El-Galalah SWRO Desalination Plant – 150,000 m³/d – Suze Governate, EGYPT

Project description

El-Galalah SWRO desalination plant, with a capacity of 150,000 m³/day, is located in Ain Sokhna on the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, and is designed to supply potable water to over 1,000,000 citizens. Covering an area of 60,000 m², the facility includes major components such as a 1.6 m seawater intake, seawater pumping station, 1.4 m brine outfall, and 1,200 m of marine pipelines. The treatment process comprises 22 pre-treatment filters, 10 reverse osmosis skids, a remineralization system, GLS storage tanks, and a product water pumping station. The plant is supported by medium- and low-voltage electrical panels, step-down transformers, standby power generators, and a fully automated SCADA control system, ensuring efficient, reliable, and continuous operation.

Project Owner

Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority

Contractor

Metito, Orascom joint venture (JV)

EcoBusiness Scope

‒         Delivered full ESIA, including marine water, sediment, benthic, and ecological baseline surveys, plus hydrodynamic and brine dispersion modelling.

‒         Conducted air quality, noise, hydrogeological, groundwater, and flood risk assessments to support impact forecasting.

‒         Performed Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) to evaluate interactions with existing industrial and coastal activities.

‒         Developed a comprehensive ESMP, including mitigation/monitoring measures, Waste & Chemical Management Plan, Emergency & Spill Response Plan, and long-term environmental auditing programs.

‒         Provided actionable environmental guidance for engineering, marine, and civil works contractors.

‒         Led the environmental permitting process with EEAA and SPA, preparing all regulatory submissions.

‒         Conducted socioeconomic and livelihood assessments covering communities, fisheries, and tourism.

‒         Implemented stakeholder engagement and public consultations with regulators, community groups, and NGOs.

‒         Ensured the project is environmentally sound, socially responsible, and compliant with national and international standards.