Environmental & Social Review Summary
Project Number
7181
Company Name
Telemovil El Salvador, SA de CV
Date ESRS Disclosed
Feb 5, 2010
Country
El Salvador
Region
Latin America and the Caribbean
Last Updated Date
Dec 31, 2016
Environmental Category
B - Limited
Status
Completed
Previous Events
Approved : Feb 22, 1996
Signed : Mar 7, 1996
Invested : May 14, 1996
Sector
Mobile Telephony
Industry
Telecommunications and Technology
Department
WBG Digital and AI
Project Description
--Environmental Review Summary (ERS)
Project Name El Salvador-Telemovil II El Salvador S.A.
Region Latin America
Sector Telecommunications
Project No 007181
1. Telemovil, which is currently the only cellular telephone network operator in El Salvador and an existing IFC client, has requested support for its ongoing investment program. Phase II, the project, involves the addition of 45,000 subscriber lines and construction of 27 new cell sites to extend coverage to new parts of the country. The proposal is to increase the 15,000 existing lines to 60,000 by the end of 1999. In addition, the company will be gradually converting it’s existing AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) based network to a digital format using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) technology. Planning for the expansion phase is being coordinated with Comsearch, a US consulting firm that will provide advice on planning and cell site selection. Total project cost is estimated at US$45.4 million of which IFC will provide US$20 million in loans.
2. This is a category B project according to IFC''s environmental review procedure because specific impacts may result which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor. The key environmental, health and safety issues that were considered in this project include:
· right-of-way alignment;
· development of previously undisturbed land (e.g., forest);
· land reclamation;
· microwave tower site selection;
· solid and liquid wastes;
· PCBs; and
· general employee safety and training.
3. Telemovil have submitted an environmental, health and safety management plan addressing the issues listed above, as well as an outline of key impacts and mitigation measures of past operations. This information is summarized below.
4. Telemovil currently leases or owns cell sites and switching centers in rural and urban areas. The average site is about 300m2 in area. It is
company policy to only purchase and lease sites accessible by existing roads. In selecting sites Telemovil also take into account the feasibility of linking up with the national electricity grid. Impacts related to establishment of new right-of-ways are therefore minimal. In urban areas cell sites are situated on existing buildings and already developed sites using self-supporting monopole antennas to minimize potential negative aesthetic effects. No construction will occur in National Parks or other protected or environmentally sensitive areas.
5. To date rural sites have been uninhabited and resettlement of people has not been an issue. However, under the proposed expansion the potential for resettlement exists. In order to ensure that any future resettlement will occur in accordance with national requirements and World Bank policies, Telemovil has committed to developing a resettlement plan, and to providing IFC a copy of the respective plan for clearance prior to implementation. Submission of resettlement plans for clearance by IFC will be included as a clause in the Investment Agreement.
6. The only solid and liquid waste Telemovil’s operations generate is sewage. During construction portable facilities and small septic systems will be provided. At any given time there will be no more than ten people working on construction at each site, therefore sewage volumes will not be significant. Maintenance and operation of cell sites require only one permanent on site employee for whom standard septic systems will be provided.
7. Ambient noise generated by operations are well within acceptable limits. In order to eliminate the potential negative health effects of radiation exposure, all electrical equipment is shutdown during servicing of microwave towers. Tower sites are under security surveillance and only trained and authorized individuals are permitted on towers. Employees working on towers are provided with helmets, retention belts and safety gloves. All employees assigned to equipment installation and maintenance have been trained in safety procedures by Telemovil’s main foreign equipment suppliers (e.g., Ericsson of Sweden).
8. No equipment containing PCB’s will be installed, and any existing equipment containing PCB’s will be phased out in accordance with El Salvador’s commitments to the Montreal Protocol.
9. All cell sites are equipped with either manual or automatic fire suppression systems. With the exception of four cell sites, all extinguishing equipment is CFC/halon-free. Existing halon-based equipment will be phased out in 1996, when all sites will be automated.
10. With regard to historical impacts and mitigation measures adopted, Telemovil’s Technical Department report only four incidents as having occurred to date, these are as follows:
DATE
12. The sponsor will annually submit to IFC a monitoring report outlining the environmental performance of the project. If resettlement issues arise, as mentioned above, Telemovil will coordinate with IFC to ensure that appropriate levels of rehabilitation and compensation are achieved. Based on the information provided regarding the potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC''s Environment Division concludes that this project will comply with applicable World Bank environmental, health and safety policies and guidelines, and host country requirements.
L:\CIND3\ELSALVAD\TELE2.ERS
December 5, 1995 9:27 AM
Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures
Broad Community Support
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