FINAL REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT - RABIGH PHASE Il PETROCHEMICAL PROJECT Volume I ARAMCO OVERSEAS COMPANY B.V., SUMITOMO CHEMICAL CO,, LTD. AND J-GULF INTERNATIONAL LTD. wi >. Holga pape ot Med AT a Mi it ee suviromb cence, 18 iro ut. Center for Environment & Water Rabi 1432 1 Mareh 2011 G King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Research InstituteEXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND {In response to a request from JGC Gulf Intemational Ltd,, the Project Contractor for Aramco Overseas Company B.V. and Sumitomo Chemical Co,, Ltd., the Center for Environment & Water (CEW) of the Research Institute of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPMIRI) conducted this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project. The proposed project is an upgrading of the Rabigh Refinery/Petrochemical complex in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia, It is a Joint venture between Aramco Overseas Company B.V., and Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. KFUPM/RI has conducted a number of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for several large projects in the Kingdom including those for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Rabigh Refining end Petrochemical Company (Petro Rabigh) in the Rabigh area, This report is prepared by a team of experts from KFUPM/RI and intemational consultants according to the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME), the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Saudi Aramco, and the World Bank Intemational Finance Comporation (IFC) guidelines, and the "Equator Principles, as appropriate, PROJECT BRIEF The proposed Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical project is intended to produce speci petrochemicals such as paraxylene, vinyl acciate monomer and other petrochemical products based on feedstock such as ethylene, propylene, benzene and ethane. The proposed project consists of the following major components: + Ethane Cracker expansion. © Naphtha Reformer/Aromatics Complex. * MTBE/Metathesis * Chemical Derivative Units, which include about 17 world scale chemical derivative units for production of a broad range of chemical products using the feds from the above listed core units, * Support facilities, which include the utility supply facilities with third party Integrated Water, Steam and Power Project (IWSPP) for power, steam and water along with an off-site tank area, jetty and material handling facilities including warehouses, common facilities’ for distribution end connection of each of the units and utilities/ofFsite facilities for control, communication, and administration,‘The economic benefit from this project to the Kingdom is obvious, In addition, this project will improve the local socio-economic environment through providing increased job opportunities for the local people in the proposed plant and its support services. EIA OBJECTIVES ‘The overall objective of this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is to provide an expert assessment of the impacts on the environment around the project site that might occur due to development of the proposed Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project facilities in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. This EIA study also includes development of the recommended performance, compliance, and management plan including the necessary ‘monitoring programs for evaluetion of the environmental impacts attributable to the construction and operation of the planned petrochemical facility, and compliance with the recommended mitigation measures during construction and ‘operation phases of this project. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The descriptive checklist technique was used to identify the potential environmental impacts from different activities and agents related to the Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical Project. Tables 1, 2, and 3 detail the impact agents/activities for the more obvious impacts of the project and the significance of these impacts.Table |. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE Potential environmental impacts caused by Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical Project. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES/AGENTS OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIESIAGENTS Emissions from construction ation of acidentl spills snd leaks, and Welding Emissions. Plant emissions, Incinerator and Gare emissions, Fugitive emission fiom tanks, Fugitive emissions during loading and unloading, and Volatilization oF accidental spills and leaks, ‘Access area and cleared right of way, Fugitive dust, ‘Accidental sls and leaks, Terrestrial Uncontrolled offre driving, Uncontoed off driving. and Construction noise and vibration, end | Operational noise, Improper disposal of excavation spoils, Cooling water discharge, Pas ‘Wastewater discharge, Pade Storm and fie-wate discharge, Hydrotest water discharge, ‘ hae Wenewncrincnee, Sanitary and comestic wastewater discharge, Construction noise, Solid waste dispsel, and Increased service vessel activity Operations nase and vibration, Solid waste dispose, Increased versl berthing activity and Port management and operation, Groundweter/Soit ‘Accidental spills and leaks, Removal of ground cover, Use of unpeved roads ‘Accidenial sis and leaks Socto-Bconorsle Socio-Economic Impacts, ‘Tratne, lnfiex of workforce, und Construction camp. Socio-economic. impacts, Traffic and transport, and Intex of workforce ‘The impacts im bot ype ndcte polenally more substantial ipaods ooesurear |) Al: eh | f susvonmou || lf ef Pe fatel ff ffl a spntareaoroacons |] | | | dele eed ell sie es or gee yecnpeteims singing ee nog a Ges ema ||.) 1-114 saa en ae 3) ‘rte rs Bar apes heft ded alala TED s/s Lebel sera pecan rennendo aa Prosyo pene serpersntsimnoy| fa] [fff =f Lp Ee amp street et sey sor sing persone wos ea allel tds a | 1 2 [emer fs conian ccoteic!Topverphi| Gotoricl revi Nada Fomor [ereeoesaer loose etcoroegy and ie ‘rotator ——— spunossrmnuyy spourosin oneAfter review of the potential environmental impacts, only the plant emissions appear to have the possibility to cause severe mitigated. Air dispersion modeling predicted violati standards for $02 and NO2 due to air emissions from Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical project sources when compared with the selected project air quality limits. For NO2, the most impacted site was the unpopulated afea between the Rabigh Phase If Petrochemical project facility and the Public Utility Company (PUC). This impact may be reduced or eliminated by restricting the personnel entry in the subject area Violations of the 10-minute 02 standard are predicted to be slightly more as compared 10 that of other averaging times. This may require changes to the Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical project source emission parameters in order to achieve compliance with the project limits. The mitigation options in this case will likely include reductions in emission rates from specific stacks, Other possible mitigation measures include increasing stack heights and/or relocating the stacks. There are no annual violations predicted for SO2 and NO2 due to emissions from Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project alone. While looking at the base line air quality situation in the Rabigh region, there are already violations for $02 and NO2 for almost all the averaging times, and for 24-hour PMIO. The air dispersion modeting results for cumulative impacts of all emission sources including Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemcial Project facilities revealed that addition of Rabigh Phase I! Petrochemical Project is not expected to significantly worsen the current ambient air quality situation in the Rabigh region. More significant mitigation measures will be needed to eliminate violations due to cumulative impacts such as the use of cleaner fuel for the new (IWSPP), the Use of Flue gas desulfurization (EGD) technology to reduce the sulfur content or if at all is possible, importing the required electrical power from offsite, which will reduce IWSPP to only a water and steam plant; this will reduce the size of the IWSPP and hence reduce the number of stacks and significantly reduce the air emissions, An increase in the heights of stacks at IWSPP-I (existing Petro Rabigh Power Plant) is expected to teduce the overall emissions as well Among other principal changes, can be reductions in SO2 emissions from the PUC Plant and the Other Industrial Factory Plant by changing fuel from 3.7% sulfur heavy fuel oil to a lower sulfur fuel: this will help to reduce region wide impacts. Land clearing for the plant and associated noise, berth construction, pile driving, wastewater discharge, and increased berthing activity have the potential to cause local or site specific impacts of relatively brief duration (1 year or less) and these ean be mitigated to insignificant levels. The influx of a large number of workforces slong with the emissions and discharges from facilities necessary to support these workforces can also cause stress on the environment.A summary of the nature of the potential environmental impacts due to different Rabigh Phase If petrochemical Project activities (outlined in Tables 1, 2 and 3) along MAJOR CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS Emissions from Vehicles and Vessels The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has found that marine vessels can contribute to deterioration of air quality in ports and along coastal areas. Most marine vessels operate using diesel engines fueled by either diesel (distillate) or residual (a much higher sulfur) fuel. Diesel exhaust is made up of hundreds of components, both gases and particles. Some of the gaseous components include nitrogen compounds (¢.g. nitrogen oxides), sulfur compounds, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, A single engine on a cruise or cargo ship is large enough that, if it were based on land, would be considered a major source and require mandatory emission controls. Exhaust emissions from ships are considered to be a significant source of air pollution, with 18-30% nitrogen oxide and 9% sulphur oxide accounting for 3.5% to 4% of all climate change emissions caused by shipping. Emissions from marine vessels may have significant effects on the local emissions level. Emission inventory data for Cumberland County, Maine, USA, including the large port of Portland, shows that commercial marine vessels (cargo only) contribute 3% of the NOx, 1% of the SO and 7% of the PMic. Emissions from construction vehicles and marine vessels are short-termed negative impacts, and therefore, are of minor importance. Itis assumed that most of the construction vehicles used will utilize diesel fuel. A typical diesel-powered vehicle emits one-and-a-half to two times as much nitrogen oxide into the air as a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. A typical piece of construction equipment such as a 175 horsepower bulldozer emits as much NOx and particulate matter as 26 new cars. When nitrogen oxide and volatile organic ‘compounds react in sunlight and stagnant air, they form ground-level ozone - the main component of smog. Diesel engines are also major contributors to air-bome particulate matter, which ean carry carcinogens and cause respiratory health problems in people. Studies show that diesel exhaust has serious health impacts. The following mitigation measures are suggested to reduce (minimize) construction vehicle/equipment emissions: » — Utilize new, gasoline powered vehicles and equipment instead of diesel powered, © Turn off combustion engines on construction equipment not in active use and on dump iruoks that are idling while waiting to load or unload material for five minutes or more,® Establish a staging zone for trucks that are waiting to load or unload material at the work zone, in a location where diesel emissions from the trucks will be away from areas used by public, and © Locate construction equipment away from sensitive receptors such as fresh air intakes to buildings, air conditioners, and windows, if applicable. Land Clearing impacts ‘The impacts associated with access and site clearance are considered to be ‘moderate; however, if managed correctly these impacts should be short-termed and reversible. ‘The ecological value of the Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project area as a habitat in terms of bio-potentiality ranges from low to high. ‘The main anthropogenic stresses cn the ecosystem are the alteration/destruction of habitat due to sabkha filling, waste dumping sites, extension of agricultural farming, rapid and extensive urban development, industrial development and uncontrolled animal grazing. The movement of soil and the exposure of soil to surface water runoff will increase erosion potential with a possible increase in sediment transport to the Red Sea. This will not be a serious impact if an adequate provision is made to reduce erosion and prevent uncontrolled runoff from the construction area. Majority of wildlife can be found around plants that provide food, water and cover. A number of mammals, reptiles, arthropods and bird species are found in Western Saudi Arabia, but no major faunal activity was observed in the project area except grazing camels, lizards, and beetles at a significant distance where some scattered xerophytic plant species occur. Construction is restricted to a very small area leading {0 no major loss of any existing habitat. The existing baseline conditions indicate that the faunal species included in the IUCN Red List are not expected to appear in the proposed work area. Since habitat loss will be very limited in scope, such permanent direct impact to animals will be insignificant, Land clearing should be kept to a minimum. The effects of land clearing can severely affect a natural habitat not only for the plants and animals that live in the area, but also for nearby human populations as well. When native plants and trees are removed this makes room for invasive species to take over, which pushes out the area's indigenous animals, causing a rise in rates of extinction. The decreased biodiversity of an area can upset the delicate balance of an ecosystem that relies on its, native flora and fauna io maintain a biological system of checks and balances, Slope recontouring (terracing or flattening) involves modifying slope configuration on a large scale to improve slope stability. This should only be done with the proper guidance of a geotechnical engineer, Without proper review of the slope conditions, stope recontouring could make slope stability conditions worse. ‘Temporary direct impacts to animal species would most likely be limited to dislocation of individuals from normal territories due to shoreline construction activities. Increased noise, night lighting, vehicfe operation and human activity willtemporarily disrupt normal movement of individuals. Such impacts will be temporary. in nature and will not be significant, The measures related fo access and site clearance may include preparation of adequate infrastructure for the project site, worker housing and life amenities, efficient transportation system, and arrangement of the required support services and supplies at sufficient levels for the duration of the project. Visual impacts caused by access and site clearance will be evident but there are very few sensitive receptors in the area as itis basically an industrial zone. Sites of special archaeological interest are not known in the project area, Archaeological artifacts encountered should be recorded on a map using GPS and left in situ. Areas of high density or unusual finds should be reported to the Department of Archaeology of the Kingdom’s Supreme Commission for Tourism. It is recommended that the importance of leaving all archaeological artifacts in sitw be stressed during briefing sessions to all project staff prior to their undertaking any field work, In addition, the following measures should be undertaken: © All known cultural heritage should be avoided. 8, including those above and below ground, © A watching brief for archaeological relics should be maintained by the project team when working in areas of potential archaeological significance. ‘The identity of the site staff to maintain the watching brief and the area in which a watching brief is to be maintained should be agreed with the Department of Archaeology. * A stop work policy should be implemented. Should cultural relics be encountered during any project-related activity, the project work should cease immediately Fugitive Dust Emissions from Construction Activities Based on the results of fugitive dust study for different activities related to construction of the planned project using the CALPUFF model, it is expected that violations of the 24-hour PMjo will occur outside of the property fence line. Some violations will also be found at the main road and within the proposed camp. In the absence of any controls, these violations will be quite extensive and impact regions where the public has access. Some of these violations can be mitigated by controlling access to areas near the plant and reducing emission levels through wetting of road and construction surfaces. ‘The violations predicted at the main road and within the proposed camp cannot be corrected by fenceline extensions or property acquisition. Additional measures beyond these may be required, which may include a higher level of road wetting, limiting the speed of vehicles on property roads, the reduction of construction activity during times of peak impacts or the re-routing of traffic away from property fence lines, Acombination of these activities should be sufficient to reduce impacts to a level where they will not be detrimental to public health. Noise Impacts Noise survey measurements were conducted and had been reported in the Initial Baseline Environmental Assessment in 2004 (IBEA). The existing noise levels were also measured and results of the IBEA were updated after the construction of Phase I of the project, before commencing its operation as reported in Updated Baseline Environmental Assessment conducted in 2008 (UBEA). During the 2010 noise survey, facilities developed in Phase | of the project were operational. The findings of the 2010 noise survey and assessment are then used to predict potential noise levels change due to Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project developments, Noise level measurements in and around the project site including the area of Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical Project development were considered. Three measurement locations Outside the project site and six locations within Petro Rabigh facilities site (two of which were adjacent to Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project development site) were established. Measurements were taken over the course of three days over a period of cone week representing two time periods, ie. Daytime period from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m, and Night time period from 11:00 p.m, to 7:00 a.m, The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provide information about occupational safety and health, Noise levels requisite to protect public health and welfare against hearing toss, annoyance and activity interference were also recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), It iden hour exposure level of 70 dB as the level of environmental noise which will prevent any measurable hearing loss over a lifetime. Likewise, levels of 55 dB outdoors and 45 dB indoors are identified as preventing activity imerference and annoyance. NIOSH has a recommended standard for all industries specifying an 85 dB(A) recommended noise exposure limit. ‘The NIOSH and OSHA limits are the two commonly used standards in the United States for occupational noise exposure. However, in Saudi Arabia the applicable noise elements of the Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Couneil (GCC) Code of Noise Regulations, April, 2006 identify limits for determining the compatibility of various land uses with different noise environments. Such regulations recognize that some land uses are more sensitive to ambient noise levels than others, due to the amount of noise exposure and the types of activitiesfexposure typically involved. Table 4 indicates the maximum allowable received-noise limits for specified lend uses described by Lacy, dB(A). It should be noted that Petro Rabigh project development site can be considered dominant industrial tand use during day, evening and night times. vilTable4 Maximum allowable received-noise limits for specified land uses (relevant to Petro Rabigh project) Limits of Noise Levels (Lg), B(A) during the “sily" specified time periods Day time Evening time Night time Time Period | 7:00-16:00 16:00-23:00 23:00-7:00 TPT Noe ‘vine | tants | consuniy] ati tant | com ea oo a Urban residential areas with some commercial and | 65 oo | os] ss | ss workshops activities Indl and commer sat Tw [vo |» [| »| » By examining the different sections of the GCC Code of Noise Regulations, one can conclude that generally noise in the environment of Lacq < 60 dB(A) is “clearly acceptable,” while a noise environment of Lag > 60 and < 70 dB(A) is considered “normally acceptable” and Laay>70 and <75 dB(A) is “normally unacceptable”. Noise eavironments of Lasc75 dB(A) are considered “clearly unacceptable”. Should the ‘measured or expected ambient noise level exceeds the applicable noise levels in any category, then the applicable noise level must be mitigated/adjusted so as to equal the acceptable ambient noise levels or to be lower. Table 5 shows a summary of the measured broadband noise baseline levels (2010) described by Lacy at each of the nine monitoring locations during specific periods of low to no traffic during Daytime (DT: 07:00-23:00) and Night time (NT: 23:00-07:00). Conservatively assuming that measured L yey for 5-minute period would well describe the noise environment during the defined day and night times of a typical day one would then be able to check compliance with the noise limits as given by Standards of Exposure to Outdoor Noise levels, specifically the allowable limits of Industrial Noise Levels, Article (2-C). The symbol shown (i) indicates compliance with the GCC standards while symbol (x) indicates that existing noise levels exceed the acceptable noise limits. However, it should be noted that an increase of noise levels by 1.0-1.5 dB(A) can be considered insignificant. When measurements exceed the acceptable levels by around 3.0 dB(A) or higher, the increase should be considered significant.Table S Summary of the measured broadband noise baseline levels described by LAeg at each of the nine monitoring locations, Noise limits are also indicated, eT san a Meant bor oie in seteetete parr os a Deri 7 7 Twain i ¥ ‘RTH = Rabi Town Hopital wen, KTH Rbigh Town Hosp en, VL=ViligeSPH= Are nee hws wi 386 Power Pin, CAA~Communy an adminstntve ne, PBI PRY = Pato-Raibh Refine Pn boundary By examining the measured noise levels, the following findings can be stated: © The measured noise levels and spectra near or within residential communi andfor settlements are mainly affected by vehicle traffic on the existing nearby access roads as well as typical community activities and construction activities during day time, but impacted by low to no traffic noise and insignificant community activities during night time. However, values of the acoustical descriptor Ljaysrs indicate acceptable at day time as well at the hight time period except at the village monitoring location during night time as a result of vehicle traffic noise from Rabigh main road and the operation activities of car-repair shops existing alongside the road. The average noise spectrum measured outside the overall Petro Rabigh boundaries during the daytime and night time of a typical day is low in general at high and middle frequencies, ® The measured noise levels outside the security fence of the refinery are mainly a result of the operational activities of the Petro Rabigh facilities including those developed in Rabigh Phase I. High noise levels are encountered at boundaries of Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical Project which are greatly impacted by the noise of the flare shafis/stacks. They are also affected by vehicle-traffic on the road sysiem surrounding the refinery facilities during day time with lighter traffic observed during night time with the acoustical descriptors indicating values far below the upper limit of maximum allowable noise levels, particularly during night time. Noise levels measured at the refinery fence are high, but well below the acceptable noise levels (6.0-7.0 dB(A) less) during the daytime and slightly higher than the acceptable level during night time. This can be attributed to the clearly audible noise of discharged gases in the flame of the flare shafts/stacks, close to the respective measurement points Figure | depicts the predicted noise levels (a) outside at nearby residential communities based on noise levels averaged at 3 points measured during IBEA (2004), UBEA (2008), and 2010, and (b) within Petro Rabigh facilites based on average of 5points during IBEA (2004), UBEA (2008), and 2010. The expected increase Of Liaay 4B(A) is shown for both daytime and night time compared to the upper and lower acceptable noise limits as per the GCC Code of Noise Regulations, As can be seen the ambient noise levels are expected to increase above the acceptable limits for both daytime and night time outside and inside Petro Rabigh facilities due to the activities during the construction phase and the subsequent operational activities later on. ‘The noise increase rate during night Rabigh facilities) is approaching around 2.5-3.0 dB(A) which is insignificant. *Daytine ‘aNanttine 2002 20042006» 2008) 010 202g Time, years “a Nt tre >| | | Lawes B(A) | 90 Ha 2002-2004 «2006 «= 2008S II? Time, years Figure |: Prediction of noise levels (a) outside at nearby residential communities based on measured levels, during IBEA (2004), UBEA (2008), and the survey in 2010, and (b) within Petro Rabigh facilities.Berth Construction The marine loading facilities are required for export and import of final products and feedstocks to/from marine tankers via new loading arms and metering stations at new and existing berths. Due to a lack of spacing and berth occupancy, a new berth (Berth 4) will be provided for handling Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project feedstocks and products, All feedstocks and products to/from the Rabigh Phase I Petrochemical Project complex other than p-xylene, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), methanol, acetone and hexane will be handled at the new Berth 4. p-Xylene will be exported from the existing Berths 2 and 3 loading ams L/A-2.8 and L/A-3.8 provided the tanker size is 30,000 DWT at a minimum and the required modification (if necessary) to the piping has been cattied out, Hexane will be imported from the existing Berth 5 via the existing loading arm L/A-S.3, MTBE, methanol and acetone be handled at the existing Berth 5 via a new loading arm located at yet to be determined spaces. New loading arms and metering systems will be provided near each Berth, Construction of the new berth should not cause substantial damage other than transitory short-term increases in turbidity. The additional pilings and berth structure will provide hard substrate for the attachment of sessile organisms and may ultimately add to the productivity of the area, Welding emissions will occur. Turbidity and noise duc to pile driving may occur; however, these impacts are short-term, transitory in nature and are considered minor. Due to the short-term nature of the impacts due to berth construction, only minor mmitigative measures are required as follows: » Tur off combustion engines on construction equipment when not in active use * Establish a staging zone for trucks that are waiting to load or unload material at the work zone + Locate construction equipment away from sensitive receptors such as fresh air intakes to buildings, air conditioners and windows ® Sanitary facilities should be packaged wastewater treatment facilities or a system to transport the wastewater onshore for treatment and disposal * Monitor sedimentation and turbidity + Ensure that limitations are placed on the movement of service vessels carrying large quantities of fuel and limitations on vessel movements in general Confine construction activities to the winter months when fewer marine animals breed and when populations normally reach a minimum density xviPile Driving Pile driving operations release sediment into the sea as a sediment plume, create noise, and remove the piling area from the available substrate for the settlement of organisms. The amount of sediment produced depends on the method of pile installation. ‘The method of pile installation and the amount of sediment that may be produced are not known. The impact on the water column in terms of turbidity would be localized and likely dissipate rapidly as work proceeds from one pile to another, However, the impacts will vary because piles will be installed at various locations; pile sizes and the depth of the pile differ from the structures they support, and the type of benthic habitats exposed to the turbidity plumes also differs significantly, Industrial noise from pile driving will probably generate low level impacts. Small cetaceans, all acoustically sensitive animals that use sound for inter-species communication, prey location, navigation and obstacle avoidance will probably relocate and avoid routine operational noise sources before they can be injured by excessive sound pressures, Due to the short-term, transitory nature of impacts attibutable to pile driving, major mitigation should not be necessary except for the few measures mentioned below: * Pile driving and sheet pile hammering should be kept to a minimum and carried out over a short time period; and » Confine pile driving and any blasting to the winter months when fewer marine animals breed and when populations normally are of a minimum density Socio-Economic Impacts ‘The main socio-economic impacts that are likely to result from the Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project during various construction phases (i, initiation, access and site clearance, and operations and activities) are summarized in Table 6. Taking appropriate mitigation measures will help to ameliorate such impact. ‘The project will result in increased population during and after completion of the construction. There will be a rise in demand for public civil services such as health care, education, communications, transport, recreation, amenities, and municipal facilities. The existing infrastructure, with its current level of capacity is limited, and therefore, civil structures may be strained.Table 6. Significance of socio-economic impacts. ‘ Impact ee Major _| Moderate [Minor _[ Negligible Influx of Workers x Site Selection and Use x Demography and Sosio-Cultural Seting Aesthetics, Archaeology ‘Services (Health, Supplies, Communication, Recreation) Trafic The proposed project will also result in significant end immediate demand on commercial goods and services including building materials, industrial products, amenities, health and other services, transport, power, water, labor force, and the infrastructure. Because of the limited avail: bility of the needed goods and services in the short-term, price increases coupled with short supply are likely to result. The present demographic fabric is set to reshape with commencement of activities at the ‘new project site. The project and the local community will both face challenges in meeting their needs. Provision of housing encampments with complete civil facilities should be ensured for the project-related staff. Adequate amenities and services should be furnished to the workforce, Vehicular traffic to and from the project site and Rabigh together with Rabigh to Jeddah traffic are expected to increase considerably, Clearance on access routes should be optimized to provide a good and lasting road surface, intended to provide for future use and consequently reduce the need for successive road building along similar routes. These access routes are also expected to contribute positively to the existing and planned road network in the area. The impacts associated with the project-related operations and activities and the capacity are considered to be moderate; however, if managed correctly these impacts should be minimal and reversible, The influx of non-native workers for the Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project and their movements and activities will have implications for the demography, traffic and road use, and health and sanitation conditions in the area. Degradation of the existing road network, water resources, or aesthetic heritage may have serious effects. Careful site selection should consider these factors to avoid or mitigate such risks. ‘The impacts associated with general project initiation ate considered to be moderate; however, if managed correctly should be short-term and reversible. The project should avoid, as much as possible, community activity areas to minimize disturbance and interference.Construction Camp ‘The construction camp should be constructed in a manner ( meet PME/Saudi Aramco/Petro Rabigh standards and guidelines for all discharges and emissions. Direct discharge to the marine environment should be avoided. Solid and kitchen wastes should be stored in covered containers and regularly removed to an approved disposal facility. Camp personnel should be instructed to maintain a clean and environmentally compatible operation, Off-road driving should be discouraged. Where sanitary facilities are required, these facilities should be packaged wastewater treatment facilities or another system to transport the wastewater for treatment and disposal. MAJOR OPERATIONAL IMPACTS, Plant Air Emissions ‘An air dispersion modeling study has been conducted using the CALPUFF model as part of this EIA to evaluate the impacts due to air emissions from the proposed Rabigh Phase HI Petrochemical Project facilities on the ambient air quality around the project site CALMET diagnostic meteorological model has been used to produce fine-scale three-dimensional meteorological fields. Please note that the predictions have been made on 5 years of data from 2004 to 2008. This is because of the fact that accurate ‘meteorological data were readily available for this period. Please refer to air dispersion modeling and fugitive dust study report for further details. The results of this air dispersion modeling study are compared to the selected project limits (Table 7), which have principally been derived from the World Bank International Finance Corporation (IFC) Environmental Health and Safety Standards, ‘The impacts of air emissions from the major sources in and around the project site ‘on the ambient air quality has been evaluated for the following emission source scenarios: 1, Evaluation of Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project air emission sources alone. 2. Evaluation of background air emission sources alone. 3, Evaluation of cumulative impacts of Rabigh Phase UI Petrochemcial Project and the background sources.(i., the emission source scenarios | and 2 above together). Rabigh Phase IT Petrochemical Project Sources Alone A summary of the air dispersion modeling results for all selected pollutants and averaging times for the sources at Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical Project facility is presented in Table 7. xixFor $02, there are some violations predicted for 10-minute, I-hour, and 24-hour averaging periods, but no annual violations are predicted, In case of NO2, there are a few violations predicted for 1-hour averaging time when compared to the selected project limits. No violations are predicted for PM10 and CO standards. Table 7. Summary of air dispersion modeling results for Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project sources. | 200 ta | 7 200s {| 932.3 | sere | as6 | 134 tae | ins 2006 | 403 | osr1[ 20 | 28 wo | 13 2o07 | sas | oii | sio | 133 43 [116 2008 | 11964 | 60 [saa | 12.9 40 [24 BH = Howry 3 Highest All Background Sources Table 8 includes a summary of the air dispersion modeling results for the selected pollutants and averaging times for all the background sources (i.e, Rabigh Phase I, lity Company and Other Industrial Factory), ispersion modeling results for all background sources. J-hour | §-howr 40000. 10000 icin? | um? won| HH g/m’ | ppm? _| 4563 | 139.0 _| nas | 2386 826.6 | 398.1 7153 | 2935 oa. | 272.5 $0) standards are violated for all the averaging times including the annual. in case of NO», there are violations for I-hour averaging time, For PMyo, violations are predicted for most of the years for 24-hr averaging time, but none for annual, There are no violations predicted for CO.Cumulative Impacts of Phase I and Background Sources A summary of the predicted cumulative impacts of Rabigh Phase I Petrochemical Project and all background sources for the selected pollutants and averaging times is presented in Table 9, Table 9. Summary of air dispersion modeling results for all Rabigh Petrochemical Phase Il sources and all background sources, 2004 | 150790 | iosse0 | 398 | 22 | 3664 | 224 | 336 | 88 | 4563 | 1400 | 2005 | 13,4030 | 9.3662 | 1as06 | 2530 | sss | 24 | 667 | 94 | 749 | r06 | 2006 | 132190 | 92377 | 1am9 | 203 | a6 | 26 | or | 92 | s66 | 3081 | 2007 | r6010 | rie710 | 13559 | 2580 | sor | a7 | 560 | 97 | 753 | ans 2008 | rasaio | e716 | iso.7 | 280 | sous | ma | 377 | 1 | oar | ans SO; standards are violated for all the averaging times including the annual. For NOp, there are violations for I-hour averaging time, however, no annual violation is predicted. In case of PMjo, the predicted violations are almost similar to that of background sources, ie., there are violations for most of the years for 24-hr averaging only. There are also no predicted violations for CO. The air dispersion modeling results show that although Rabigh Phase iI Petrochemical Project alone has some violations of selected project limits near the proposed facility property line, there is no significant influence on the cumulative impacts due to air emissions from Rabigh Phase II Petrochemical Project facility on the existing air quality situation in Rabigh region. Furthermore, SO> violations in the region are dominated by the PUC Plant and to a slightly lesser extent by the Other Industrial Factory Plant. ‘The Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical project facility will significantly contribute to the violations of applicable ambient air quality standards near its property line, However, the largest regional contributors will be the background sources which are running on high sulfur fuels, In general, the predicted cummulative impacts were highest near cither the PUC Plant or the Other Industrial Factory Plant, Often in these eases, the impacts due to the proposed Rabigh Phase II Petrochemcial Project facility were very small. When considering the area of peak short term Rabigh Phase II Petrochemcial Project impacts, the existing Petro Rabigh would also have a significant contribution, but the other background sources would generally be zero, Most regions where the Rabigh Petrochemical facility (Rabigh Refinery + Phase I ‘expansion + Rabigh Phase I! expansion) causes violations of the NO standard arelocated in unpopulated regions between the proposed Phase II facility and the PUC Plant, Restricting access 10 these regions would serve to protect the general public from the higher predicted concentrations. It is assumed that public access to these areas is not generally required. ms of the 10-minute SO project limits are more extensive and will require changes to the source emission parameters in order to achieve compliance. This will likely include reductions in emission rates from specific stacks. Other possible mitigation measures include increasing stack heights and relocating stacks. More significant mitigation measures will be needed to eliminate violations due to ‘cumulative impacts, such as the use of cleaner fuel for the new (WSPP, the use of FGD technology to reduce the sulfur content or if at all is possible, importing the required electrical power from offsite, which will reduce IWSPP to only a water and steam plant; this will reduce the size of the IWSPP and hence reduce the number of stacks and significantly reduce the air emissions. ‘An increase in the heights of stacks at IWSPP-1 (existing Petro Rabigh power plant) is expected to reduce the overall emissions as well. Among other principal changes, reductions in S02 emissions from the PUC Plant and the Other Industrial Factory Plant by changing fuel from 3.7% sulfur heavy fuel cil to a lower sulfur fuel should be considered; this will help in reducing the cumulative impacts on regional ambient air quality. Incinerator and Flare Emissions Gaseous emissions containing high amount of dangerous hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds which cannot be directly discharged to the aimosphere will be injected into incinerators. A gas incinerator will be provided for the purpose of handling all gaseous emissions which cannot be directly discharged to atmosphere, Wastes streams produced at a very low pressure and containing a high proportion of nitrogen or ‘oxygen are preferred to be gas incinerated rather than flaring since it will require a farge amount of fuel gas. In the Rabigh Phase {I Petrochemical Project area, gas inerators will be provided for each block that requires gas stream incineration, Liquid incineration system will be provided for the purpose of handling liquid effluents that are not to be utilized further. The system will also be able to handle liquid effluents that may not be possibly or practically treated by the WWTP such as those streams with high biological oxygen demand (BOD) or chemical oxygen demand (COD). Some streams from process units like waste oils or liquid organics may be utilized as fuel oil or may be sent to centralized liquid incinerator depending on quantity and characteristics such as heating value and molecular weight. Additionally, efforts to find recycling usage for liquid waste should be investigated including incinerating liquid waste, especially with sufficiently high BTU value to be considered as an energy source, Revycliny should be considered as an objective for all waste streams.A flare system will be provided to safely dispose waste process gases generated during normal operation or during start-up and shuidown period and to dispose excess vapor generated as a result of overpressure caused by fire or process operation failure, In the Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical Project area, three (3) flare systems will be provided to take care of all types of gaseous discharges. They are the HP Flare, LP Flare and Tankage Flare. Fugitive Emissions from Storage Tanks Storage tanks are considered a source of air emissions due to losses of vapor. Emissions from tanks must be addressed. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the ‘major pollutants of concern for air emissions. In addition, specific organics that are toxic or hazardous are of particular concern, e.g., benzene. Adequate control and Proper management and maintenance are necessary to prevent releases of tank contents, Fugitive emissions from bulk storage tanks depend on the types and conditions of storage and handling (e.g., transfer) procedures. Floating roofs will be utilized to reduce emissions. Top and open side vents should be provided on fixed roof tanks to allow dilution venting of evaporated vapor that may accumulate in the vapour space. Ifa closed floating roof tank is used, the vents on the fixed roof should be closed and 4 pressure-vacuum vent provided as a relief for any pressure variation in the vapor space. Injection of an inert gas e.g. nitrogen could provide blanketing in the vapor space to achieve an essentially zero emission tank. Increased Vessel Berthing Activity Increased vessel traffic in the expanded harbor can lead to an increased possibility of harassment, accidental collision and propeller hits for marine mammals and sea turtles. How many marine mammals and sea turtles inhabit the local study area is not known, Because the area already has vessel activity, the number of animals foraging in the area is expected to be minimal, Impacts are therefore considered adverse but of low significance, * Transport vessels should follow the specified navigational tracks to avoid accidental ship strikes. * The Project HSE Plan stiould include communication and reporting procedures to address cases of serious environmental risks and impacts due to vessel and/or propeller strikes. © All vessels should be sized such that adequate clearance is maintained between vessels and the sea bed at all states of the tide,WASTE MANAGEMENT Liquid Wastes Process Wastewater A Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will be provided to treat all aqueous based effluents, depending on characteristics, of the Rabigh Phase I! Petorchemcial Project discharged to the environment to meet project effluent discharge standards, Oily aqueous effluents from the Rabigh Phase II Petorchemeial Project area will be treated in the WWTP prior to marine discharge. Free oil will be removed prior to discharge from the battery limit of process plant via an oil separation pit or other devices, Wastewater produced during normal process operations and washing water for equipment on process units will be treated at the WWTP. Solid particles, if any, are expected to be removed by gravity at the corresponding lift station of each area, ‘The WWTP is also expected to treat neutralized water from chemical sewer that is contaminated by oil or other contaminants indicated by BOD and COD. Laboratory drains after neutralization will also be directed to the WWIP for water treatment. ‘Treated water from WWTP will be discharged to the sea. A part of treated water will be sent to low grade water users and utility stations. Industrial wastewater is not likely to cause a significant impact if PME and Saudi Aramco standards are met prior to discharge, A Sour Water Stripping (SWS) Unit will be utilized to treat sour water effluents ‘generated from process units. The SWS will remove H2S and Ammonia present in the sour water. Stripped water will be sent to the WWTP for further treatment prior to marine discharge. Process Wastewater discharges should be monitored for compliance with Saudi Aramco and PME standards. Sanitary Domestic Wastewater Wastewater discharge during construction will essentially be limited to sanitary and domestic wastewaters from workers’ facilities. Sanitary and domestic waste discharges should conform to PME and Saudi Aramco discharge and sanitary standards. Sanitary and domestic wastes will be discharged from the work vessels and barges involved in the construction of the wharf, jetty and perhaps the cooling water discharge and intake structures, The PME and Saudi Aramco Marine Wastewater Discharge Standards have set forth several performance standards for discharge rolated to sanitary wastewater. The discharge of sanitary and domestic wastes from marine vessels is covered under S4SC-S-09. This sanitary code states that discharge of sewage into the sea is prohibited, except when: % The ship is discharging comminuted and disinfected sewage using a system approved by the Administration pursuant to IMO regulations, ata distance of more than four (4) nautical miles from the nearest land; oFThe ship is discharging raw sewage at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land; or ® The ship has in operation an approved sewage treatment plant (STP) which has been certified by the administration pursuant to IMO regulations; and carries a valid International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (1973); and the sewage effluent does not produce visible floating solids or cause discoloration of the surrounding water. Sewage holding tanks should be fitted on all vessels without sewage treatment plants, for the storage of sewage while within the prescribed distances from land. Such vessels will be equipped with a pipeline leading to the exterior, convenient for the discharge of sewage to a reception facility in compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex IV, Regulation 11 Discharges of sanitary and grey water wastes from vessels should be disinfected by chlorination. Discharges should meet MEPA/PMEISaudi Aramco discharge standards. Should these standards not be met, the wastewater could be retained in holding tanks and ultimately directed onshore for disposal Domestic Sewage generated on site should be direcied to a municipal Waste Water Treatment Plant, ‘Solid Wastes Process Solid Waste Solid waste from processing units should be placed! in drums for proper disposal in 4 PME approved waste management facility. Spent catalysts should be sent to vendor for recycling, Hydrocarbon sludge generated on site should be treated in the sludge processing plant. Solids from this process should be stored in drums and held on site in a designated area before disposal in a PME approved waste management facility, Hydrocarbon liquids would be sent to crude oil tanks and oily water to API separator, Domestic Solid Waste Domestic solid waste will be sent to a municipal waste management facility by a contracted garbage disposal service, Socio-Economic Impacts This project will result in an increased population during and after completion of the construction. There will be a rise in demand for public civil services such as healthcare, education, communications, transport, recreation, amenities, and municipal facil The existing infrastructure, with its current level of capacity is limited, and therefore, civil structures may be strained, The proposed project will also result in demand on commercial goods and services including building materials, industrial products, amenities, health aad other services,transport, power, water, labor force, and the infrastructure, Because of the limited availability of the needed goods and services in the short-term, price increases coupled with short supply are likely to result, The present demographic fabric is set to reshape with commencement of activities at the new project site. The project and the local community will both face challenges in meeting their needs, ‘The impacts associated with the project-related operations and activities and the capacity are considered to be moderate; however, if managed correctly these impacts should be minimal and reversible. Some of the employees will build their own homes in Rabigh neighborhoods over time, and will dwell there permanently. The current demographic balance will be disturbed, but this phenomenon is not likely to impact the current broad socio-cultural posture of the local society significantly as they will be Saudis with similar soci cultural characteristics. The project should consider some form of community support as a consequence of its sustainable development policy. Employment and/or business opportunities could be made available to the local communities during the operations, witich will have some positive impact on the prevailing socio-economic conditions in the area, ‘The influx of non-native workers for the Rabigh Phase Il Petrochemical Project and their movements and activities will have implications for the demography, traffic and road use, health and sanitation conditions in the area. Degradation of the existing toad network, water resources, or aesthetic heritage may have serious effects. Careful site selection should consider these factors to avoid or mitigate such risks. The project should avoid, as much as possible, community activity areas to minimize disturbance and interference, The impacts associated with general project initiation are considered to be moderate; however, it would be short-term and reversible, if managed properly.