DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT Mat Sure % Belmopan, Belize a 5 Tet: 501-822-2848 /2819 | Fax: $1-822-2860 = Email: envirodept@brLnet or envirodept@environment.gor.bz | Website: »».doe.gohs g fa Please Quote: PRO/IND/04/503/18 (11) December 05, 2018 Mr. Carlos Eduardo Vega Director BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited #74 Church Street Benque Viejo Del Carmen Cayo District Dear Mr. Vega, Please be informed that Environmental Clearance is hereby granted to BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited for the establishment of a “Cor Flour and Chips Factory” located near the Hummingbird Highway, Block 20, Parcel 4084 comprising of 2.498 acres of land in Belmopan, Cayo District. This Environmental Clearance is granted subsequent to the signing of an Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) on December 5, 2018. Note that environmental clearance for the processing and packing of com flour on parcel 1511, Block 23, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, is valid for a period no longer than 18 months from the date of signing the ECP. Kindly be informed that BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited is required to comply with all the stated terms and conditions within the ECP. Disregard of any of the terms and conditions stipulated in the ECP may result in the revocation of the Environmental Clearance and/or legal actions being taken against BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited. No changes or alterations to what has been agreed within the ECP may be permitted without the written approval of the Department of the Environment. ‘Thank you for your kind consideration and cooperation. Chief Enviropmental Officer Department of the Environment "when People Put the Environment Fist, Development Lasts” Page 1 of 2BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 2° PRO/IND/04/503 of_The gh THEW > nS? Sine ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PLAN WRITTEN BY: THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOR: BEL-MAIS PROCESSING AND PACKAGING LIMITED For A proposed facility for the processing and packaging of corn flour and fried snacks located near the Hummingbird Highway Cayo District December 5, 2018 Pree 1 of 12BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 201° PRO/IND/04/503 ENVIRIONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PLAN FOR BEL-MAIS PROCESSING AND PACKAGING LTD. FOR The establishment of a corn flour and fried snacks processing and packaging facility Jocated near the Hummingbird Highway, Block 20, Parcel 4084 comprising of 2.498 acres of land in the Cayo District. ‘The following are the terms and conditions of the Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) entered into between “Bel-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited,” hereinafter referred to as the ‘Developer,’ and the “DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT,” hereinafter referred to as the “Department” OR “DOE” in respect to the establishment of a corn flour and fired snacks processing and packaging facility located on Hummingbird Highway, being Block 20 comprising of 2.498 acres of land in the Cayo District. It is agreed by the Developer that the terms and conditions of this ECP shall be binding upon, Bel-Mais Processing and Packaging Ltd. The terms and conditions embodied in this ECP are made pursuant to Regulation 10 (2) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 1995 as Amended by “S.I. 24 of 2007,” and all other relevant provisions under the Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 328 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition. Environmental Clearance is being granted under the conditions described herein. PURPOSE This ECP has been developed for the management of the processing of corn flour. This document has been developed to officially institute best practice measures that would prevent, control and mitigate the environmental degradation that may arise from this agricultural project. ‘The specific conditions have been outlined only after the review of the information submitted and the information gathered by the DOE as well as the identification of potential negative environmental impacts associated with such undertaking. It must be borne in mind that this Environmental Compliance Plan was prepared based on the best available information for this project and those gathered by the Department. The Department therefore reserves the right to make modifications to this compliance plan, with prior consultation with the Developer, as the project develops and more information becomes available. ‘The Developer agrees to strictly adhere to this document during all stages of the development of the project. The Department and other relevant agencies will be conducting periodic monitoring to ensure compliance with the conditions herein. Any material breach of any of the terms and conditions of this compliance plan which has been brought to the attention of the Developer and has not been rectified within a reasonable timeframe may result in the revocation of environmental clearance for this project. This compliance plan is a dynamic one and may be reviewed and revised from time to time as the project develops and more information becomes available. The Developer must riote that obtaining environmental clearance does not absolve the need to obtain other permits and approvals from other relevant agencies. Notification of any disregard or violation(s) will beBEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 201° PRO/IND/O4/503 presented to the Developet/agents or assignees in writing who will immediately take actions to rectify the violation The ECP is a non-transferable document; therefore it cannot be transferred to any other company, organization or interested party. This ECP was developed for the sole use by Bel-Mais Processing and Packaging limited. 1. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH CLEARANCE IS BEING GRANTED Environmental Clearance is being granted to Bel-Mais Processing and packaging Limited for the following as per Annex 1: 1. The construction of a 35 meters by 22.50 meters processing plant which will house the following components: Partial Processing of hick flow base facility Frying and packaging of snacks Corn flour packing facility room ‘Quality Control and Testing Laboratory A sterilized “cleaning room” RRO SA 2. Bel-Mais Processing and Packaging Ltd. will source corn from qualified, sub- contracted Belizean farmers only. 3. The use of building located on parcel 1511, Block 23, Registration Section: Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Benque Viejo Town for 18 months after the signing of this ECP. No further development shall be undertaken in the project area outside of what has been agreed to and described in this compliance plan, without the prior written permission of the Department of the Environment. 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ‘The Department of the Environment has prepared this environmental risk analysis based on the project information submitted and other relevant information gathered by the DOE. This Environmental Compliance Plan was then developed to mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with this type of development. POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT: A. Contamination of ground and surface water pre and post development from surface run-off and fuel management; B. Health and safety impacts to employees during the processing of corn flour dnd Sried chips products.BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. 201° PRO/IND/O4/S03, Increase traffic safety to and from the project site during the construction and operational phase resulting in accelerated deterioration of the Hummingbird Highway. ‘This list is by no means an exhaustive list of potential environmental impacts that could arise from the said proposed project. 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PLAN ‘The implementation of this project will be carried out only for those activities described in Section 1.0 of this Environmental Compliance Plan. No further development will take place ‘outside of what has been proposed without the prior written permission of the Department of the Environment. Environmental Clearance will need to be obtained from the Department of the Environment for all new activities outside of what is agreed upon in this Environmental Compliance Plan. Recognizing that the project could have potential negative environmental impacts, the Developer hereby agrees to take the necessary measures described below to mitigate these impacts. 3.1 LAND CLEARING AND LANDSCAPING Considering that land clearing is a component of the development, the Developers hereby agree to take the following measures in an effort to mitigate the negative impacts (habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and decrease in wildlife) associated therewith: 3.1.1 Considering that the area has been cleared, the developer shall ensure that the area already cleared is landscaped and the areas not used for the installation of infrastructure be revegetated 3.1.2 The developer shall maintain the vegetated portion of the property intact, any clearance will be limited to under brushing. 3.2 INFRASTRUCTURE, ROADS AND DRAINAGE 3.2.1 Prior to undertaking any structure or building construction related activities, the Developer shall obtain the relevant approvals from the Central Building Authority. 3.2.2 All roads, walkway, footpaths and drainage structures must be designed and constructed in accordance with Ministry of Works Standards and in such a manner as to minimize erosion and disruption of natural drainage. Primary roads will be designed to have 40 feet right of way and secondary roads to have a right of way of 20 feet. 3.2.3 The Developer shall construct adequate road shoulders approaching the entrance from the Hummingbird Highway or the George Price Highway to allow for proper visibility to traffic from both directions.33 BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 2019 PROJIND/04/503 Household drainage pipes will not be allowed to empty directly into any public drain system or any other water resource and surrounding environment. Instead it should lead to an adequately sized and designed treatment system. PROCESSING Considering that the processing of corn flour will be partially processed and packaged in Belize the following measures will be employed. 33.1 33.2 33.3 34.2 345 35 33.1 All vitamins, nutrients and preservatives will be stored in a secure and properly ventilated area. Storage will be in accordance with'their Material Safety Data Sheets. Proper first aid facilities will be provided for employees in the event of an emergency. ‘This must include at least one eye-wash and skin flush station, ‘The Developers shall be responsible to ensure that personnel handling machinery are properly attired with the required PPE. ‘The Developer shall inform all planting sub-contractors of the need to obtain environmental clearance from the Department prior to any land clearing of planting activities, ‘The developer shall also provide to the Department a copy of the agreement between both parties. ENERGY SUPPLY AND MANAGEMENT The primary source of energy for the facility will be provided via the inter-connection with the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) power lines, ‘The Developer will ensure that all electrical installations and wiring within the project conforms to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) standards. In an effort to conserve energy, the Developer shall use/install energy efficient lights and appliances. If there is need for back-up generators will be installed within properly sealed containment structures and within a soundproofed area so as to avoid/minimize any possible nuisances to onsite guests and neighbouring landowners. Proper measures will be taken in order to avoid fuel and oil spills during operations and maintenance. The Developer shall ensure that the noise levels emitted from the facility is in accordance with the Pollution (Amendment) Regulations 2009, Second Schedule. If noise exceeds the standards in the regulations the Developer will sound proof its facility and or install a buffer to comply. WATER RESOURCES The primary source of water for the project shall be via interconnection to the existivig BWS lines.33.2 334 3.6 BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 2012 PRO/IND/O4/503 ‘The developer can supplement by rainwater catchment and storage in cisterns. Water storage cisterns shall be covered at all times to prevent access to pest and any other type of contaminating agent. ‘The Developers shall be responsible to provide potable water supply to for all employees. Potable water supply must comply with or exceed the Ministry of Health drinking water standards, In an effort to conserve fresh water sources, the Developers shall use water saving devices such as low volume flush toilet, showers, etc. WASTE MANAGEMENT To address the potential impacts associated with solid waste management, the Developers shall develop and implement a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan that is linked to waste minimization, generation, transport, isposal and monitoring: This plan should characterize waste according to composition, source, types of wastes produced, and generation rates. The plan must be submitted to the DOE within three months of signing this ECP. Domestic Solid Waste 33.5 338 ‘The Developers will ensure that regular services are provided for the proper collection, storage, transportation and disposal of all domestic solid waste generated at the designated site, these shall be transported to the Belmopan designated garbage disposal Site or the Regional Sanitary Landfill on Mile 24 George Price Highway. In-situ burning of domestic waste is not permitted. ‘The Developers will be encouraged for separation of waste at source into organic and inorganic waste. Inorganic waste will be further categorized as plastics, aluminum cans, paper, and glass. Where practical, waste will be reuse and/or recycled. Staff should be sensitized on the importance of proper solid waste management, as well as the classification, storage, and disposal of wastes. In an effort to reduce waste, the Developers as part of their Solid Waste Management Plan, shall establish a policy for reducing the consumption of disposable and consumable items as well as implement a purchasing policy that favors environmentally-friendly products. ‘Adequately sized and number of garbage receptacles will be strategically sited throughout the administrative and processing facility. These receptacles will be properly labeled, lined and kept covered at all times.BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 2°*° PRO/IND/04/503 Hazardous Waste 33.9, Domestic Wastewater 3.3.10 33.11 Hazardous waste, including batteries and used oil will be stored separately from the domestic house hold solid waste and in a sealed container prior to transportation to the appropriate site designated by the DOE. Sewage waste disposal will be by means of suitably sized sealed, stee! floated, multi- chambered septic tanks equipped with adequately designed drain fields. These systems must be installed in areas of stable soils that are nearly level, well drained, and permeable, with enough separation between the drain field and the groundwater table or other receiving waters. No domestic grey water from any drainage pipe will be allowed to drain into any natural drainage system or surrounding water bodies. These pipes will lead to an appropriately designed elevated leach field prior to disposal. Similarly, untreated wastewater will not be allowed to discharge into any natural drainages system or water body. Liquid Wastewater: 33.12 3.11 37 371 Special care must be taken in order to avoid contamination of the surface and ground water, and the surrounding environment. In order for this to take place, the following measures will be taken: a. Grease and ils shall not be disposed of into any drain, as this could be a potential source of soil and water contamination. Grease traps are to be installed on each kitchen sink and maintained on a regular basis. b. Oil residue that remain after frying will be bottled and sold as an additive for animal food. c. Chemical wastes (such as paints, thinners, acids, used oil, etc.) will be stored in watertight containers for subsequent disposal at the Regional Sanitary Landfill. ‘The Developers will install a wastewater system for the treatment of effluent discharged from the processing plant, which is of adequate size and capable of treating effluent to meet or exceed standards as prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations) (Amendment) Regulations, 2009 for discharges into Class II Waters. CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES 7 Should any find be made or uncovered during construction or field preparation acti -s, all work will be halted immediately, and the Institute of Archaeology will beBEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 2019 PRO/IND/04/503 contacted to determine the potential importance and the recommended a 3.7.2 As long as there are qualified and available Belizean workers, no labor force will be imported. If this labour force is not sufficient, then only resident foreigners with a valid Belize work permit will be employed. 3.7.3 All personnel working for the Developers will be responsible to conduct proper ‘maintenance to ensure a safe, clean, healthy and environmentally friendly operation, Employees shall be educated on the pertinent environmental policies and legislation governing the operation of the facility and of the importance of ensuring compliance with this ECP. 3.7.4 All safety and health measures will be observed for all workers. Potable water and proper rest-room facilities will be provided during all activities. Employees will be trained in basic first aid, and relevant staff trained in CPR. 3.8 DISASTER MITIGATIONAND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 3.8.1 The Developers will develop, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) an Emergency Management and Response Plans (hurricane, accidents, medical and fire plans). These plans will be submitted to the DOE within six (© months after the signing of this ECP. 3.8.2. The Developers will train key personnel in basic first aid, fire fighting, environmental monitoring, contingency and emergency preparedness implementation, and any other field required for the implementation of this Environmental Compliance Plan. 3.8.3. The Developers will provide training to all staff members involved in the management of fuels and waste oils to minimize the potential risk of spillages. 3.84 The Developers shall ensure that all relevant personnel are properly trained on the management of machinery, including measures to address health and safety hazards. 4.0 ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING The implementation of this Environmental Compliance Plan shall be the direct responsibility of BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited and/or its servants, assigns and contractors. The Department of the Environment in conjunction with other relevant agencies shall carry out compliance monitoring to ensure that this Compliance Plan is being adhered to. During development and operations, measures taken to mitigate negative environmental impacts shall be reviewed to assure compliance with the objectives of the plan. As development continues, the adequacy of mitigation measures shall be assessed and where necessary revised in consultation with the Developers. 4.1 As. further information becomes available, additional reasonable environmental protection measures may be incorporated to ensure the mitigation of any issue not addressed in this ECP.42 43 44 45 BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd, | 2018 PRO/IND/04/503 ‘The Developers will ensure that other requirements, which are contained as conditions of local licenses/permits or environmental legislation, are stipulated in contracts and sub- contracts, particularly during the land clearing activity. ‘The Developers will analyze all plans and specifications to make sure that specifications for any given component are in line with requirements and conditions of performance contained in this ECP, local sector licenses, Belize laws, and standards and regulations. The Developers shall appoint an on-site liaison (person) responsible for environmental protection in work areas for distributing of information pertaining to environmental protection, chemicals management, etc. to its employees and/or contractors and for reporting to the DOE on environmental activities. To assist the Department with compliance monitoring with respect to this Environmental Compliance Plan, the Developer, its servants or agents, contractor(s), or assigns will pay to the Department of the Environmen(Government of Belize, an annual environmental monitoring fee of . Payment is due upon the signing of this ECP and every successive year thereafter. Reporting Requirements 46 47 48 49 4.10 ‘The Developers shall comply with all of the reporting requirements specified Environmental Compliance Pla this The Developers will also,hold periodic meetings with its supervisors regarding the implementation of ongoing environmental considerations. The minutes of the meeting highlighting environmental issues must be submitted to the DOE on a bi-annual basis. Updated licenses and permits for all relevant act will be kept at all times. The Developers will assist duly authorized officers in the performance of their duties during site inspections, which are in connection with the project's activities. It is the responsibility of the Developers to immediately report any activity that has the potential to negatively impact or may damage the environment, whether accidentally or intentionally, to the Department of the Environment and all other relevant agencies. ‘The Developers must submit on an annual basis the registered list of Company Directors. Post Development Review 41 4.12 ‘Additional monitoring shall be carried out by relevant government agencies to en the various pollution contro! features and faci maintained properly. re that ies installed are functioning and As previously mentioned, wanton disregard for the conditions agreed upon in this document may result in the revocation of all permits and licenses issued for theBEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 2018 PRO/IND/04/503 implementation of this project and in the imposition of administrative and/or legal penalties.BEL-MAIS Processing and Packaging Ltd. | 2013 PRO/IND/04/503 BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited, (the Developer) herein agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of this Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP). If this project does not commence within one year from the date of signing this ECP, this document will be null and void. Should this happen, BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited will need to re-apply for Environmental Clearance and a new ECP may be prepared. This Environmental Compliance Plan is a non-transferable document; therefore, it cannot be transferred to any other company, organization or interested party. SIGNED on behalf of ) BEL-Mais Processing and Packaging Limited ) ) CALos EDUARDO VEGa ) Director p 1, , am the attesting witness to the due execution of the said instrument and the signature hereto subscribed as that of such attesting witness is in proper handwriting of the said deponent, ‘Sworn at the Department of the Environment, Belmopan, the 97 day of Deconber 2018. WITNESS, SIGNED on behalf of the DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT } } Mil MgktIN itor CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER L am the attesting witness to the due execution of the said instrument and the signature hereto subscribed as that of such attesting witness is in proper handwriting of the said deponent. Sworn at the Department of the Environment, Belmopan, the S dayof Decemboy _, 2018.