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Environmental classification
The construction and operation of a new, medium-size floorboard production
facility with sawmill operations is typically associated with limited direct
environmental, health and safety issues, which can be efficiently mitigated
with modern technology, project design, construction planning and work
practices. The proposed location of the new plant had been previously used as
an aircraft repair facility. For the above reasons, EBRD has classified the
project B/1.
Environmental issues
Environmental due diligence showed that there are no significant environmental
issues associated with Barlinek’s production facilities in Poland. Since 1999
Barlinek has been implementing various environmental, health and safety
improvement measures, as a result of which the facilities are currently in
full compliance with all relevant Polish and EU environmental standards. The
company has confirmed that the Ukrainian Project will be conducted in line
with the standards and technology being applied in Barlinek SA (Poland) and
will fully meet Ukrainian and EU environmental, health and safety standards.
As the site for the proposed project had been previously used as an aircraft
repair facility, an audit has been requested to establish the baseline
conditions, assess the risk associated with past environmental damage and
agree on corrective measures to ensure that the site is fit for the
construction and operation of the new production facilities.
Wood procurement issues
Similarly to its Polish operations, the Company will be required to adopt and
implement sustainable wood procurement plan and procedures that are in line
with internationally recognised sustainable forest management standards,
ensuring that:
(i) the wood does not originate from statutory protected forests, forest areas
included in nature conservation programmes or sites which have been notified
by the authorities to be excluded from felling;
(ii) the origin of the wood is monitored;
(iii) suppliers operate according to the principles of sustainable
development, in compliance with the legislation currently in force and under
the supervision of state authorities; and (iv) the biodiversity and the
functions of the forest ecosystem are maintained in accordance with
internationally and nationally approved principles.
Environmental opportunities
The plant will introduce state of the art technology with high standards of
energy and resource efficiency and has potential for demonstrating benefits of
environmentally sound wood processing in Ukraine. The project provides an
opportunity to promote sustainable forest management standards and
certification through market mechanisms in Ukraine. The project will also be
promoting bio-fuel (pellet) manufacturing industry and markets in Ukraine.
Disclosure of information and consultation
The Company will inform general public in Vinnytsia of the project according
to Ukrainian public disclosure provisions. In accordance with the provisions
of the EBRD’s Environmental Policy, the Company has disclosed locally this
summary. The summary in English has also been posted on EBRD’s website at
www.ebrd.com.
Environmental monitoring
The Company is committed to monitor environmental and health & safety issues
in accordance with Ukrainian requirements and with good international industry
practice. A specific monitoring programme has been established to ensure air
emissions of dust, waste water discharges and indoor air quality will remain
within regulatory limits. The EBRD will evaluate the project's compliance with
the applicable environmental and social requirements during the lifetime of
the project by reviewing annual environmental reports (AERs) covering:
(i) ongoing environmental, health and safety performance;
(ii) the status of implementation of environmental mitigation and improvement
measures; and
(iii) wood supply issues. The EBRD’s representatives may also conduct periodic
site supervision visits when deemed appropriate.
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