Pollution control mulled on coal-fed plants

Published June 24, 2019, 10:00 PM By Myrna M. Velasco
https://business.mb.com.ph/2019/06/24/pollution-control-mulled-on-coal-fed-plants/

The Department of Energy (DOE) is enforcing measures for pollution control as well as proper handling of coal from the mines to the time that they are brought to power stations to fuel electricity generation.

For power plant owners and operators, one of the main requirements being pushed by the department is “the roofing or covered stockpiling” of coal being stored at their yards or project sites.

A draft DOE circular has recently been routed to the industry players and stakeholders setting forth guidelines on coal handling, transport, storage and distribution of coal – which is currently the dominant fuel for power generation in the country.

“This Circular shall apply to all coal traders, coal logistics service providers, coal end-users, holders of coal operating contracts (COCs); and small-scale coal mining permits and all other persons engaged in coal operations,” the DOE has stipulated.

On environmental regulation and pollution control, the energy department specified that dust control systems, such as water spray, sprinkler, misting machine, dust arrester or cover “to prevent emission of fugitive coal dust” be provided and installed.

The department further emphasized that “truck’s cargo box shall be properly secured to prevent escape of fugitive coal dust and/or coal spillages along the road.”

Another policy to be administered is the installation of “tire bath” in front or near the exit gate “to rinse truck tires to prevent dust/mud from being carried and scattered along access roads and other areas of operations.”

The DOE likewise averred that “coal stockpile be properly maintained,” thus it is mandating that “any hazardous condition in or around such area shall be immediately reported, and appropriate corrective and control measures shall be implemented.”

Moreover, entities involved in coal-underpinned ventures will also need to “construct and maintain settling pond with appropriate drainage system to capture run-off coal and other operational spoils.”

Project operators and facility owners are similarly directed to “ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to prevent emission of foul order – as nuisance – from coal stockpile.”

In the transport of coal – either by trucks or via shipping vessels at sea, the DOE circular is also enforcing measures on efficient and secure handling of the commodity.

And in the discharge or unloading of coal at port areas, the department further prescribed that “only authorized personnel shall be allowed to perform coal unloading” and coal spillages must primarily be prevented.

Specifically on coal handling and storage, the DOE edict propounds that coal facility operators shall “construct and maintain covered warehouse to appropriately store coal;” and that the storage shall be in a distinct area “that has controls to prevent washout and contamination.”

Facility operators are likewise required to “install concrete perimeter fence to prevent propagation of dust and other operational spoils to its neighboring establishments.” The DOE pointed out these set of regulations are in line with its mandate as a supervising agency to the industry and based on the prescriptions of Presidential Decree 972 or the prevailing “Coal Development Act” of the country.