SEF Cara Lodge

completed

- 2 - May 28, 1997 Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name Guyana-SEF Cara LodgeRegion Latin America and CaribbeanSector TourismProject No. 008264 May 28, 1997 1. This involves (i) refurbishing to parts of the existing property and completion of the two existing suites; (ii) purchase of about 8,000 sq. ft. of adjoining land at the rear of the building; (iii) construction of an additional 20 rooms, addition of a small conference facility and expansion of the central facilities; and (iv) provision of working capital.2. This is a category B projects 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. The key environmental, health and safety issues considered in this project include:· land use;· liquid effluent treatment and disposal;· water supply;· solid waste disposal;· recovery of dry cleaning solvents;· use of refrigerants;· socio-economics; and· fire safety and emergency response.The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that 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. Prior site use did not involve practices that may have caused land contamination. No relocation or sensitive habitats are involved in the project.4. Drinking water is supplied by the municipal water system and meets World Health Organization requirements. The wastewaters are pretreated in grease traps prior to being discharged into the public sanitary sewage system for further treatment. Stormwaters are discharged into the urban storm sewer system.5. Solid waste are collected and disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations. There are no air emissions involved in the project.6. The hotel''s air conditioning system and food storage facilities will not use CFC-based refrigerants thereby complying with World Bank guidelines.7. The hotel’s design and construction plans have been reviewed by the local civil works and engineering authorities and found to comply with the local regulations. A construction permit was issued by the relevant authorities. 8. A comprehensive fire protection and life safety system will be implemented. Rooms and public areas have fire evacuation systems displayed with information on the appropriate escape routes and evacuation procedures. There will be both internal and external exit stairways. The public areas will have sprinklers installed. The kitchen area will have automatic fire fighting systems, fire blankets and foam extinguishers. The public areas will have fire extinguishers and hose reels. The emergency exits will be lighted and clearly marked. The fire protection and life safety systems will meet World Bank guidelines.9. The sponsor has assigned a Health and Safety Officer in charge of overseeing the environmental and safety activities. The Officer will train the staff on fire evacuation procedures every six months. There is a well trained fire brigade available at all times. Cara Lodge is a Charter Member of the Green Hotels Association (an internationally recognized environmental organization for the hotel industry).7. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Guyana requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.8. IFC will monitor Cara Lodge’s compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating environmental performance reports submitted annually, in conjunction with the annual financial report, to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.L:\CLASEF\GYREACH\CARA\ERS.DOCMay 28, 1997 5:40 PM