Implementation of phase I of a Comprehensive polychlorinated biphenyl management system in Jordan

Implementation of phase I of a Comprehensive polychlorinated biphenyl management system in Jordan

The project objective is to provide necessary tools and increase technical capacity of the country to meet the requirements with respect to the Stockholm Convention with the overall objective of safeguarding the environment and health from PCB impacts at the national and global levels.

Main Outputs

  • Output 1.1: PCB laws, regulations and guidelines are upgraded to international standards
  • Output 1.2: Country-wide awareness of existing laws, regulations and guidelines, especially at stakeholder level.
  • Output 2.1: National capacity to analyze PCB suspected substances is improved
  • Output 2.2: Extended sampling and testing of PCB is ensured and completed with regular reporting to the central PCB database
  • Output 2.3: ESM system is developed and approved at the national level for mandatory application
  • Output 2.4: Through specialized trainings, the national capacity for secure management of PCBs is improved and sustained. Owners of PCB equipment apply ESM guidelines for safe handling of these devices
  • Output 2.5: Regional storage facilities have been identified, assessed, upgraded and put into operation with relevant training of storage personnel
  • Output 3.1: “Pure” PCB and PCBs contaminated devices (transformer and capacitors) will be disposed of in EMS manner as a priority PCB stockpile
  • Output 3.2: 100 tons of PCBs contaminated material will be disposed of ESM manner
  • Output 4.1: M&E and adaptive management are applied to provide feedback to the project coordination process to capitalize on the project needs;
  • Output 4.2: Lessons learned and best practices are accumulated, summarized and replicated at the country level.

Achievements

  • Upgraded the National capacity to manage PCB through transfer of technical advice and specialized training
  • PCB materials are better  identified, labeled, stored and disposed of using environmentally sound ways
  • PCB equipment is recorded in a centralized manner for the use by authorities and for public information
  • Upgraded analytical capacity through the supply of portable equipment and GC protocols and specialized trainings for existing labs
  • PCB holders are aware of PCB risks associated with equipment  maintenance and retirement
  • Three regional PCB storage facilities established and  upgraded to meet international  standards with appropriate training for personnel
  • provided  the private sector with professionals to pick-up, transport and handle indentified PCB materials in ESM manner
  • Equipment containing PCB (40  tons) and oil contaminated with  PCB above 50 ppm (100 tons)  are disposed of according to  international standards and  practices for all times
  • Support local laboratories to get the accreditation for the analysis of PCBs by using the GC for more accurate results
  • Equipment containing pure PCBs (45 ton) disposed off outside the country by a specialized and qualified disposal facility. All PCBs contaminated material were packaged and transported.

Jordan free of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Chemicals (PCBs) - Engineers testing sampling electrical transformers for PCBs contamination in Jordan

Status

Closed 

Start Date

January 2011

End Date

June 2015

Focus Area

Hazardous materials, Stockholm and Basel Conventions 

Donor

GEF, UNDP

Implementing Partner 

Ministry of Environment