| Recommendations will follow in compliance with World Bank standards. Port restructuring will have adverse impacts due to dredging, which affects sea-grass meadows, and other biological marine habitats, such as mangrove depletion within the estuary which is affecting sedimentation. Mitigating measures include actions to replant mangroves in specific areas, and, carefully select a spoil disposal site for dredged materials, to rehabilitate ecosystems, and control erosion. Cargo discharges, and storage of raw materials, and products present environmental risks, such as oil spillage, wastes - including asbestos and fertilizers - and uncontrolled surface water flow from coal, iron, and molasses. Hence mitigation suggest the construction of storm-water drainage systems, in addition to remedial action policies regarding unacceptable levels of pollution, through soil and groundwater contamination tests. Likewise, rail corridors pose the threat of land degradation, soil erosion, and adversity to natural habitats, in addition to the negative impact from the transport of hazardous materials. Measures suggest that wastes from storage facilities should be disposed of at an environmentally safe disposal site, and, cargo materials should be stored in bunded areas, where cut-off drains, and storm-water controls are provided. Recommendations suggest increased public awareness, and sustained waste management practices, to be built through institutional strengthening, dependent on a strong political response. |