INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATA SHEET
CONCEPT STAGE
Report No.: AC3819
Public Disclosure Authorized
Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 12/04/2008
I. BASIC INFORMATION
A. Basic Project Data
Country: Egypt, Arab Republic of
Project ID: P095925
Project Name: Alexandria Coastal Zone Management Project (Under the Investment
Fund for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem)
Task Team Leader: Maged Mahmoud Hamed
GEF Focal Area: International waters
Global Supplemental ID:
Estimated Appraisal Date: February 13,
Estimated Board Date: April 30, 2009
Public Disclosure Authorized
2009
Managing Unit: MNSSD
Lending Instrument: Sector Investment and
Maintenance Loan
Sector: General water, sanitation and flood protection sector (100%)
Theme: Pollution management and environmental health (P)
IBRD Amount (US$m.):
0.00
IDA Amount (US$m.):
0.00
GEF Amount (US$m.):
8.00
PCF Amount (US$m.):
0.00
Other financing amounts by source:
BORROWER/RECIPIENT
0.00
0.00
Public Disclosure Authorized
B. Project Objectives [from section 2 of PCN]
The overarching objective of the project is to contribute to the reduction of land-based sources of
pollution entering the Mediterranean Sea through the identified hot spots in the Alexandria area,
especially Lake Mariout.
The results of the project would be measured by the following outputs:
- A coastal zone management plan for Alexandria is in implemented.
- Investments are made in pollution reduction measures to Lake Mariout.
- The pollution load to Lake Mariout is lowered, as measured in terms of key water quality
parameters (Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total Suspended Solids).
Public Disclosure Authorized
C. Project Description [from section 3 of PCN]
The proposed project consists of the following three components:
Component (1): Planning and Capacity Strengthening (approx. US$ 2.0 million). The expected
outcome is an increased capacity by the various relevant entities to manage the coastal zones in
and around Alexandria in an integrated, participatory and sustainable manner. The outputs for
this component include: (i) a master plan for the management of the coastal zones of Alexandria
including Lake Mariout; (ii) the strengthening of the new Alexandria Coastal Zone Management
Committee to address the sustainability of the pollution reduction measures including cost
recovery and any other issues encountered during implementation of the project, and (iii) water
quality software, circulation modeling and monitoring equipment. The recommendations of the
master plan will be reflected in the future land use plan for the city of Alexandria.
Financing for this component will be for consultancy services, public consultation workshops,
training on ICZM, study tour, maps and GIS, and water quality monitoring equipment and
software. The determination of equipment type (e.g. stationary or portable), location, and
parameters will take place during project preparation. This component will be implemented by
the EEAA, with the main beneficiary being EEAA, Alexandria RBO and the Governorate of
Alexandria.
Component (2): Pollution Reduction (approx. US$ 5.0 million). The expected outcome is a
reduction in the land based source of pollution entering the Mediterranean, either directly or
through Lake Mariout. The output of this component is the completion of one or more low-cost
innovative pollution reduction measures such as an in-lake engineered wetland or in-stream
treatment among others. Financing for this component will go to: (i) consultancy work for the
preparation of the necessary feasibility studies for the few pollution reduction measures, and (ii)
goods and works for the implementation of those measures.
As a blended operation with EPAP 2, two wastewater projects currently in the EPAP 2 pipeline
will enhance the impact of the proposed pollution reduction measure. These projects include the
Amria petroleum refining public company with a proposal to use NMP solvent instead of Phenol,
the national paper private company with a proposal to supply and install second stage biological
wastewater treatment plant, and Wael Tex with a proposal for rehabilitation of the Industrial
Wastewater.
This component will be implemented by EEAA, utilizing the most relevant agencies/ministries
as executing agencies.
Component (3): Project Management (approx. US$ 0.5 million). The expected outcome is the
documentation of the project results for the purpose of up-scaling and replication. The outputs of
this component include the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned from the project.
Financing for this component will go to: (i) consultancy work for developing an M&E evaluation
scheme, and (ii) consultancy services to the PMU. This component will be implemented by the
EEAA.
Project Implementation Arrangements
The proposed implementation arrangements will be as follows:
At project level
The Project Management Unit. The Project Management Unit (PMU) for EPAP 2 will serve as
the PMU for the proposed project. However, the PMU will have to be reinforced by hiring three
new staff: (i) a technical manager, (ii) a financial manager, (iii) a technical staff. The PMU will
have the overall technical and financial responsibility of the project, and will provide the focal
point of contact for the project. The PMU will be responsible for the preparation of tender
documents, receiving and evaluating bids, managing contracts, supervising works and
consultants, and prepare progress reports. The Coastal Zone Management Unit in EEAA will act
as the Technical Secretariat of the Project and will prepare the annual work plan which will be
reviewed by the soon to be established Alexandria Coastal Zone Management Committee.
Depending on the selected pollution abatement measure in Component 2, the PMU may have to
contract a relevant agency (for example, For the investment component 2 (investment), the PMU
will sub-contract the works to the Egypt Public Agency for Drainage Projects for in-stream
wetlands, or the Ministry of Agriculture for in-lake wetland). The management of the investment
component will also be transferred from EEAA to the relevant agency/ministry after project
completion.
The Project Steering Committee (PSC). This Committee will include high-level representatives
each from the EEAA at the central level, the EEAA at the local level (i.e the Regional Branch
Office in Alexandria) and the Alexandria Governorate as well as other key stakeholders
(ministries, research institutes, NGOs, Fishermen Association, Fishermen Syndicate, etc.). The
Committee will be co-chaired by the Alexandria Governorate and a representative from EEAA.
The PSC will meet twice a year to review progress and propose any remedial actions if
necessary.
At governorate level
The Alexandria Coastal Zone Management Committee. The Committee will facilitate an
inclusive and participatory approach to CZM in Alexandria as such a structure has been
inexistent in Egypt. It will be instrumental in the organizing consultations for the preparation and
adoption of the Coastal Zone Master Plan. In addition, the Alexandria Committee will review the
annual work plan prepared by the PMU. To clarify the roles and responsibilities of EEAA and
the Governorate, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the two entities. The
Alexandria CZM Committee will coordinate with the Lake Mariout Management Committee
subject to the General Authority for Fish Resources Development Fisheries Department of the
Ministry of Agriculture.
The Alexandria Regional Branch Office (RBO). The Alexandria RBO will have a critical role
in overseeing the work on the Lake Mariout circulation model and in monitoring the water
quality in the El-Mex bay jointly with the High Institute of Research and Development in
Alexandria. The RBO will be responsible for acquiring the necessary technologies for the
monitoring equipment, the water quality management and data analysis software as well as the
maps and GIS capabilities.
At national level
The National Committee for Integrated Coastal Zone Management. This Committee which was
recently reinstated will provide scientific advice and inputs into the preparation of the Alexandria
Coastal Zone Management Plan serving as a scientific advisory body in particular for
Component (1).
D. Project location (if known)
The project will be carried out in the region of Alexandria impacting Lake Mariout. The Lake
water is pumped to El-Mex Bay in the Mediterranean Sea and is a major source of the Bay's
pollution.
E. Borrower's Institutional Capacity for Safeguard Policies [from PCN]
The borrower's institutional capacity for implementing Bank safeguard policies is high. The
project will be implemented by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), which is
also the implementing agency for the ongoing Egypt Second Pollution Abatement Project
(EPAP2), and for the successfully closed EPAP1. EEAA has gained significant experience and
built capacity that will be important for the implementation of this project.
F. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists
Mr Knut Opsal (MNSSD)
Ms Banumathi Setlur (ENV)
Ms Dahlia Lotayef (MNSSD)
II. SAFEGUARD POLICIES THAT MIGHT APPLY
Safeguard Policies Triggered
Yes No TBD
Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01)
X
The project aims to approach integrated coastal zone management in a holistic manner by
way of robust assessments to balance development needs and optimize conservation of natural
resources. The project will implement one or more low-cost innovative pollution reduction
measures such as an in-lake engineered wetland or in-stream treatment among others, keeping in
mind the objectives of reducing the load of land-based sources of pollution entering the
Mediterranean Sea in the "hot spots" of El-Mex Bay and Alexandria. The potential social and
environmentalimplications of the project will be defined through an Environmental and Social
Impact Assessment Framework (ESIAF) that will meet the requirements of Egyptian laws and
the Bank's relevant policies.
Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04)
X
The project will have targeted investments that will lead to reduction of pollution reaching
the Mediterranean Sea from Lake Mariout through the hot spots of Alexandria and El-Mex Bay,
and the improved management for the protection and restoration of the Lake Mariout and
adjacent coastal ecosystems. Project activities could include the establishment of an in-lake
engineered wetland or in-stream treatment among others, which will not cause conversion or
degradation of natural habitats. There will not be a need for any mitigation measures as
anticipated project activities will not lead to adverse impacts towards natural habitats. Scope of
assessment of natural habitats will be covered as part of the environmental assessment process.
Safeguard Policies Triggered
Yes No TBD
Forests (OP/BP 4.36)
X
Pest Management (OP 4.09)
X
Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11)
X
Physical Cultural Resources Policy (OP 4.11) will not be triggered as the proposed pollution
reduction measures will be implemented in-lake (engineered wetland) or in-stream
(biofilm/treatment). These measures will not cause disruption or digging of land, and will not
pose a threat to any natural habitats. Additionally, a "Chance Finds Procedures Manual" will be
prepared as part of the Environmental and Social Assessment Framework, and necessary
provisions will be part of consultant contracts that will cover appropriate chance finds
procedures.
Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10)
X
Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)
X
Land take is unlikely. However, it could occur during the reinstatement of cross section of
the drains. Therefore a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) consistent with OP 4.12 will be
prepared and disclosed prior to project appraisal.
Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37)
X
Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50)
X
The Project will not extract water from the Mediterranean Sea. Potential subproject
investment activities will seek to improve the quality of influent into Lake Mariout, thereby
improving the quality of water (reducing pollution load) that is discharged into the
Mediterranean Sea through the El-Mex Bay and Alexandria.
Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60)
X
Environmental Category: B - Partial Assessment
III. SAFEGUARD PREPARATION PLAN
A. Target date for the Quality Enhancement Review (QER), at which time the PAD-stage ISDS
would be prepared: 12/16/2008
B. For simple projects that will not require a QER, the target date for preparing the PAD-stage
ISDS: N/A
C. Time frame for launching and completing the safeguard-related studies that may be needed.
The specific studies and their timing1 should be specified in the PAD-stage ISDS.
Draft environment and social impact assessment framework report (ESIA) and draft
resettlement policy framework (RPF) will be disclosed before project appraisal.
1 Reminder: The Bank's Disclosure Policy requires that safeguard-related documents be disclosed before appraisal (i) at the
InfoShop and (ii) in-country, at publicly accessible locations and in a form and language that are accessible to potentially affected
persons.
IV. APPROVALS
Signed and submitted by:
Task Team Leader:
Mr Maged Mahmoud Hamed
11/05/2008
Approved by:
Regional Safeguards Coordinator:
Mr Hocine Chalal
11/23/2008
Comments:
Sector Manager:
Mr Luis F. Constantino
12/01/2008
Comments: