|
This operation has been screened as B/1, requiring an environmental audit of the existing facilities and an environmental analysis of the proposed restructuring programme. The required studies have been carried out in the context of an overall assessment by an independent consultant. The environmental review confirmed that most of Hortex's facilities comply with current Polish and European Union environmental standards. The environmental awareness and appreciation of environmental, health and safety performance and potential liabilities of Hortex's management is very high and, as a result, many of the necessary investment programmes are already under way.
The environmental review of the existing facilities identified several issues, which need to be addressed. The major concerns for most of Hortex's plants are the proposed future gaseous emission limits for 1998. Some of the plants have compliance problems with the permissible level of liquid effluents discharge, particularly during the peak processing period. Two of the plants have some problems with compliance with noise levels at the site boundary due to proximity to residential buildings.
The issues identified by the environmental review will be addressed through the implementation of an Environmental Action Plan (EAP), which has been agreed with the company and included in the Capital Expenditure Programme. The investments, most of which are already under way, will include: conversion to natural gas or oil-fired boilers; completion or upgrading of waste-water treatment facilities; and the implementation of noise abatement measures, such as installation of a sound absorber barrier and a new evaporative condenser on the ammonia system. As part of the improvement of corporate governance, Hortex will also be required to develop, adopt and implement a corporate Environmental Management System. Investments proposed under the restructuring programme will ensure compliance with all current and future environmental standards and regulations, including those resulting from the harmonisation process with the European Union.
The company will be required to report annually on environmental, health and safety matters including progress on implementation of the Environmental Action Plan and compliance with the relevant regulations.
|
