SEF Al-Ayyam Printing Company

completed

International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name SEF-WEST BANK & GAZA: Al-Ayyam PrintingRegion Central Asia, the Middle East and North AfricaSector Industrial and Consumer ServicesProject No. 008925 1. This project involves upgrading the printing line at the existing Al-Ayyam Printing, Publishing and Distributing Company through the addition of a book binding machine and an off-set sheet printing machine to produce glossy products. This high volume printing plant, which exclusively uses biodegradable, vegetable-based inks, is located on a 4000 sq m site in the Ramallah Industrial Zone, and is surrounded by other industrial activities, and a municipal wastewater treatment plant and landfill. Utility needs are provided through connection to the existing local infrastructure. The operation employs 90 full-time individuals. The expansion is scheduled for completion in July 1998.2. This is a Category B project according to IFC’s environmental review procedure because a limited number of specific environmental impacts may result from this project. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor by IFC’s Technical and Environmental Department staff. The following potential environmental, safety and health impacts of the project were analyzed:· liquid and solid waste handling and disposal;· hazardous materials storage and handling;· fire protection and emergency response; and· workplace health and safety.The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with Palestinian laws and regulations and applicable World Bank requirements. The information about how these potential impacts are addressed by the sponsor is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. Liquid wastes include small amounts of film developing solution waste, ink waste washwaters, and employee sanitary wastes. Film developing solution waste (approximately 100 gallons per year) is collected in plastic containers and sold to a recycler. Washwaters (containing biodegradable inks) generated from printing operations and sanitary sewage effluents are discharged to the municipal sewerage system. Used printing plates and films are sold to recyclers. All waste paper generated by the plant (150 tons per year) is also sold to a recycling facility.4. The only hazardous materials used at the facility are the film developing solutions which are carefully handled, stored, and controlled. Containers are labeled appropriately, and accessible only by authorized employees. As mentioned above, Al-Ayyam uses only vegetable-based inks, and, although more expensive than solvent-based products, these are biodegradable and non-hazardous.5. The 3,500 sq m, 3-story building features adequate emergency exits and fire extinguishers, and fire drills are performed regularly. Paper is stored in an enclosed area and smoking is not permitted in the plant. Special fire emergency arrangements have been made with the local municipal fire station, which is only 200 meters from the plant.6. Adequate worker health and safety measures are provided, including proper air ventilation and circulation systems and work space. Equipment operators are trained in its safe use.7. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that the proposed project will meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines and Palestinian requirements.8. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines during the lifetime of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.