The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) Appraisal Environmental and Social Review Summary Appraisal Stage (ESRS Appraisal Stage) Public Disclosure Date Prepared/Updated: 02/24/2025 | Report No: ESRSA04037 Feb 25, 2025 Page 1 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) I. BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Operation Data Operation ID Product Operation Acronym Approval Fiscal Year P509428 Investment Project Financing (IPF) LEAP 2025 Operation Name Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project Country/Region Code Beneficiary country/countries Region Practice Area (Lead) (borrower, recipient) Lebanon Lebanon MIDDLE EAST AND Urban, Resilience and NORTH AFRICA Land Borrower(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Lebanese Republic Ministry of Public Works and 17-Feb-2025 25-Mar-2025 Transport, Council for Development and Reconstruction Estimated Decision Total Project Cost Public Disclosure Review Date 13-Feb-2025 1,000,000,000.00 Proposed Development Objective The Proposed Project Development Objective (PDO) is to enable sustainable recovery and restore lifeline services and critical infrastructure in conflict-affected areas of Lebanon. B. Is the operation being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? Yes C. Summary Description of Proposed Project Activities Component 1: Immediate Response. There are urgent actions required to ensure readiness for recovery and where possible to create a return to normality and these activities need to start immediately. Safe and planned rubble management is critical to reduce environmental harm, ensure maximum recycling/reuse of rubble materials and to create the conditions for recovery and reconstruction. Rubble management requires investment across a value chain that starts with clearance of materials for the original sites, transportation of the rubble to temporary sites for sorting and recovery of materials to the fullest extent possible and then repurposing and rehabilitating old quarry sites through Feb 25, 2025 Page 2 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) infilling, etc. There may also be measures put in place to reduce further damage to cultural heritage, protect the public from severely damaged structures and to transition buildings used for hosting of refugees back to their original purpose and use. Component 2: Lifeline and Critical Infrastructure Recovery. 2 a: In damaged areas where economic activity can be rapidly restored and where a high proportion of the pre-conflict population has remained or returned, there is an urgency to repair and restore lifelines, such as mobility, water, energy, communications, solid waste management, emergency services, education, social, health care and services. For example, deployment of standalone systems (solar/generators) can be used to restore basic services while longer-term reconstruction of the energy system is completed. Similarly, alternative arrangements to supply safe water can take place temporarily while more lengthy repairs to water networks are undertaken, such as repairs to pumping stations or repair of electric grid supplying the water facilities. Similarly repair of damaged family medical centers and replacement of equipment and schools and/or installation of prefabricated buildings (along with medical equipment) ensures the restoration of primary health and ante-natal care as well as education provision 2 b: Owner-Driven Housing repair. More than 270,000 housing units have been damaged, with 60,000 of these units sustaining light damages that are favorable to owner-driven repair (e.g., damage to windows, doors, roofs, plumbing/electrical services). Providing small grants to homeowners for these repairs provides a cost-effective way to increase housing supply and reduce shelter pressure for a high number of beneficiaries. A government policy on housing recovery is under preparation. Given the limited financing, support for homeowner driven repair will be limited to homeowners eligible for existing social assistance programs. Component 3: Green and Robust Reconstruction of Critical Infrastructure and Lifeline Services Reconstruction of seriously damaged infrastructure and buildings requires preparation of feasibility studies and designs, environment and social studies, stakeholder consultation etc. Under 3 a, this component will finance the necessary preparation to ensure there is a pipeline of reconstruction projects ready for financing. For example, this could include the assessments and preparation of large- Public Disclosure scale urban transport infrastructure, water, and wastewater reconstruction, priority solid waste management infrastructure, rehabilitation of hospitals and public administration buildings etc. The component may also support the necessary support towards design of programs and projects for the reconstruction of severely damaged and destroyed multi-family apartment buildings, including options to crowd in private financing, and planning for longer term spatial and urban reconstruction. Under 3b Civil works and construction supervision services for high priority and ready reconstruction activities, would also be eligible as financing is available. Component 4: Project Management D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1 Overview of Environmental and Social Project Settings The Project is expected to cover areas of Lebanon affected by the recent conflict and will likely include areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa. Majority of project supported activities will take place in urban and peri-urban areas. According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, covering impacts between October 8, 2023, and December 20, 2024, the damages and needs are concentrated in the housing sector with more than 269,000 housing units, around 16 percent of the total housing stock sustaining damage. There are damages to critical infrastructure and buildings that are critical to economic activity and the health and safety of communities across transport, water, energy, education and health care. Rubble managements costs from damaged buildings and infrastructure is estimated to exceed $138 million. During the conflict over 900,000 people were internally displaced, with more than 100,000 people remaining displaced. Lebanon’s solid waste sector has suffered from a lack of efficiency and financial sustainability, exacerbated by the 2019 financial crisis. Prior to the 2023-24 conflict, Lebanon generated around 5,600 tons per day of waste, with only 8 percent of waste treated in appropriate solid waste management facilities. Lack of treatment and reduction of waste Feb 25, 2025 Page 3 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) quantities is reducing the service life of operational sanitary landfills. About 43 percent of the waste ends up in open dumps, subject to open burning, highly toxic air pollutants impact public health and the environment. The 2023-24 conflict has led to further deterioration, with waste sorting activities through the informal sector disrupted and internal displacement of population resulted in an additional waste management cost in receiving districts. Topographic and geological constraints, such as the limited surface area of the country, mountainous terrain, and karstic aquifers, restrict the availability of feasible sites for Sanitary Landfill Facilities (SLFs). This challenge is further exacerbated by high population density, elevated land costs, and poorly planned urban development. These combined factors create a scenario where establishing economically, environmentally, and socially feasible and sustainable solid waste (SW) treatment and disposal facilities becomes exceedingly difficult. As a result, existing SLFs are overfilling, and their service life is being reduced. As of 2023, there are eight operational sanitary landfills (SLFs) that receive approximately 57 percent of the total waste, the remaining waste is being disposed of in new or existing open dumps, with the rate of open dumping increasing from 22 percent in 2018 to 43 percent in 2023. Regarding the areas affected by the recent conflict, in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, the operational period for the Jdeide SLF (597 tons/day) and the Costa Brava sanitary landfill (775 tons/day) has been extended until 2026. In South Lebanon and Nabatiyeh, there are currently no landfills. The Bekaa region has two sanitary landfills: one in West Bekaa with a capacity of 50 tons per day, and another in Zahle with a capacity of 120 tons per day. In the Baalbeck-Hermel region, there is one sanitary landfill located in Baalbek, with a capacity of 52 tons per day. It is critical that the management of rubble 2023-24 does not increase open dumping and instead adopt a circular economy approach. Lebanon is currently facing challenges in maintaining essential services due to multi-crisis and a reduction in foreign Public Disclosure exchange reserves. The national electric grid is experiencing frequent power outages, resulting in several hours of blackouts each day. The healthcare sector is encountering difficulties in providing consistent medical services. Access to clean water has become less reliable, and the country's infrastructure, including roads and transportation services, requires attention. Additionally, telecommunications networks are experiencing disruptions, affecting communication and connectivity. These issues have been exacerbated by the recent conflict, further highlighting the need for immediate and comprehensive intervention to improve the quality of life for Lebanon's citizens. The project will benefit mainly poor and vulnerable people. The direct beneficiaries of the Project will be: (i) poor people whose housing units have suffered partial damage, and who receive financing for repairs through the social protection system, with 18,000 households expected to benefit; and (ii) people affected by October 2023 – December 2024 conflict living in project priority districts who will be provided with restored access to lifeline services, including mobility, energy, water, health, and education. The Lebanese economy and environment will benefit from reduced environment damage, GHG emissions and demand for raw and construction materials due to an emphasis on recycled rubble. Residents of Lebanon will also benefit indirectly from the increased capacity of the authorities to build back better infrastructure with lower GHG and energy requirements, more water efficiency and less at risk from climate change and disasters. The Project benefits local industries supporting the construction sector (quarries, transportation, and cement). Local economies benefit from improved connectivity, production and increased demand for local goods and services. D.2 Overview of Borrower’s Institutional Capacity for Managing Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Feb 25, 2025 Page 4 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MoPWT) will have overall leadership and responsibility for the execution of the Project, with significant involvement from the Ministry of Environment (MoE) in managing rubble under Component 1 and overseeing the implementation of environmental and social requirements. The MoPWT will delegate the implementation of all other components to the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR). The PMU would be based in the implementation agency at the CDR and with support directly to the MoPWT and MoE. The CDR is a financially autonomous public institution accountable to the Council of Ministers (CoM) and is responsible for planning, securing financing for, and executing public investment projects, as well as coordinating reconstruction efforts in collaboration with line ministries. The CDR will be responsible for overall Project coordination and reporting, day-to-day management, and monitoring compliance with environmental and social standards. The CDR has previous experience is managing E&S risks and impacts and is currently implementing two WB- funded projects under the safeguards policies: the Roads and Employment Project (P160223) and the Greater Beirut Water Supply Project (P103063). These projects have been performing satisfactory on ES aspects. During project preparation, the CDR has designated an Environmental and Social (E&S) focal point and requested the WB to engage a Hands-on Expanded Implementation Support (HEIS)-supported E&S consultant to prepare the ESF documents for the project, including the SEP and the ESCP. The ESCP will require CDR to secure financial resources to recruit environmental, social and occupational health and safety (OHS) specialists for the CDR PMU before the commencement of project activities. The ESHS specialists and focal points will ensure the monitoring of the ESCP's material measures and actions, which will be maintained throughout the project cycle. A dedicated E&S budget will be allocated for E&S implementation support, as well as for capacity building for the project management staff and E&S focal points. HEIS support may be extended during project implementation for the preparation of site-specific instruments. Public Disclosure II. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL (ES) RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) Substantial A.1 Environmental Risk Rating Substantial The environmental risk rating is substantial. However, the project is expected to yield significant positive environmental impacts. It will effectively manage and dispose of rubble resulting from the war, support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of houses, and restore critical infrastructure in selected areas. Additionally, the project will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the reconstruction of energy and water-efficient buildings and the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Furthermore, the emphasis on recycling rubble will reduce the demand for raw and construction materials. However, the Project is associated with several environmental risks, including: (i) Risk from explosive remnants of war (ERW) and health and safety of workers during rubble sorting and disposal (Component 1) and during construction (Components 2a and 3b), (ii) Traffic risks to the community during waste transportation (Sub-components 1a) while securing sites, assessment of damage or decommissioning of refugee centers (Sub-component 1b), (iii) Risk of inadequate management of accumulated waste at temporary storage sites and disposal sites impacting soil and subsurface (Components 1a ), (iv) Risk associated with civil works generating air emissions, dust, and noise during management of wastes and rubble and temporary disruptions and potential contamination of local environments (Sub-Components 1a, 1b) and during construction projects (Sub-components 2a and 3b), (v) Risk of affecting flora and fauna in case of improper disposal in forests or in Feb 25, 2025 Page 5 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) the sea (Components 1a ). During activities related to Component 1b, which involve securing sites of structurally unsound buildings and assessing damage to cultural heritage sites, there is a risk of further collapse during securing operations. This poses safety risks to workers and communities and may result in the generation of additional debris . Additionally, there is a potential for accidental disturbance or further damage to cultural heritage during assessment and stabilization efforts. The environmental risks and impacts will be mitigated through site-specific instruments depending on the risk ratings of the sub-projects to mitigate and manage E&S risks and impacts associated with the activities. Substantial A.2 Social Risk Rating Social risk rating is substantial. The Project is anticipated to have overall positive social impacts by supporting the most vulnerable people to undertake repairs to partially damaged housing, and restoring of critical infrastructure and lifeline services (fire and search and rescue services; government administration services; water supply, and shelter/housing; health and medical; energy; communications, transport) in prioritized areas affected by the conflict. The restoration of the critical infrastructure and lifeline services is critical for the functioning of communities, health and safety of residents and the return to economic activity in prioritized geospatial areas. However, the Project interventions are associated with social risks and impacts, including: (i) labor and working conditions, occupational health and safety (OHS) and community health and safety risks associated with rubble management (Component 1) and critical infrastructure restoration (Component 2a and 3); (ii) social exclusion risks associated with infrastructure recovery (Component 2a) and owner-driven housing repair (Component 2b): people in conflict affected areas may perceive that their areas are not prioritized for recovery; and people who have been renting (renters) may perceive that they have been excluded from the project benefits); (iii) issues related to information disclosure, stakeholder Public Disclosure engagement and functioning grievance mechanism: due to lack of trust in the government people may perceive that they are not adequately informed about project risks (rubble management and hazardous waste management) and project benefits (eligibility of affected house owners to access Project benefits); (iv) sexual harassment (SH) and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) risks associated with infrastructure recovery works and access to project benefits by affected house owners; (v) cultural heritage impacts – the project will support measures needed to reduce further damage to cultural heritage (Component 1c). The above social risks and impacts will be managed by measures included in the Project design and following instruments: Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), including a robust grievance mechanism, and environmental and social mitigation measures included in the site-specific instruments to be prepared post-effectiveness including ESIAs, ESMPs, ESMPs Checklists, Labor Management Procedures, and SEA/SH response plan. B. Environment and Social Standards (ESS) that Apply to the Activities Being Considered B.1 Relevance of Environmental and Social Standards ESS1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Relevant 1The Project will apply ESS1, ESS2, ESS3, ESS4, ESS6, ESS8, and ESS10. The Project is processed under emergency procedures (OP10.00 para, 12) and therefore the Borrower is required to prepare and disclose a draft Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and SEP by appraisal and all other Environmental and Social (E&S) instruments will be deferred to post-effectiveness. The ESCP will detail these E&S instruments. The WB accepted Borrower’s request for the E&S Hands-on Enhanced Implementation Support (HEIS) during Project preparation and Feb 25, 2025 Page 6 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) implementation, which was submitted to the WB on December 17, 2024. A consultant supported the Borrower to prepare the SEP and the ESCP. The Project will generate environmental and social benefits from the rubble management and use in the circular economy in line with good practices, restoration of critical infrastructure and lifeline services (government administration services; water supply, and shelter/housing; health and medical; energy; communications, transport) in prioritized areas affected by the conflict. These benefits will include improved access to rehabilitated municipal services, health and safety of residents, the return to economic activity in prioritized geospatial areas and proper management of rubble. However, the Project’s environmental and social risks and impacts will be mitigated through site-specific instruments including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and ESMPs Checklists that will comprise OHS, Traffic Management Plan, waste management measures/plan. Vulnerable groups include recipients of social assistance, home renters, IDPs and refugees, women, elderly and persons with disabilities. These risks and impacts will be managed by measures included in the Project design and site-specific E&S instruments. The Project design included the following measures: (i) To address the risk of social exclusion the project design included a measure to support a homeowner driven repair of lightly or moderately damaged units owned by homeowners who are eligible for social assistance under the Lebanon Social Registry and Emergency Social Safety Net program. Such support includes a financial assistance in a range of 1,000 USD for minor home repairs (eg. replacing windows, doors, repairing damaged walls, etc..). (ii) The E&S exclusion criteria: Under Component 2a and Component 3, the Project will not support investments and activities that: a) have high-risk environment or social impacts as per the WB ESF; b) trigger Safety of Dams OP 4.37 or International Waterways OP7:50; c) impact Critical Natural Habitats; d) impact tangible or intangible Cultural Heritage; e) include services or facilities related to defense, judiciary, law enforcement, security, correctional facilities, and other related areas; and f) require land acquisition. Areas are ineligible for Component 2a financing if Public Disclosure they have not been cleared by the Lebanese Army for ERW or have unmanaged mortal remains. (iii) Under Component 2a, areas with high economic potential and areas with high numbers of IDPs are prioritized to ensure returned and restored communities have access to jobs and livelihoods. As per SEP, respective line ministries and local authorities will be consulted to assess and determine priority areas. While the general Project areas are known, the specific sites and the exact nature of sub-projects is not yet determined. High risk sub-Projects will be excluded from the Project scope. Thus, during project implementation CDR will prepare, disclose, consult upon, redisclose, adopt and implement the following site- specific E&S instruments: For Component 1: The selection of potential locations is currently under discussion and the exact nature of sub-projects is not yet determined. This will be finalized based on detailed assessment studies, identification of suitable rubble disposal sites, and the design of related infrastructure for rubble disposal rehabilitation plans. - The CDR will prepare site specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) including Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for activities such as the final disposal of waste in quarries converted to landfill identifying risks and impacts related to the disposal, closure, and post-closure of landfill (Sub-component 1a), major infrastructure reparation and reconstruction works(sub-component 2a and 3b). Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) will be prepared for activities such as the sorting and crushing of rubble (sub-component 1a), site securing , damage assessment, reverting buildings to their original use (sub-component 1b), minor infrastructure repair or reconstruction (sub-component 2a and 3b), and ESMPs Checklists (for activities such as temporary provision of services, repair of old building, installation of mobile/containers (sub-component 2a). The site specific instrument will include as relevant OHS measures/plan, traffic and road safety Measures, waste management measures/plan, measures to manage security risks, biodiversity conservation and pollution prevention measures, chance find procedures and through following best practices and engineering designs. These instruments will identify environmental and social mitigation measures to be taken during the rehabilitation and operation of the ruble storage facility. For feasibility studies, strategies and Feb 25, 2025 Page 7 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) plans (Component 3 ) CDR will integrate E&S aspects and considerations into its ToRs and advice resulting from these studies. The downstream ES impacts of these TAs will be considered during TA preparation. The Project will implement SEA/SH mitigation measures, including SEA/SH response mechanisms (utilizing the survivor-centric approach) as part of the SEA/SH response plan; a Code of Conduct for workers; a mechanism to report SEA/SH grievances; and training and awareness sessions for Project workers and affected communities. The measures included in the SEA/SH response plan will be integrated into each site specific ESMP. As described in ESS relevant sections, the Project will implement robust stakeholder engagement strategy to reach project beneficiaries, address any concerns around exclusion and to select Project geospatial areas in a consultative and transparent manner. Identified vulnerable groups include recipients of social assistance, home renters, IDPs and refugees, women, elderly and persons with disabilities. For these groups, the project will have dedicated engagement methods. ESS10 - Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Relevant The CDR prepared a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) which included strategy for engagement for both project affected parties (PAPs) and other interested parties (OIPs). Stakeholder engagement with people affected by the recent conflict will be one of cornerstone of the project. The SEP outlined principles and a collaborative strategy to identify stakeholders and plan for an engagement process in accordance with ESS10. The following stakeholders were identified as the key: people whose housing units have suffered partial damage, people living in project’s priority geospatial areas who are provided with restored access to lifeline services, municipalities in the conflict affected areas, Union of Municipalities in conflict affected areas. In addition, SEP identified government ministries, humanitarian organizations providing support to IDPs, private sector (potential contractors, supervision engineering companies, quarry owners, recycling companies, civil society organizations working on environmental issues, Public Disclosure women’s rights and GBV, academic institutions and think tanks, and media; as other interested parties. Vulnerable groups include recipients of social assistance, home renters, IDPs and refugees, women, elderly and persons with disabilities. The SEP presented detailed modalities of engagement tailored to the needs and characteristics of each stakeholder group. The CDR will ensure that all consultations are inclusive and accessible (both in format and location) and through channels that are suitable in the local context. The SEP included a grievance mechanism (GM) to address all types of grievances, both environmental and social, including SEA/SH issues, that relate to the project. The CDR will hire or appoint the a social specialist who will support implementation of SEP activities, including monitoring and reporting on GM. The GM will also record, monitor and address any concerns or grievances regarding the conduct of security personnel, including anonymous grievances The draft SEP was disclosed and will be consulted upon and finalized and adopted after Project approval. The SEP will continue to be updated throughout the implementation phase. If major changes are made to the SEP and/or project design, revisions will be included in the SEP and publicly disclosed. ESS2 - Labor and Working Conditions Relevant Project workers include the direct workers and contracted workers. The CDR will prepare labor management procedures (LMP) in line with relevant national laws and the ESS2, after Project approval. (i). Direct workers include: PMU staff, who are employees and consultants of the CDR, and staff and consultants of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Environment and of other ministries and government agencies directly involved in project implementation. If any civil servants involved in project operations, regardless of whether they work full time or part time, they will continue to work under terms and conditions of their existing contracts or appointments in the public sector. ESS 2 provisions on occupational health and safety, and prohibition of child and forced labor shall apply to civil Feb 25, 2025 Page 8 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) servants engaged in the project. (ii.) Contracted workers are workers engaged by the construction contractors to carry out construction works under Components 2 – infrastructure reconstruction and under Component 1 – rubble management; and any workers and consultants engaged in technical assistance and studies preparation under Component 3, and construction contractors under Component 3b. The construction contracted workers will work in crews, will likely be from local communities in the vicinity of work sites, and will likely not be accommodated in workers camps. It is anticipated that the project will engage local workers from nearby settlements for unskilled labor, and workers from other parts of Lebanon, and possibly from another country for technical work. There is a possibility that migrant workers from Syria who reside in Lebanon may be engaged in unskilled labor. Key expected project labor risks are associated with OHS such as exposure to hazardous materials, welding hazards, chemicals, dust, noise, working with heavy machinery, excavations, earth works, etc. Overtime hours, night work, non- discrimination issues, lack of contracts and a functional grievance mechanism for workers may be other potential labor risks. The Project SEA/SH risk is assessed as Moderate. The project will have in place age verification procedure to prevent any risk of child labor, and will prohibit forced labor. Labor Management Procedures: The CDR will prepare labor management procedures (LMP) which will include policies and procedures to address identified labor and OHS risks, and which will be applicable to all project workers. LMP will include a set of measures such as OHS procedures, working hours, provide for a weekly rest of at least 36 uninterrupted hours, and prohibit forced labor. The minimum employment age in the project is 18 years. The LMP will include the workers’ grievance mechanism and will be applicable to direct and contracted workers. The GM will be adapted to receive SH/SEA complaints. The project will implement Code of Conduct, and SH/SEA sensitization training will be carried out for the project workers and affected communities. Construction contractors will be responsible to prepare and implement labor management procedures and OHS plans. Lebanese Labor Law is to large extent consistent with the ESS2. Lebanon is a member of the Public Disclosure International Labor Organization (ILO) and has ratified 50 ILO conventions, including 7 of 8 core conventions. It has not ratified Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize. The main gap with ESS2 is related to the requirement for the grievance mechanism for workers and forced labor, which is not clearly defined in the law. The Labor Law does not include specific requirements for workplace grievance mechanism. The law prohibits persons below the age of 18 years to work in hazardous occupations. The Labor Code includes provisions for the minimum wage and sets maximum weekly hours as 48 hours. National oversight system: The Department of Labor Inspection, Prevention and Safety supervises the implementation of all laws, regulations, decrees and rules pertaining to the terms and conditions of employment, and the protection of workers in the workplace, including the provisions of international Labor Conventions approvals. Labor inspectors ensure the supervision of compliance with regulations in relation to conditions of employment and protection of workers including occupational health and safety. ESS3 - Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management Relevant This standard is relevant. The recycling and reuse of rubble will have a positive impact and will alleviate the high demand for natural resources, such as construction materials required for reconstruction and rehabilitation. In Lebanon, many quarries operate illegally and with minimal regard for the environment. Utilizing these quarries for rubble disposal as part of their rehabilitation efforts would be beneficial. This approach will prevent quarry contractors from having to rehabilitate the site at their own expense through terracing and tree planting at the end of the quarry's lifespan, or from having to pay fines for non-compliance. In addition, across all activities, and where feasible, lower GHG emitting systems will be used (e.g., solar PV systems), replaced equipment will have high energy standards (e.g. Eco-label, EnergyStar), replacement vehicles will be more fuel efficient (compared to existing stock) Feb 25, 2025 Page 9 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) and prefabricated spaces will be designed for extreme heat/cold and located outside of flood areas so that greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint are reduced. However, the rubble management activities are associated with risks and impacts that shall be managed properly. As part of the site specific ESIAs and ESMPs, a waste management plan (WMP) with provision for traceability will be prepared to manage hazardous and non- hazardous wastes, consistent with ESS3, maintained, and monitored to ensure adherence to the risk management hierarchy. National laws and World Bank Group Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) guidelines will be referenced to ensure resource conservation and prioritize waste prevention and minimization, with proper care for offsite transport and disposal of wastes. During implementation, the release of pollutants to air, water, and land should be avoided or minimized. Measures to ensure compliance with national laws and the EHS guidelines will be specified in the ESMPs and ESMPs checklists. ESS4 - Community Health and Safety Relevant This standard is relevant. The potential risks and impacts on community safety and health (CSH) are associated with the proposed rubble management, reconstruction, and construction activities under the Project. These potential risks and impacts include emissions of dust, noise, odor, and vehicle exhausts; increased traffic and temporary congestion and traffic and road safety risks due to increased traffic volume and movements of heavy-duty vehicles; risks of accidents and injuries posed by uncovered or unbarricaded open holes and exposed electric cables; temporary road blockades and closures; temporary blocks of access to certain municipal buildings/facilities; increased waste, including hazardous waste from the rubble (asbestos, plastics, electronic devices, etc) and wastewater generation; life and fire safety aspects and universal access and potential disruptions to local communities. Labor influx risk is not expected as it is anticipated that many workers will be from the settlement in the vicinity of work sites. The site Public Disclosure specific ESIAs, ESMPs, ESMP checklists and ES codes of practice will assess the risks and impacts to the health and safety of Project-affected communities, including groups that might be vulnerable. These instruments will also detail management and mitigation measures to secure community health and safety during construction, as well as monitoring and reporting requirements. Community Health and Safety (CHS) Plans may be included in the sub-project specific ESMPs in consultation with the local communities, in the case of potential significant impacts on communities, including residential areas, schools, and hospitals, etc., as assessed in the ES assessments. Additional management plans such as Traffic Management Plans may be required as deemed necessary through initial assessments included in the ESMPs. SEA/SH risk is considered moderate. However, as part of the E&S mitigation measures, the Project will establish referral services to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place, in addition to the Code of Conduct for workers, regular outreach and communication, etc. When preparing E&S instruments, particular attention should be given to i) avoiding and minimizing exposure to Project-related traffic and road safety risks; ii) identifying risks associated with physical hazards, such as uncovered, unbarricaded and no signage excavated sites, trenches, open holes, open electric cables, etc. and specifying CHS measures; iii) assessing the likelihood of excessive noise and dust emission and potential exposure to hazardous waste (including ACM) and proposing mitigation measures (i.e., dust control, notification of risks to communities, clear procedures for handling hazardous waste); iv) preparing an emergency preparedness and response plan when applicable; and v) designing and constructing the structural elements of the Project in accordance with national legal requirements, the WBG EHS Guidelines and GIIP, taking into consideration safety risks to third parties and affected communities including life and fire safety aspects; vi) ensuring the concept of universal access will be applied to the design of construction of new buildings and structures, to ensure accessible housing options for people with disabilities within the Project. In case CDR and its contractors employ security personnel to safeguard their personnel and property, such arrangements Feb 25, 2025 Page 10 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) shall be guided by the principles of proportionality and GIIP, the ESS 4 requirements, and applicable national law, in relation to the hiring, rules of conduct, training, equipping and monitoring of security workers to minimize any potential risks and impacts on CHS. The stakeholder engagement activities under the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) will include a communication strategy if there is an involvement of security personnel under the Project. Considering all these, the ESMPs, sub-project specific instruments, when appropriate, will include relevant mitigation measures to be strictly followed during the implementation of civil works, and also measures ensuring health and safety of communities residing in and around the sites of the Project intervention that will be mandatory for adherence by contractors’ workers. As part of the E&S instruments, measures will be developed to address emergency events such as fires, explosions, leaks, or spills that may occur during activities. These measures will ensure a coordinated and prompt response to prevent harm to community health and safety, and to minimize, mitigate, and compensate for any potential impacts. All activates subject to ESS4 Annex 1 (Safety of dams ) are not eligible under this Project. ESS5 - Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement Not Currently Relevant The project financed activities will not require land acquisition or cause involuntary resettlement. Under Component 2a, land acquisition is exclusion criteria. Th ESIAs and ESMPs prepared during implementation will include screening procedure for land acquisition, and exclusion criteria. ESS6 - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Relevant Resources Public Disclosure Although no habitats of biodiversity importance could be directly impacted by the project activities, there is some uncertainty about the disposal sites which are yet to be selected. However, it is most likely that waste disposal will be at abandoned quarries that are typically extensively modified areas without important biodiversity function or relevant living natural resources value. There are risks of improper disposal of rubbles and wastes in areas where habitats can be affected (e.g. forests, rivers, sea...etc.). The ESMP included in the E&S instruments will include measures to prevent discharge of polluted runoff and leachates to the natural water streams and marine environment. ESS7 - Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Not Currently Relevant Local Communities Relevance of this ESS has been assessed as not currently relevant. There are no groups in Lebanon which meet the definition of Indigenous Peoples. ESS8 - Cultural Heritage Relevant This standard is relevant. Although activities that have impact on tangible or intangible Cultural Heritage (CH) are not eligible investments under the Project, there are chances that CH could be encountered when the proposed Project activities, especially those that include excavation and earthworks (Component 2.a) are implemented and the activities involving works to secure the sites to assess the damage to cultural heritage site and potential related works and to reduce further damage to cultural heritage such as stabilization of their conditions (Component 1.b). The ESMPs of the E&S instruments will include an outline of a Chance Find Procedure and guidelines on mitigation measures in case of potential impacts on CH. The Chance Find Procedure and mitigation guidelines will be included in Feb 25, 2025 Page 11 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) the sub-project specific instruments as appropriate. These procedures and guidelines will be followed in all cases of previously unknown CH encountered during Project activities and included in all Project’s construction contracts that involve excavation, movement of earth, and/or any other changes to the physical environment. ESS9 - Financial Intermediaries Not Currently Relevant The Project will not involve financial intermediaries. B.2 Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Operations on International Waterways No OP 7.60 Operations in Disputed Areas No B.3 Other Salient Features Use of Borrower Framework No This is Substantial risk project prepared under emergency procedures and it will not rely on the Borrower Framework. Use of Common Approach No The project will not use Common Approach as it does not involve financing of other IFIs at the moment. The ESF will Public Disclosure apply. C. Overview of Required Environmental and Social Risk Management Activities C.1 What Borrower environmental and social analyses, instruments, plans and/or frameworks are planned or required by implementation? Actions to be completed prior to Bank Board Approval: - Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) - Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) Instruments to be prepared during implementation and included in the Borrower Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP): • ESIA: to be prepared for respective sub-projects once sites are identified • ESMPs: to be prepared including OHS requirements and costed and included as part of the contract documents together with other Environment, Social, Health and Safety requirements • ESMPs checklists • Environmental and Social (E&S) Audits will be prepared for existing facilities for rubble storage. These E&S audits will identify any E&S issues and gaps with ESSs requirements associated with the operation of facilities and will propose and E&S Action Plan to address identified gaps and measures required to improve E&S management. • h rubble management prior to Bank financing; and will propose and E&S Action Plan to address identified gaps and assess the eligibility for retroactive financing. • Labor Management Procedures Feb 25, 2025 Page 12 of 13 The World Bank Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (P509428) • SEA/SH response plan • The ToRs for TA activities will incorporate the E&S consideration in the proposed TA activities All instruments will be cleared by the World Bank and shall be disclosed on the PMU’s website and the World Bank’s external website. III. CONTACT POINT World Bank Task Team Leader: Alanna Leigh Simpson Title: Lead Disaster Risk Management Specialist Email: asimpson1@worldbank.org TTL Contact: Alexis Lucien Emmanuel Madelain Job Title: Senior Energy Specialist, Program Leader Email: amadelain@worldbank.org Public Disclosure IV. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects V. APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Alanna Leigh Simpson, Alexis Lucien Emmanuel Madelain ADM Environmental Specialist: Linda Khalil ADM Social Specialist: Jelena Lukic Feb 25, 2025 Page 13 of 13