Tubos e Conexoes Tigre

completed

- 1 - November 21, 1995Environmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name: Brazil:Tubos e Conexoes TigreRegion: LACSector: General IndustryProject No.: 0070731. Tubos e Conexoes Tigre (Tigre) is Brazil’s largest manufacturer of rigid PVC pipes and fittings for civil construction, public infrastructure, agricultural irrigation and other uses. To meet increased market demand and achieve better quality of its products, the company has embarked on a modernization and expansion program. Upon completion of the investment program, Tigre is expecting to have a production capacity of 176,000 ton per year (tpy), up from a current capacity of 100,000 tpy.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 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 this project were analyzed: .air emissions; .liquid effluents; .solid residues; .storage and handling; .noise; .fire protection; and .occupational health and safety training.Information provided on how these potential impacts would be addressed in the Tigre expansion project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. Tigre does not use any chemical or combustion processes resulting in direct air emissions. Only air emissions are from the limited paint, coating and special junctions processes. Ambient air quality within these sections are kept within recommended levels in the American ACGIH 1993-94 Threshold Limit Values. Tigre is in full compliance with both local requirements and World Bank environmental guidelines.4. Process wastewater does not apply to Tigre’s processes and domestic (gray) wastewater is treated in anaerobic filters before being released into the public sewage system. Other liquid residues such as oils and solvents are recycled and are transferred to specialized companies for recycling or re-use of the relevant materials.5. The main solid residues from the processes are paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, paper and other packaging materials, as well as resin pieces dropped from the processing. The resin pieces will be recycled internally in the process, whereas the packaging materials are sold to companies involved in recycling. Rubbish is collected and dumped in the municipal dump.6. The raw material used, as well as the final products, are clean. Raw materials are received in plastic or paper packaging, and are stored in a large concrete shed near the production area. Final products are packed in sacks or cardboard boxes and stored in an area protected from weather impact. A special storage area is dedicated to oil and solvents. This area is isolated from the production area, built with concrete walls, fire proof doors, anti-skid and anti-spark flooring and explosion proof electrical installations. Only authorized personnel will have access to the liquid storage area.7. The injection, extrusion and finishing processes result in noise emissions. To limit this impact both on employees and surroundings, machinery has been enclosed, baffles has been installed in the air vents and noisy equipment has been changed. The use of hearing protection is mandatory for all employees exposed to noise levels above 85 dB(A).8. Fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems have been installed throughout the plant, covering all points. One out of twenty employees is educated in industrial fire fighting.9. A special department provides mandatory monthly health and safety training, this includes both direct work related topics, such as use of hearing protection, masks, gloves, protective lotions and other items of individual protection, and more general preventive training in contagious diseases, occupational diseases and work accident prevention. The lectures are given by nurses, work safety technicians and occupational health and safety engineers and doctors.10. IFC will ensure ongoing compliance with World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by Tigre, and by conducting periodic supervision.11. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that Tubos e Conexoes Tigre’s proposed project will meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines, and host country requirements.