The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and to demonstrate that the proposed project complies with applicable Turkish laws and regulations and World Bank Group requirements. The information provided about how these potential impacts are being addressed by Assan is summarized below:
Environmental Performance of Existing Operations. Assan recently completed a very detailed annual monitoring report for their existing operation at Tuzla (an IFC investment). The report was prepared by the Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul Technical University. The report provides extensive monitoring data for air emissions, liquid effluents, solid wastes, noise as well as indoor air quality and noise levels. The report provides third-party verification that the plant complies with all relevant Turkish requirements (both local and central government) as well as with applicable World Bank Group environmental and occupational health and safety guidelines.
Air emissions. Most of Assan’s air emissions are generated by burning natural gas fuel in aluminum melting furnaces as well as annealing furnaces. Pollutants of concern include carbon monoxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds. To minimize air emissions from this plant expansion, the new melting furnaces will be equipped with regenerative burners which utilize patented ultra low NOx technology from the Tokyo Gas Company – this technology is not only non-polluting but is also extremely fuel efficient. Through the use of this technology and clean burning fuel (i.e., LNG), Assan complies with applicable Turkish stack emission requirements and World Bank Group guideline emission limits. In addition, ambient air quality in the area surrounding the plant complies with applicable requirements and guidelines.
Effluent treatment and disposal. Assan generates both employee sanitary and industrial process wastewaters. These wastewaters are treated in a combination physical/chemical plant with a reverse osmosis system prior to discharge. The treated liquid effluents meet Turkish and World Bank Group guidelines for all parameters.
Solid and hazardous waste management. Assan generates a variety of solid and hazardous wastes, including aluminum scrap, packaging waste, waste oils, wastewater treatment sludges, and domestic solid waste. These materials are appropriately segregated and managed through various approaches in accordance with relevant requirements and good industry practice. For example, aluminum scrap, dross skimmings, and waste paper are all recycled. Used rolling oils are sent for distillation and reused. Waste oils are sent to a hazardous waste treatment facility in the area. Dewatered wastewater treatment sludges are trucked to and disposed at a licensed municipal landfill, as are domestic solid wastes.
Chemicals/fuels storage and handling. Fuels (LPG and diesel oil) are stored in above ground tanks provided with bermed secondary containment areas and proper signage. Hazardous chemicals (sulfuric and hydrochloric acids) are also stored in distinct, clearly labeled storage areas, and these areas are provided with sufficient secondary containment volume to prevent the spread of spills beyond the storage areas and subsequent contamination of the environment. Signage and security are up to international standards.
Emergency response planning and preparedness. Assan has developed and implemented emergency response and preparedness programs for the facility (namely “Instructions for the Prevention from Fire and Natural Disasters”, “The Emergency Action Plan and it’s Application” and “Measures for Protection from Natural Disasters”) . This includes emergency response plans, procedures for using, inspecting, testing, and maintaining emergency response equipment, fire safety measures, alarms and equipment, and training for all employees in fire safety and emergency response procedures. As required under Turkish law, an earthquake crisis management system has been put in place, and the Tuzla facility buildings have been designed and constructed to meet the latest standards in this regard.
Employee health and safety. Assan has implemented appropriate employee health and safety programs to protect the safety and health of all employees. Activities include control and monitoring of workplace air quality and noise, pre-employment and periodic medical examinations, provision of safety procedures and practices, the training of personnel in first aid, accident prevention, noise and hearing protection, handling of hazardous chemicals, proper control and maintenance of equipment, and safety procedures, and the maintenance of records of job-related accidents and injuries. An on-site infirmary is staffed continuously by a doctor or nurse and an ambulance is on permanent standby to transport injured workers to hospitals located nearby. Management meets regularly to review injury incidents and other accidents, and develops and implements necessary programs to prevent these from reoccurring.
