Environmental & Social Review Summary
Project Number
8850
Company Name
WEST Export Import Company, a.s. - v likvidacii
Date ESRS Disclosed
Feb 5, 2010
Country
World Region
Region
Global
Last Updated Date
Dec 31, 2016
Environmental Category
B - Limited
Status
Completed
Previous Events
Approved : Jul 15, 1998
Signed : Oct 29, 1998
Invested : Dec 24, 1999
Sector
Pharmaceuticals and Medicine
Industry
Health, Education and Life Sciences
Department
Regional Industry MAS LAC & EUR
Project Description
REVISED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SUMMARY (ERS)
Project Name SLOVAKIA: West Pharmaceuticals
Region Europe
Sector Pharmaceuticals
Project No. 008850
1. The Project comprises a USD 5.276 million expansion of a WEST’s pharmaceuticals import and distribution operation. WEST currently imports and distributes pharmaceutical products produced by a range of established, foreign and domestic drug companies. WEST intends to expand the Company’s warehouse facilities in Presov and Senec on purchased land, and purchase or lease an extra warehouse facility in central Slovakia; upgrade existing and acquire new inventory control and routing technologies; expand the Company’s fleet of vehicles; enhance the computer infrastructure; and increase the Company’s product inventory.
2. This is a category B project according to IFC’s environmental review procedure because the specific impacts that may result can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The project does not involve loss of natural habitats, nor is there resettlement or other significant adverse social impacts.
3. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor. An engineer from the Technical and Environment Department visited the site as part of the appraisal. The following potential environmental and health and safety issues relating to the proposed project were analyzed:
· land use;
· treatment and disposal of sanitary effluent;
· noise
· disposal of expired products
· adverse drug events;
· employee health and safety, and
· Fire safety.
The sponsor has presented plans to address these issues and demonstrate 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.
Land Use
4. WEST’s headquarters and main warehouse are located in Presov, eastern Slovakia. The location was previously a Kindergarten, but when it was no longer required it was rented to WEST. The second warehouse was previously a packaging warehouse of the pharmaceutical company CIBA Geigy. The expansion of both these sites will not result in the loss of valuable habitat or have other adverse agricultural or social impacts and there are no potential contamination issues. The new site for the third warehouse has not been selected, the Ministry of Health is currently proposing a number of options. WEST will provide IFC with further information when a site has been selected.
Sanitary/Process Effluent
5. As WEST is an import and distribution company there is no manufacturing process and therefore no air emissions or process effluent. Sanitary effluent is discharged into the Municipal Sewer.
Noise
6. Noise impacts on the surrounding community are reduced through equipment selection, screening, and the use of silencers. The increase in traffic volume will not be such that there will be a significant increase in noise at the nearest receptors.
Disposal of expired products
7. WEST’s apply the “First in First out” method and stock only represents two months of sales. This means that there are rarely products, which have expired. WEST follow expiration dates closely, and send back any that are out of date to the original manufacturer. If the manufacturer asks WEST to destroy expired products they are taken to specialised company called Ceva in Trencuin for destruction. The Ministry of Health controls destruction procedures.
Adverse drug events
8. WEST only distribute products of well-known worldwide manufacturers and furthermore the Ministry of health approves each product before distribution. In case of adverse drug events, WEST is able to contact every customer who brought specific batches and withdraw these within 24 hours. WEST follow a very strict follow up procedures on products from their arrival to their delivery.
Health and safety/fire safety
9. Fire hydrants are installed throughout the building. Personnel is briefed on fire safety procedures and a smoke detection system will be installed in all the warehouses. Strict procedures for drivers are enforced. These include yearly medical checks and frequent driving tests. All drivers must take a break every four hours. Appropriate clothing is provided in the warehouse.
10. 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 Slovakia requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.
11. IFC will monitor ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.
This ERS was first sent to the Infoshop on 5/14/98 and revised on 5/15/98 to reflect correct project number.
Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures
Broad Community Support
Related SII
