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Published on September 20, 2007

New anti-pollution measures will soon be proposed to the National Environment Board (NEB) for implementation in the Map Ta Phut industrial belt of Rayong, so that 11 petrochemical plant projects can proceed.

Pornchai Rujiprapha, permanent secretary of the Energy Ministry and chairman of a special subcommittee on pollution problems in Map Ta Phut, said yesterday that the panel had recently produced a remedial plan, which the government had required before giving the go-ahead to new plants in the area.

The plan covers three points.

First, existing facilities must lower their toxic-emission rates. From the reduced portion, they can save 80 per cent for future projects.

Second, the panel found that the 11 plants scheduled to be built in Map Ta Phut would not raise the toxic emission level in the area, following cooperation from all parties to reduce emission levels.

"However, they can proceed with the investment only after they commit to strictly following the investment guidelines and conditions," Pornchai said.

Third, the public and private sectors would share responsibility for improving environmental conditions in Map Ta Phut and the entire province of Rayong.

From this year to 2011, the public and private sectors will spend Bt22 billion - with Bt19 billion from companies and the remainder from the government - to upgrade the healthcare system and the quality of life of Rayong residents.

This year, Bt70 million has been used and next year Bt700 million will finance 11 health-related projects. The subcommittee will ask for Bt170 million more from the central budget.

Most of the Bt19 billion from the private sector will go to the procurement of pollution-reduction equipment.

"Some of the investment has been used and this has reduced the level of nitrogen and sulphur dioxide," Pornchai said.

To pave the way for more plants, new ones will be

paired with old ones to make sure that the toxic level does not rise.

The subcommittee will also recommend to the NEB the issuance of tax incentives to encourage industrial plants to spend on the reduction of toxic emissions.

Energy Reporters

 The Nation