SEF IDS HOLDINGS LIMITED

completed

- 2 - 7 May 1997International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupInternational Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name Guyana-IDS HoldingsRegion Latin AmericanSector General ManufacturingProject No. 008192 1. This project entails improvements in an existing factory that manufactures polysac bags. The investments will allow the company to recycle plastic waste, add a new product line, and reorganize its financial arrangements. 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.2. Key environmental, occupational health and safety issues that were of potential concern during IFC’s environmental review of this project included: air emissions, liquid effluents, disposal of solid wastes, employee exposure to fumes, and fire protection and emergency response. The company has prepared a summary environmental information report regarding the environmental aspects of this project. This document constitutes the primary source of information used by IFC in conducting its environmental review. The following is a summary of the findings of this environmental review.3. The factory is located in an industrial estate, which has been in existence for about 75 years. Previous land use at the site was production of crushed stone and sawn timber. The process entails extrusion of plastic sheets which are slit into filaments and wound onto bobbins. From there, the material is sent to weaving machines to produce sacs of various lengths.4. There are no significant air emissions sources from this factory. The major source is a standby 20 kVA generator, which is used during grid power failure. Liquid effluent consists primarily of sanitary waste from the 130-person workforce, which is disposed of in septic tanks and leach fields.5. Within the factory, air emissions are minimal, consisting of vapors from small quantities of printing inks and alcohol-base thinners (about 500 gallons/years), and fumes from the cutting of polysac fabric. Ample ventilation and the use of personal safety equipment are provided. 6. The only process waste generated is from unfinished product. The proposed project will include a recycling plant for the waste, which is about 10% of raw material used. Once the recycling plant is commissioned, the plastic scrap waste will be fully recycled. An environmental audit is being prepared, with expected completion before the end of June 1997. The findings of the audit will be used to improve the company’s operations, as appropriate. Concerns regarding historical waste disposal practices are not expected.7. Based on its environmental review, IFC’s Environment Division has concluded that the project complies with local environmental regulations and World Bank environmental guidelines appropriate for this project. The sponsor will be required to submit an annual monitoring report to IFC regarding compliance with local environmental laws and regulations and World Bank environmental guidelines.ids.ersL:\CLASEF\GYREACH\IDS\ERS.DOCMay 7, 1997 3:50 PM