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This operation has been screened as B/1, requiring an environmental audit of the existing facilities and an environmental analysis of the proposed modernisation and development programme. The required studies have been carried out by an independent consultant according to the terms of reference prepared by the EBRD. The environmental audit confirmed that the company has all relevant environmental permits and fully complies with requirements stipulated by these permits. The environmental awareness and appreciation of environmental, health and safety performance and potential liabilities of the company's management are very high and, as a result, many of the necessary monitoring and management systems are already in place.
Chelm III will have positive environmental effects: (i) significant reduction of energy and fuel consumption; (ii) reduced volume of flue gases and therefore of atmospheric emissions by about 95 per cent; (iii) reduced water usage by about 90 per cent and reduced waste-water discharge; (iv) reduced solid wastes; (v) a decrease in the number of noise sources and improved acoustic parameters of equipment. Chelm III will be in compliance with all current and future environmental standards and regulations, including those resulting from the harmonisation process with the European Union (EU).
The environmental audit of the existing facilities identified several issues, which will be addressed through the implementation of the Environmental Action Plan (EAP) within the next three to four years to bring the existing plant into compliance with relevant Polish and EU environmental standards.
The company will be required to report annually on environmental, health and safety matters including progress on implementation of the EAP and compliance with the relevant regulations. Prior to project completion, the company will also be required to commission an independent audit of its facilities according to terms of reference agreed with the EBRD.
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