Gas separation plant needed to be reassessed by ONCP before starting operation

BANGKOK, 4 February 2010 (NNT) – The Energy Ministry has proposed to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) to reassess the sixth unit of gas separation plant whether it affects the environment, if not the plant would start operation this April.

Permanent Secretary for Energy Pornchai Rujiprapa stated that the Ministry was in the process of discussion with PTT to consider the environmental effects of the operation of the 6th unit of the gas separation plant, which needed the clarification from ONEP if it was acceptable. Otherwise, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be conducted according the Section 67(2) of the Charter, which would take about 6-8 months to finish the whole process.

Mr Pornchai reiterated that there had been a measure to prevent the NGV deficiency in case the 6th unit of the gas separation plant could not run within the middle of this year. He admitted that Thailand had to import NGV for the new petrochemical production, as the material in producing petrochemical was from the sixth unit.