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Screening categories and rationale for classification
The
modernisation of the two plants is associated with a number of EHS issues,
which can be readily identified, assessed and mitigated. Therefore, the
European Bank of Regional Development (EBRD), has classified the project B/1,
requiring an Environmental Analysis of the proposed investment programme and
an Environmental Audit of the existing facilities.
Information reviewed during the environmental appraisal
A
series of environmental investigations have been carried out on the two plants
by Alcoa’s internal experts as well as independent consultants. Environmental
assessment of the Project sites included laboratory analysis of soil and water
samples, investigation of documents pertaining to emissions and discharges,
assessment of operational controls and review of the environmental management
programs.
Alcoa
Alcoa has high corporate EHS standards, which are being
implemented at their facilities worldwide. Alcoa is a recipient of many
external awards for environmental achievements and has been an element in the
aluminium industry group of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since 2001. It
has recently been nominated one of the top three most sustainable corporations
in the world based on the environmental, social and economic impacts of its
business. Alcoa’s goal is to implement at the Russian plants corporate health
and safety standards consistent with its world-wide standards.
Key environmental issues and mitigation
The environmental
investigations identified several issues associated with the existing
facilities as well as opportunities for environmental, health and safety and
energy efficiency improvements. The identified issues relating to existing
operations have been addressed in the agreed interim Environmental Action Plan
(EAP). The EAP consists of a number of measures to reduce air emissions, water
consumption and wastewater discharges as well as to improve energy efficiency,
oil and chemical storage and handling and worker health and safety. As part of
the EAP, a number of further investigations will be undertaken for developing
a long-term EHS programme aiming at bringing the Company into full compliance
with Russian EHS regulations and with EU environmental standards based on best
available techniques.
Disclosure of information and consultation
Alcoa will carry out
environmental assessments and public consultation in accordance with
requirements of Russian permitting procedures for the modernisation programme.
In the context of EBRD’s potential participation in the project, Alcoa has
released locally this summary of the relevant environmental issues associated
with the project and the mitigation measures.
Monitoring
Alcoa will measure and assess the EHS performance of
the Russian plants in accordance with its corporate standards and Russian
regulatory requirements. The Bank will evaluate the project's compliance with
the applicable environmental and social requirements during the lifetime of
the project by reviewing annual environmental reports prepared for the project
covering: (i) ongoing performance of project-specific environmental, health
and safety activities as reflected in the results of periodic and quantitative
sampling and measuring programmes, (ii) the status of implementation of
environmental mitigation and improvement measures. The Bank’s representatives
will also conduct periodic site supervision visits when deemed appropriate
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