Environmental & Social Review Summary
Project Number
7250
Company Name
Proyectos de Infraestructura S.A.
Date ESRS Disclosed
Feb 5, 2010
Country
Colombia
Region
Latin America and the Caribbean
Last Updated Date
Dec 31, 2016
Environmental Category
B - Limited
Status
Completed
Previous Events
Approved : Jun 26, 1996
Signed : Dec 20, 1996
Invested : Jun 9, 1997
Sector
Highway Operations (Includes Toll Roads)
Industry
Infrastructure
Department
Regional Industry INF LAC & EUR
Project Description
Environmental Review Summary (ERS)
Project Name Colombia-Buga-Tulua-La Paila Highway (BTLH)
Region Latin America and Caribbean
Sector Transport
Project No. 007250
1. In December 1993, the Province of Valle del Cauca awarded a concession for the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing 60-km highway from Buga to La Paila to a consortium comprised of Colombian and Spanish companies. The 23-km section of this highway between Buga and Tulua has already been completed. The project involves converting the remaining 37-km section of this highway, between Tulua and La Paila, from two to four lanes, construction of toll facilities, and provisions for security and emergency services. Since this project is being developed primarily along the existing highway route, it will require modest increases in the right-of-way. The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) conducted for the project concluded that there will not be significant new environmental impacts associated with the widening of the highway. The project will complete the government’s program to improve traffic flow and public safety for the entire highway between Buga and La Paila.
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, and the technical appraisal and site review completed by IFC’s staff and consultants. The following potential environmental, health and safety impacts of the project were analyzed:
· air emissions;
· liquid effluents;
· solid wastes;
· employee safety;
· emergency response;
· public transportation safety; and
· resettlement.
The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate that the proposed project will comply with applicable governmental and World Bank requirements. The information provided about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.
3. Air quality during project operation should be improved because of the resulting more efficient flow of traffic. During project construction best management practices, including the use of water spray, will be used to minimize dust emissions. Air emissions also will be generated from the asphalt plant during project construction. These emissions will be controlled with a wet venturi system. The particulates collected in the system will be recycled during the asphalt preparation process.
4. Ambient noise levels will increase during construction, but be reduced versus present levels during the toll road operation due to improved traffic flow and design measures to mitigate noise impacts including the installation of noise barriers, the expansion of green areas and the planting of additional trees and bushes.
5. Water quality impacts from the present highway and right-of-way area will be improved due to reduced vehicle pollutant emissions resulting from the elimination of stop-and-go traffic patterns and by improvements to the drainage systems. Liquid effluents from the administrative offices and the maintenance depot will be treated to meet the relevant World Bank guidelines. Water quality impacts during construction will be minimized by the installation of temporary sediment barriers to prevent sediment from entering the drainage systems, and subsequently, surface waters.
6. Solid wastes will be generated during the construction phase of the project as well as during maintenance and operation of the completed highway. The waste generated during construction and subsequent closure of the construction camps and materials sites will be disposed of in designated areas, to the satisfaction of local authorities, following best management practices. The waste generated during the maintenance and operation of the highway will be properly disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
7. The sponsor recognizes that the key elements for construction, maintenance and operations safety include clear policies, adequate resources, effective procedures, employee training and management oversight. The sponsor has established a health and safety organization and program based on these elements. Employees exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA or dust levels above 10 mg/m3 will be provided with and required to use the proper personal protection equipment. Employee training is provided for accident prevention, use of personal protective equipment and the response to various potential emergencies. The company focuses on employee and public safety, including hazardous operations, emergency response measures, and the transportation, storage and use of hazardous materials.
8. The project will improve aesthetics as well as improve community and personal safety. The company has already instituted a highway safety program which includes coverage of the existing highway with emergency service vehicles and personnel who aid motorists by providing or dispatching the needed emergency services. The project also will result in the installation of better lighting, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings as well as improved maintenance of existing walkways.
9. The sponsor’s 24-hour traffic safety program also ensures that traffic norms are followed. As with the present highway, informative signs will be placed along the expanded highway to encourage accident prevention, specify emergency procedures and designate regulatory requirements such as speed limits. When accidents occur along the highway or maintenance is being performed, the sponsor will display highly visible warning and detour signs. Additionally, an Emergency Response Plan has been established, in conjunction with contractors and public authorities, to handle major transportation emergencies involving hazardous materials.
10. Highway construction will be in an area which contains oil pipelines. These lines are under the authority of ECOPETROL. The sponsor is working closely with ECOPETROL to maintain adequate spill prevention and emergency response programs relevant to the oil line system and highway project. Contracting personnel engaged in construction and maintenance activities are required to be adequately trained and equipped to take the necessary first-responses to a potential or actual spill incident.
11. Several sections of the highway have been realigned, as a result of the involvement of public officials and affected communities, to minimize the need for property acquisition and relocation of residents. Thus, the number of affected properties has been reduced to approximately 120 plots involving residents, businesses and a school. The sponsor is working with the local communities and the Province of Valle del Cauca government to ensure that the resettlement of the affected community located in the right-of-way proceeds smoothly and with minimum impact.
12. The overall programs for resettlement and clearing of the right-of-way are directed by governmental authorities. The terms of the negotiated settlements are issued in a public document; both the affected parties and the government may resolve differences within the judicial system. The sponsor reports that the programs are proceeding smoothly and that the affected people are being treated in a fair and equitable manner. Additionally, the communities and public view the project as a source of development and have joined with the sponsor in a cooperative effort to ensure the success of the project.
13. The Ministry of Environment provided the sponsor with authorization to proceed with the Buga-Tulua portion of the project on July 22, 1994 and with provisional authorization to proceed with the Tulua-La Paila portion of the project on December 29, 1994. These resolutions require that the sponsor continue to maintain a program of public outreach and consultation during the construction and operational phases of the project. Communication between the sponsor and the affected community will be maintained during the life of the project to alert citizens and public services of construction schedules and detours as well as to resolve community and individual concerns. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is also required to be established and implemented for the project. The EMP will reflect the differing needs associated with the dry and rainy seasons, and includes implementation of mitigating measures, periodic monitoring and a reforestation program.
14. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that, the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Colombia requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.
15. IFC will monitor the sponsor’s implementation of the EMP as well as their ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating environmental performance reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.
L:\WPEU\JOHN\COLOMBIA\BTLH.ERS
March 11, 1996 10:43 AM
Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures
Broad Community Support
Related SII
