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The project was screened B/1, requiring an environmental analysis and audit
(combined). As the project was already subject to detailed due diligence
(inclusive of an Environmental Impact Assessment), as required under Polish
law, the information needed to meet the Bank's environmental requirements was
readily available and confirmed by a site visit. The key environmental issue
for PAK is air emissions. The new unit is a replacement for two old and
inefficient mazut-fired units (200MW/ea) with a new lignite-fired unit using
supercritical boiler technology and state-of-the-art pollution control
technology inclusive of FGD. This new unit will meet the relevant EU emission
standards for particulates, SO2 and NOx. With regard to CO2, the higher
efficiency will result in lower pro rata emissions per unit of electricity
generated.
Compliance
PAK is in compliance with Polish environmental and health and safety
legislation which is largely based on EU Directives. The new unit is designed
to comply with relevant current and future EU emission standards. It will be
fitted with low NOx technology, full limestone/gypsum FGD and high-performance
electrostatic precipitators.
Monitoring and reporting
The client will have to submit Annual Environmental Reports to the Bank,
detailing environmental and occupational health and safety performance.
Environmental management
The Bank will encourage the sponsor to implement an environmental management
system in compliance with international standards such as ISO 14000.
Specific Environmental Issues
Air emissions
The new unit will meet EU emission standards for new plant. The project will
be a significant step towards reduction of SO2 and to a lesser extent dust and
NOx from Patnow. Total annual SO2 emissions are expected to decrease by almost
50 per cent, to around 42,000 tonnes p.a. Total annual CO2 emissions of the
entire power station will remain unchanged, but specific emissions (per unit
sent out) will decrease markedly due to the higher efficiency of the new unit
(approx. 42 per cent net), compared with approx. 35 per cent for the older
units.
Solid waste
Solid waste consists largely of fly-ash and furnace bottom ash, amounting to
approx. 950,000 tonnes (current operations), which will rise to approx.
1,200,000 tonnes once the new unit is operational (ash plus approx. 150,000
tonnes of FGD gypsum). Solid waste is currently used for backfilling an old
open-cast mine and it is planned to continue this practice (pending approval
of ash/gypsum co-disposal by the local/regional Environmental Regulator).
Thermal discharges
Patnow has an open cooling system which relies on a natural lake. Thermal
discharges are subject to Polish discharge limits and a special permit for the
station to allow for slightly higher discharges during summer periods. It is
expected that the existing permit will be extended.
Waste water
Domestic waste water (and subsequently FGD waste water) will be treated prior
to discharge into the ash disposal area. This is subject to a permit and
monitoring by the regulator.
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