The sponsor has presented plans to address these impacts to ensure that the proposed project will, upon implementation of the specific measures agreed, comply with applicable host country laws and regulations and World Bank/IFC requirements. The information about how these potential impacts will be addressed by the sponsor/project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.
Site Setting:- The nearest town is Al Humaimeh ( 400 inhabitants), 1.5km from the Concession area; the nearest larger town is Al-Quwayra (3000 inhabitants), 15 km from the Concession area. The majority of the Concession is leased from Government with the exception of a lot adjacent to the Concession acquired from its owner on a "willing buyer/willing seller" basis. The water well to supply the plant operations is located on this adjacent plot, and the water pipe and future access roads will cross it. None of the land for the project was being used by other parties; there are no archaeological sites in the area that require special consideration. The licensed area is approximately 12km2; the proposed silica sand plant is to be located ion this area close to the open pit sand quarry. Total proven reserves allow for at least 17 years of extraction at the given rate; Meren''s initial Concession is for 30 years. The plant location has been chosen based on the sand quality as well as its accessibility ( a road connecting it to the main highway already serves the site). The water pipe (1000m) which will pass entirely through Meren''s own land will be supplied with water from a deep underground well which draws from a replenishible aquifer and whose long-term viability has been confirmed by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. Power lines pass near to the site.
Plant Design:- To minimize environmental impact, the plant is being designed to minimize water consumption and maximize water recycling. Water usage to produce 530,000 tons per year of silica sand products was originally 50m3/hour; Meren has now selected a process that offers the maximum recycling of process waters and identified measures to reduce consumption to around 10 m3/h ( make-up water) by re-using water within the wet circuit. A filter press, or appropriate methods as necessary, will be installed to treat sludge discharged by the thickener, will improve water recovery and sludge handling; sludge settling ponds will also be used created with these waste products ultimately placed back in the mine. The plant design also allows for water spills and drainage capture from stockpiles which will sit on a concrete platform during drying. Bag house dust collection systems are to be installed and designed to use cartridge type bags so that operators are not exposed to dust during replacement. Traditional bag filters require the operator to enter the chamber to replace the bags and increase their potential exposure to high silica levels. Operators in the "dry" section of the plant will wear respirators in areas where accidental releases from process disruptions could overwhelm the dust collection system. An Air Quality Monitoring Plan will address frequency and location of air sampling devices. Dust control design will reduce crystalline silica in the workplace to below 0.1 mg/m3 ( threshold limit value - free respirable silica). Workplace noise issues will be addressed by defining areas ( e.g. the fluid bed dryer and grinding mill areas) that will be above 85dB. A Noise Monitoring Plan to address the need for personnel hearing protection will be developed. A Waste Management Plan will also be produced. Meren anticipate that waste such as spent lubrication oil, grease and other items such as food waste will be collected and removed from site to an authorized waste disposal site. Scrap steel and other metal will also be removed and sold. Meren do not anticipate handling hazardous materials on a routine basis, however, this issue will be addressed during the development of the Waste Management Plan. Project facilities will include a fire protection system consisting of pumps, hydrants, fire alarms and fire detection systems. The plant will have a dedicated safety engineer to support the plant''s safety and health program.
Mine Development:- The mining method will depend on having benches of at least 100m length, 40m width and 6m height. Blasting of silica sandstone is not currently anticipated based on the results from test pits conducted on site; ripping, dosing and loading will be used instead. If after mine opening, blasting is needed, all requirements with regard to the safe use of explosive materials will be provide by Meren. Although the overburden is relatively small, a 10,000 ton feed stockpile is to be prepared prior to plant start-up. Iron-oxide content of the sand is limited; no acid leaching or other additives are required to obtain the sand grade specified. Meren has confirmed mitigation measures will be taken to ensure that ambient air quality meets IFC''s Mining and Milling - Open Pit guidance for particulate matter at the property boundary. A Mine Reclamation Plan is to be produced and forwarded to IFC for approval; any long-term costs associated with reinstatement are also being factored into the project.
Health and Safety:- Safety equipment such as "pull stops" on conveyors, guarding, handrails, toe-boards and non-slip surfaces will be part of equipment design and supply. Meren will also equip its employees with hardhats, safety shoes, glasses, respirators and hearing protection. Occupational Safety and Health guidelines as recognized by the U.S. National Industrial Sand Association will be followed as regards the limits set above. Specific details of the safety processes and procedures will be set out in a Health and Safety Plan which will also include guidance on working in confined spaced e.g. storage silos, tanks and pump sumps. Air monitoring equipment for oxygen content and toxins will be provided. A Training Plan will also be developed; employees will also be trained for emergency procedures and in the use of emergency equipment.
Environmental Management Capacity:- Meren has negotiated a turn-key contract with a US company who will design a fully automated processing plant employing stste-of-the-art technology. This arrangement will also ensure the transfer of know-how and training to local staff and should enable a consistent and high quality product to be produced according to high environmental standards. An Environmental, Health and Safety Management PLan ( "EHSMP") including objectives, timetable, and resource implications is to be produced by Meren in consultation with IFC and will include all operational plans referred to above. Meren is also required under the Concession to appoint a Health, Safety and Environmental Officer who will assume, among other tasks, the responsibility of all sub-contracted mining activities.
Environmental Laws and Standards:- Meren has confirmed that the project will be designed to comply with national Jordanian environmental laws and standards, and World Bank Group Safeguard Policies and Guidelines, as well as applicable USA Industry standards with regards to the performance items and limits set above.
