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Environmental classification
The project involves the
construction and operation of three new retail outlet centres in Minsk, which
may result in some environmental impacts. The potential impacts can be readily
identified, assessed and mitigated through an environmental analysis.
Therefore, the EBRD has classified the project B/0.
Information reviewed during the environmental appraisal
The
environmental analysis focussed on reviewing on the Sponsors’ corporate
environmental and health and safety safeguard procedures for the future
construction and operation of the new retail outlet centres. The review was
based on the environmental, health and safety (EHS) questionnaire completed
and submitted to the Bank by Senuku as well as EHS information gathered by the
Bank on its earlier projects.
Environmental issues
The principle environmental issues
associated with this project include those related to the sites chosen for
each store and their suitability for the intended purpose, the impacts created
during the construction of the stores (e.g. dust, noise, construction waste
management, construction traffic) and the impacts associated with the
operation of the stores (e.g. increased traffic flows, air emissions,
wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous waste management).
The Environmental Analysis showed that Senuku has a comprehensive
understanding and control of the EHS aspects of its operations and potential
environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of new
stores. The new outlet centres will be designed to conform to Belarusian
environment, health and safety requirements as well as to achieve
international standards for retail outlets. The site selection and
construction of each store will be preceded by environmental site
investigation.
The design, construction and operation of the stores and their car parking
areas involve a number of environmental mitigation and energy efficiency
investments and measures, including drainage and wastewater treatment systems,
solid and hazardous waste management as well as noise abatement. Modern
European technology is used for heating systems. No environmentally harmful
materials or substances (asbestos, formaldehyde, oil-cooled transformers etc.)
will be used. Belarusian requirements for fire safety and emergency response
will be complied with.
Environmental opportunities
In the design of its stores Senuku
incorporates good environmental practice. The procurement of main equipment
takes into consideration the environmental performance and energy efficiency.
Solid waste management is organised in accordance with principles of waste
minimisation and recycling.
Disclosure of information and consultation
Each new retail
outlet centre development undergoes an environmental investigations and public
consultation in accordance with Belarus law. The competent Belarus
environmental authorities take the public comments into consideration when
defining the conditions and requirements for the project design and
implementation fro the planning, construction and operation permits.
The Sponsors will ensure that the newly established companies will follow the
Belarus public disclosure and consultation requirements as well as release
locally a summary of the relevant environmental issues associated with the
project and the mitigation measures, action plans and other initiatives in
accordance with the public disclosure provisions of EBRD’s Environmental
Policy (2003) for B-category projects.
Monitoring and reporting
The newly established companies will
monitor the environmental impact of the project and its operations in
accordance with Belarus environmental law and in consideration to best
international practice. The Bank will monitor the companies’ ongoing
compliance with applicable Belarusian and EU standards on the basis of annual
EHS reports provided by the companies. The companies will also inform the Bank
on any changes, incidents and accidents that may have material effect on the
environment or safety.
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