TERMINAL 6 S.A IV

completed

September 14, 1995Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name Argentina- Terminal 6 S.A. Region Latin America Sector Ports Project No. 007058 September 14, 19951. This project involves the modernization and expansion of the existing terminal at Puerto San Martin by expanding the rail receiving station, installing two new grain storage silos, and refurbishing and improving an existing barge pier. Terminal 6 is located on the Parana River, and is dedicated to the storage and export of cereals, oil seeds and agricultural byproducts obtained from the crushing of oil seeds. No industrial or manufacturing operations are carried out at the Terminal 6 site. As part of the proposed project an existing IFC loan will be refinanced.2. 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. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor, appraisal completed by IFC''s staff and an engineering evaluation by a consultant to IFC. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:· air emissions;· liquid effluents;· solid wastes;· spill prevention;· fire prevention;· emergency response; and· employee exposure to noise and dust.The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the proposed project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. Dust emissions due to the handling of grain or oil extracted meals is controlled with suction systems that convey the dust to cyclone separators, where it is reclaimed. Regular housekeeping is performed in all tunnels and operational areas, to avoid dust accumulation that might risk explosion.4. Liquid effluents from operation of the plant include stormwater, which can contain grain dust, and wash water from hosing and cleaning of plant equipment. No toxic substances are employed in the products handled (cereals and seeds), and the water discharged to the Parana River (which has an average flow of 15 to 20,000 cubic meters per second) complies with permit conditions established by local authorities. Domestic sewage is processed by a septic system that is permitted and inspected by local authorities.5. Solid waste generated at the site is primarily biodegradable grain residue which is disposed of according to local ordinance at sanitary landfills designated by the proper authorities. Approximately 4 metric tons of waste are collected and disposed of on a monthly basis. Used oils are recycled.6. Petroleum products stored onsite total 20,000 liters of gasoline and oil. The containment area surrounding the storage tanks has been constructed with impervious material. In the event of a spill, fuel can be pumped back into the tanks. Pooled rainwater is tested at the site laboratory and is drained into the storm system via drainage valve if determined to be free of contaminants. Railcars are used to transport seeds and products of the oil extraction process. Terminal 6 confirms that railcars passing through the project site do not and will not transport hazardous materials. The company also confirms that plant transformers are either air cooled or use non-PCB based mineral oils.7. Fire prevention is designed into the plant through the selection of sealed and anti-static equipment and through housekeeping and operating practices. Emergency response equipment includes fire extinguishing devices in all tunnels, fire hoses in all silos and operations areas, and four water cannons at the loading berth. Designated fire brigades are identified for each operating shift, and training and drills are conducted regularly.8. Terminal 6 employs an outside engineering contractor to oversee the company’s environmental, health and safety matters. In addition, the company has also contracted the services of a physician who specializes in occupational medicine, and has a health and safety technician on staff to oversee occupational health and safety matters. The company also conducts weekly environmental, health and safety inspections and immediately implements corrective actions as necessary. Terminal 6 employees are provided with training in particular areas of health and safety relating to the job requirements, including safe operational methods. Training sessions and attendance are documented through attendance forms. Employees are provided with personal protective equipment for use in plant areas where noise levels exceed 85 dBA or dust levels exceed 10 mg/m3.9. 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 Argentina requirements, and World Bank policies and environmental, health and safety guidelines.10. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.L:\WPEU\JOHN\ARGENTIN\TERM6SA.ERSSeptember 14, 1995 4:06 PM