West African Cement

completed

- 3 - International Finance CorporationA Member of the World Bank GroupEnvironmental Review Summary (ERS)Project Name TOGO: WacemRegion Sub-Saharan AfricaSector Cement and Construction MaterialsProject No. 008962 May 18, 1998 1. This project involves the rehabilitation and expansion of an existing cement clinker plant and associated limestone quarry located near Tabligbo, some 80 km northeast of Lome, Togo''s capital city. Situated in a limestone bearing area of 81 hectares, the plant was originally erected and commissioned in 1979, but was not operated between 1984 and 1997. Since 1997, Wacem has been operating only one of the two production lines, which together when rehabilitation is completed, will have an annual capacity of 1.2 million tonnes. Limestone is extracted in an open cast mining operation. Process water needs are supplied by on-site wells; potable water is supplied by the Tabligbo town water system. Kilns are fired by fuel oil which is delivered to the site via rail. Electricity is provided by the local grid serving the Tabligbo area. With both production lines operating, Wacem’s operations will employ 400 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 which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The reviewing of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor and a site visit to the existing operations by IFC’s technical and environmental department staff. The following potential environmental, safety and health impacts of the project were analyzed:· air emissions and dust control;· solid and liquid waste management;· storage and handling of hazardous materials and fuels;· limestone quarry reclamation;· fire prevention and emergency response; and· workplace health and safety (including employee exposure to high temperatures, toxic fumes, dust, and noise).The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with applicable World Bank requirements. The information about how these potential impacts are addressed by Wacem is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.3. The primary source of air emissions associated with the project are particulates, as well as gases such as NOx and SOx (from the burning of fuel oil) in the kiln exhausts. The original air pollution control equipment installed to treat particulates and kiln gases includes bag filters, electrostatic precipitators, and a gas conditioning tower. Wacem and IFC’s technical and environmental department are currently evaluating whether the performance of this equipment is adequate to maintain acceptable emissions levels. If, as a result of this evaluation, the existing equipment’s performance is found lacking, Wacem will implement the necessary capital and/or operational improvements, either by rehabilitation or upgrading/retrofitting, so as to achieve emission levels acceptable to the IFC at project completion (as defined in the Investment Agreement).4. The solid waste generated includes the dust removed from the kiln exhaust and quarry waste. Both of these materials are used as fill in the ongoing quarry reclamation activities (see below). Liquid waste is limited to sanitary sewage which is treated on-site in a septic tank and discharged to a drainfield.5. Explosives used in mining activities are stored and handled as per the international norms under the supervision of the Togo Military authorities. Fuel oil is stored in above-ground steel tanks provided with concrete secondary containment systems to prevent spills.6. Wacem has prepared a reclamation and closure plan for the limestone quarry. The plan addresses reclamation of areas remaining from the original operation (1980-1984), as well as ongoing mining activities. Essentially, the mined areas are continuously being reclaimed by regularly and systematically filling with overburden and waste rock, and covering with previously removed topsoil. Wacem contends that the topography of the reclaimed land will only be minimally changed from its original features, and will approach its original state in terms of land use potential.7. Adequate fire prevention and safety is provided, including fire fighting equipment and hydrants located throughout the plant grounds. Emergency equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flame detectors are also provided and regularly serviced. Employees are appropriately trained in using the equipment, and drills are conducted regularly.8. All working areas are adequately ventilated to protect employee health. Wacem provides adequate safety guards and railings on production equipment, and the necessary personnel protective equipment (e.g., goggles, gloves, hard hats and breathing masks) is provided and procedures followed with those employees working in particularly dusty, noisy and high temperature areas. Pre-employment medical check-ups are required, and periodic medical exams are conducted at the on-site clinic. All employees receive ongoing training in proper occupational safety and health issues, including the safe operation of equipment and proper responses for foreseeable emergency operations. Periodic first aid training is conducted by the company medical technician.9. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that Wacem’s proposed project will meet World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines and the Government of Togo requirements.10. 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 Wacem and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.L:\wpeu\STEPHEN\ERS\wacem.ERS.docMay 18, 1998 11:55 AM