Heavy industries asked for pollution plans
Private companies operating in Rayong's Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate have been asked to fill in a form detailing their investment plans to stem toxic emissions in return for Board of Investment (BoI) tax privileges.
"They must return the forms by May 9," said Energy Ministry permanent secretary Pornchai Rujiprapha, who chaired the ad hoc committee on pollution yesterday."With their cooperation, we're certain toxic emissions will be reduced 20 per cent from 2008-10." The committee yesterday had a discussion with operators in Map Ta Phut and related agencies - the Pollution Control Department, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and the BoI - on privileges for plants in the heavy industrial area. Privileges include the waiving of tariffs on machinery imports for environmental protection and a three-year exemption from corporate tax. It was reported earlier that the PTT Group and the Siam Cement Group would invest Bt7 billion in environmental projects. PTT unit Rayong Refinery will spend Bt5.91 billion to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Sulphur dioxide emissions are expected to drop 40 per cent. A committee source said the meeting was to clarify some points concerning pollution-control measures. "Principally, private operators should know they must reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide 20 per cent. It does not mean new plants can immediately be constructed. New investment is possible only if it would not increase the reduced toxic-emission levels," the source said. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras said PTT and Siam Cement's petrochemical investment plans could go ahead as planned.
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