By Obiabin Onukwugha
Indorama-Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, has stated that it is committed to the goal of zero harm and safe and healthy environment in its operations through the implementation of effective environment management system.
Indorama also stated that its operations does not pollute the environment as its operations are environment-friendly.
The company was reacting to allegations levelled against it by a group, the Alliance for the Defence of Eleme (ADE), which called on some international agencies to stop financial commitments it, by citing an existing court process.
Addressing journalists shortly after a facility tour in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital at the weekend, Indorama Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, said the company, being a responsible corporate citizen, is committed to the goal of zero harm, safe and healthy environment.
Nkwocha said the comoany embarks on periodic monitoring of noise, ambient air quality, stack emissions, treated effluent quality, ground water quality, recipient water body of Okulu river, water quality and biodiversity, amongst others, by a team of inhouse and accredited consultants in line with international standards.
He said: “As a responsible corporate organization, we do not intend to make comments on a matter in Court but since the above-mentioned group of persons have already put this matter in the public space through the media, we just wish to publicly reassure our financial partners, government agencies, host communities, and other stakeholders that our operations are environment friendly and have been been operated under national and international standards.
Related Posts
“While it is true that the court had issued an exparte order, which order has since expired by effluxion of time, that order only required Indorama to ensure that its operations do not lead to the pollution of the environment pending determination of the motion on notice.
“As we have painstakingly shown you during the facility tour and the detailed presentation on our environmental management system, Indorama, being a responsible corporate citizen, is committed to the goal of zero harm, safe and healthy environment by implementing effective environment management system as an integral part of her operations.
“To achieve our commitment, we have implemented a robust Environment Management and Monitoring System, and the environmental performance is acknowledged by Regulators and Lenders. We are putting efforts into continual improvement of our environmental systems and performance.”
Nkwocha further stated that Indorama complies with all applicable national and state environmental regulations and adherence to good international best practices, pointing out that environmental performance is the major criteria considered for plant technology selection for new development.
“Key highlights of Indorama’s environment management system are: compliance with all applicable national and state environmental regulations and adherence to good international best practices.
“Environmental performance is the major criteria considered for plant technology selection for new development. The environmental criteria considered are low energy per ton of production, low water consumption and minimum effluent generation, low noise from plant operation, minimal purge, and emissions.
“Extensive environmental and risk assessment studies and incorporation of recommendations in plant design and operational monitoring.
“It also includes Installation of best-in-class available detection and control systems for effective operational control and prompt actions. All pollution abatement equipment is designed for appropriate capacity considering the worst-case scenario. Installed detectors across the plants and all safety devices are designed considering worst-case scenario,” he stated.
