Petrochemical companies grouped under the Federation of Thai Industries' Petrochemical Industry Club will set up a Bt4-billion fund to address environmental problems in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and improve the quality of life of 25 communities in Rayong, thereby restoring the environment and paving the way for new projects.

"Environmental problems in Map Ta Phut are a classic case for the public sector, private companies and local communities," said club chairman Supachai Watanangura. "We've learned that we cannot sustain our business if we ignore the communities."

The fund will cover activities for two years. He said the club also planned to set aside additional funds to support the Public Health Ministry's operations and install large water tanks in communities that are occasionally affected by water shortages.

Environmental problems in the province have led the Industry Ministry to delay approval for new petrochemical investment projects, because toxic substances from petrochemical plants in the area are believed to be the major cause of the health problems of local residents.

The delay comes at a time when petrochemical companies are gearing up for new investment, and they prefer to locate new plants in Map Ta Phut for the sake of proximity to existing plants. To pave the way for new plants, existing plants must reduce their toxic substances. A recent article in Krungthep Turakij said the PTT Group itself was expected to spend a total of Bt5 billion in the years to come.

Separately, Deputy Industry Minister Piyabutr Cholvijarn said industrial plants in Map Ta Phut were spending a total of Bt7.2 billion to reduce the emission levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Most of the investment will come from gas-separation plants and refineries belonging to PTT and IRPC.

He said about Bt4 billion had been earmarked for the reduction of nitrogen-dioxide emission, the rest for sulphur dioxide.

On a visit last week to Map Ta Phut, Supachai said that as the petrochemical industry's downward cycle arrived this year, it was the proper period for operators to expand their capacity so that production can start when the upward cycle resumes. "If petrochemical firms miss this opportunity, they may reconsider their plans, because the projects may not be worth their investment," he said.

So far, public authorities and industrial plants have taken serious action to reduce toxic emissions inside and outside the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. Two weeks ago, Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras told the press that the National Environmental Committee would consider approving project expansions, including petrochemical Phase 3, in the next two months.

"Due to our earnest cooperation, the pollution level is low enough to restart investment sooner than we had expected," he said.

Chalida  Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation