BEIRUT, LEBANON - (December 2, 2002) Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Federation of the Municipalities of Byblos (the Federation) entered into a $199,575 grant agreement to partially fund a feasibility study on the development of an integrated solid waste management system in the caza of Byblos. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Vincent M. Battle signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. Government. Mr. Charles Bassil, President, signed on behalf of the Federation.

The caza (municipality) of Byblos has a population of 100,000 people and generates 75 tons of municipal solid waste per day. Currently, there is no sorting of the solid waste stream at the source or the dumpsite in Hbaline. Despite ongoing efforts to improve waste disposal practices, such as covering the waste with soil, exposure and public health risks continue at the site. Due to the ground and soil conditions of the region, there is a high risk of ground water contamination from leachate from the landfill. In addition, flash floods could submerge the landfill and carry solid waste down the valley to the coast, which is located only a few kilometers downstream.

The Federation will use the USTDA grant to contract with ECODIT, Inc. of Arlington, Virginia, to conduct the study. The USTDA-funded study will examine the establishment of an integrated solid waste management system in the caza of Byblos. If implemented, the project would generate immediate benefits for the environment, the health and safety of the population, and the economy of the served areas.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation in developing and middle-income countries, with special emphasis on economic sectors that represent significant U.S. export potential. By funding various forms of technical assistance, training grants, feasibility and specialized studies, conferences, orientation visits, and business workshops, USTDA helps American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity- building initiatives and supports U.S. Government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world.

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