SEF Pharmacare Ltd.

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: SEF - PharmacareRegion: Central Asia, Middle East and North AfricaSector: Chemicals and PetrochemicalsProject No.: 008335May 7, 19971. This project involves the upgrading and expansion of production of an established pharmaceutical company in the West Bank. The project includes the addition of a new facility and new equipment. Total project cost is US$3.35 million, of which IFC A loan financing would be US$500,000. 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. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor, and the technical appraisal and site review completed by IFC’s Technical and Environment Department staff. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:· air emissions;· adequacy and quality of water supply;· liquid effluent treatment;· solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal;· potential site contamination from present or past uses;· fire prevention and emergency response; and · workplace air quality, noise and safety.The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. The plant is a five-storey building of 6500 m2, located on a 2500 m2 site in the Beitunia industrial zone, 3 km west of Ramallah. No contamination of the site was identified from past uses. No rivers, lakes or other environmentally-sensitive areas are located in the area.4. The manufacturing and packaging operation does not produce any significant air emissions. There are 2 small steam boilers fueled with heating oil, and a diesel-powered backup electricity generator. Emissions from both will meet the required standards.5. Liquid effluents include only sanitary wastes and wash water. These are treated in an on-site septic tank. Any effluents to the city drainage system will meet World Bank guidelines.6. Solid wastes are collected by the municipality for disposal in an approved facility. No toxic or hazardous waste is produced. No new refrigeration equipment containing CFCs will be installed, and any existing equipment with CFCs will be phased out according to agreed international protocols. Pharmacare’s workplace health and safety program will include training in fire and emergency response, and requirements for the use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the required tasks. The facility will be equipped with reasonable and adequate fire protection and life safety measures as per international pharmaceutical industry standards.7. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines during the lifetime of the project by evaluating reports submitted annually to IFC by Pharmacare Ltd. and by conducting periodic supervision.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 host country requirements.L:\WPEU\PNEAME\WBNKGAZA\PHARMAC.ERSMay 16, 1997 9:52 AM