SEF Cold Storage Project

completed

- 2 - International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name WEST BANK & GAZA: Cold StorageRegion Central Asia, the Middle East and North AfricaSector Food and AgribusinessProject No. 008618 October 23, 1997 1. This project involves the construction and operation of a perishable food cold storage facility near Gaza City with a capacity to store about 4,900 tons of fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish. The 5,700 sq m ammonia-based refrigeration plant will be located on a 23,941 sq m site 500 m east of Beit Haroon industrial city. Water will be provided by an on-site well. Other utility needs (electricity and telephone) will be provided through connection to the existing local infrastructure. Construction began in August 1997, and start-up is targeted for April 1998. The project will provide employment for 27 people.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:· site history and land-use;· liquid and solid waste handling;· 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. The site, which historically had been used as farm land, was acquired by the sponsor from the original land owner in a market-valued cash transaction earlier this year. There were no residences on the site; nor are there any within the immediate vicinity. The site is surrounded by farm land and other newly created parcels of land scheduled to be developed for other industrial or commercial use. The sponsor has inspected the site and confirms that there is no soil or groundwater contamination from past site uses.4. The only wastes generated are employee sanitary wastes, potato process line washwaters, and the sand collected from the washing process. Sanitary sewage and washwaters will be initially treated in an on-site septic tank and drain field; in the near future, these effluents will be discharged to the municipal sewerage system. The small amounts of sand collected during washing activities will be disposed at an approved off-site area. Any solid wastes generated will be collected and disposed in an approved off-site landfill.5. Ammonia gas refrigerant is the only hazardous material used on the premises. It will be contained in closed circuit refrigeration units fitted with a leak detection and alarm systems. Reserve ammonia gas supplies will be stored in specially designed and labeled containers in a designated area.6. The plant features adequate fire extinguishers and hydrant connections for fire protection, and employees will be appropriately trained in using the equipment. An emergency reponse plan will be developed for ammonia leakage events, and staff will be trained accordingly.7. Adequate worker health and safety measures are being provided, including making available oxygen masks in the event of an ammonia leak. Appropriate personnel protective equipment will be provided to forklift drivers and maintenance technicians. All employees will receive training in health and safety matters.8. 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.9. 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.l:\cmec3\storage\ers.doc