POLLUTION CONTROL AT PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX

Dr Tan Cheng Bock asked the Minister for the Environment what steps have been taken to control the pollution of air and sea near the Petrochemical Complex.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: In the vicinity of the Petrochemical Complex are two large oil refineries which have been operating long before the Petrochemical Complex was built. The oil refineries were required to comply with our standards for air and water discharge and had incorporated sufficient pollution control equipment and measures. The emissions from these refineries are within the standards set by my Ministry.

When the decision was taken to proceed with the construction of the Petrochemical Complex, the Government also decided to form a Team comprising officers from the Anti-Pollution Unit, Ministry of the Environment, Singapore Fire Service, Factory Inspectorate, Industrial Health Division and Development of Building Control Division to conduct a baseline study on the air and marine environment in the area and to prescribe and evaluate appropriate pollution control measures for the Complex. The services of a British Consultant specialising in large chemical plants, M/s Cremer & Warner, was also engaged to advise on these matters.

The Petrochemical Complex has complied with the pollution control requirements imposed by the Ministry. A central treatment plant was constructed to handle the process liquid wastes and catch pits were also installed around the plant areas to trap and remove light waste products. Oil interceptors were installed to remove oil from the liquid wastes as well as oil spillages which may be carried off by storm water during rainfall.

Solid waste generated by the Complex will be incinerated on the island, re-exported for regeneration or detoxified and buried at a designated area in the Petrochemical Complex while waste hydrocarbon gases will not be allowed to be discharged into the air, but must be burnt off.

A comprehensive programme to monitor the air and sea environment in the vicinity of the Complex has been drawn up. Engineers and technicians from the Ministry and other departments have been sent for overseas training on the surveillance of petrochemical complexes.

The sea and air environment in the vicinity of the Petrochemical Complex are safe and within the standards prescribed by us. The Ministry will continue to monitor the quality of the air and sea in the vicinity of the Petrochemical Complex, and will not hesitate to take any appropriate action to ensure that our environmental regulations are not violated.