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1. Environmental classification and rationale
The project was
classified by the EBRD as a B/1 project requiring an environmental audit of
the current facilities and an environmental analysis of potential impacts
associated with the planned expansion in capacity.
2. Information reviewed during the environmental appraisal
Pokrovsky
commissioned an independent environmental consultancy to conduct the
environmental audit and analysis of its facilities to obtain an independent
assessment of compliance with national and applicable EU environment, health
and safety (“EHS”) standards, the specific environmental risks associated with
past and current operations and to get recommendations for the improvement of
EHS management. The recommendations for improvements have been formalised in a
costed environmental action plan (“EAP”).
3. Key environmental issues and mitigation
A facility of this
nature may be associated with a number of environmental issues which create
environmental risks. These include air emissions from both the forming of the
glass and from furnaces, storage and use of hazardous chemicals, use of water
in the process and subsequent discharge of waste waters. The audit of the
facility concluded that there were no significant environment, health and
safety risks or non-compliances likely to impact the operation of the
facility. Environmental issues are sufficiently managed to minimise such risks
to, and impacts on, both the environment and staff. A number of major issues
have already been solved by the Company, including, for example, a switch from
oil to gas fired boilers which has resulted in a 4 times decrease in air
emissions. There are, however, a number of issues which still need to be
addressed including improvements in house-keeping, repair of waste water
treatment facilities to better deal with suspended solids, and better
management of certain non-hazardous solid wastes. Pokrovsky had already
developed an EAP covering the years 2004 - 2008. This was reviewed and
modified by the independent environmental consultants to ensure compliance not
only with national environmental standards but also good international
practice.
4.Environmental opportunities
The improvement of the
environmental performance of the Company is a key aspect of the Company’s
environmental management system and the EAP includes the development of a
programme to reduce fresh water use and energy consumption and further
minimise waste production.
5.Summary of Environmental Action Plan
The EAP covers air
emissions, waste water treatment, solid waste management, house keeping and
general environmental management. Actions include the installation of a number
of filtering devices to reduce air emissions, reconstruction of the mechanical
aspect of the waste water treatment system, reconstruction of the water intake
from the local river, implementation of a waste minimisation plan and more
efficient removal of solid wastes from the site and improvements to the
overall management of environment, health and safety issues.
6. Disclosure of Information and Consultation
Pokrovsky is
required to carry out its actions in accordance with national requirements for
public disclosure and consultation. Additionally, as a Category B project,
Pokrovsky is requested by the EBRD to release locally a summary of relevant
environmental issues associated with the project and summarise the mitigation
measures, action plans and other initiatives agreed. This annex was translated
into the local language and released locally in accordance with those
requirements.
7. Monitoring and Reporting
Pokrovsky will continue to monitor
the environmental impact of its operations in accordance with Russia law. It
will also provide the EBRD with an annual environmental report covering, among
other things, progress on implementation of the agreed EAP.
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