated areas, to the satisfaction of local authorities, following best management practices. The waste generated during the maintenance and operation of the highway will be properly disposed of in accordance with local regulations. 8. The company recognizes that the key elements for construction, maintenance and operations safety include clear policies, adequate resources, effective procedures, employee training and management oversight. The company has established a health and safety organization and program based on these elements. Employees exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA or dust levels above 10 mg/m3 will be provided with and required to use the proper personal protection equipment. Employee training is provided for accident prevention, use of personal protective equipment and the response to various potential emergencies. The company focuses on employee and public safety, including hazardous operations, emergency response measures, and the transportation, storage and use of hazardous materials.9. The project will improve aesthetics as well as improve community and personal safety. The company has already instituted a highway safety program which includes coverage of the existing highway with emergency service vehicles and personnel who aid motorists by providing or dispatching the needed emergency services. The project also will result in the installation of better lighting, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings as well as improved maintenance of existing walkways.10. The company will maintain adequate spill prevention and emergency response programs relevant to the highway project. Contracting personnel engaged in construction and maintenance activities are required to be adequately trained and equipped to take the necessary first-responses to a potential or actual spill incident. The sponsor will work closely with ABIQUIM, the chemical manufacturer’s association, the environmental agency, the highway patrol, and the civil defense and fire department to coordinate action in case of accidents involving hazardous materials.11. The company will follow a number of environmental requirements of the Secretary of the Environment and including protection of wildlife and wildlife habitats, protection of soil and water bodies and preservation of indigenous vegetation.12. IFC staff will work with the sponsor to complete a Resettlement Plan and a Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan relevant to the need to relocate approximately 200 families. These plans will be finalized in early 1998 because surveys, census data, socio-economic information and arrangements with municipalities will not be completed until then. The process of resettlement and relocations will follow defined World Bank procedures. 13. Based on the review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that, with the implementation of the above recommendations, the proposed project is being designed to meet the Government of Brazil’s requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.14. IFC will monitor Nova Dutra’s progress in implementing the BMP Plan, the development and implementation of future project components, and their ongoing compliance with World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted semi-annually to IFC and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision. The resettlement and realignment aspects of the project will receive priority by IFC staff during project supervision.