Published on: Sunday, February 08, 2009 |
Kota Kinabalu: The Sandakan branch of the Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa Sandakan) is concerned over the exclusion of Sandakan communities from the panel drafting the Terms of Reference for the proposed 300MW coal-fired power plant in Seguntor.
"We will officially write to the Director General of the Department of Environment about this," said Charles Chow, Chairman of Sepa Sandakan, in a statement, Saturday.
Chow said the signature campaign in which more than 32,000 residents signed up speaks volumes of their concern "and rejection of the coal-fired plant in Sandakan."
"There are important parameters which we want included for study as part of the Terms of Reference for the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA). But there is notably no representation of Sandakan communities in the panel in drafting the terms of reference," Chow said.
"These important parameters must be considered and the DEIA must be balanced, unbiased and conducted in a manner without compromising the wellbeing and best interests of the Sandakan communities at large," Chow said.
Chow summed up four "important" parameters besides a series of other 'major' points.
Firstly, inclusion of Sandakan representatives comprising Sepa members in the panel in the drafting of the TOR for the coal-fired plant project;
Secondly, a more representative and adequate range of up to 20km or more of the proposed site suggested for the DEIA; and
Thirdly, the incorporation of cumulative effects assessment in the Detailed Environment Assessment (DDEIA) to reflect the status of the cumulative environmental effects of the project over 30 years and presented with supporting data;
Fourthly, impacts of the millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions from the plant on the local climate especially on how it might aggravate the intensities of monsoons, rainfalls, floods, landslides which have become increasingly frequent and routinely destructive," Chow said.
Among a list of major considerations, Chow requested a "proponent Profile" meaning a "detailed corporate profile of Lahad Datu Energy Sdn Bhd - developer, manager and operator to "be made known to the public."
A Statement of Need must include full and transparent disclosures of the technology being considered for the 4x75MW power plant, with details of origin of suppliers, status of technology and expertise of the primary components be reveled with no reservation.
Evaluation of Alternatives specifically project alternative should also be a major parameter, Chow said.
"Comparison on renewable alternatives and cleaner fuels such as Sabah's natural gas must be accurately reflected, as well as accurate and acceptable explanation for not selecting any identified alternatives must be adequately supported by data," he said.
On Process and Infrastructures Alternatives, Chow said project proponents owe the public a full description of criteria used to select site, how alternative technologies were evaluated, discussion of waste disposal option such as coal ash (containing toxic heavy metals) disposal including prevention of catastrophic rupture of retention ponds as happened in the US recently, Chow went on.
Since toxic air emissions is a leading health concern of the people, the report must provide emission profiles (type, rate and source) including point and non-point sources and fugitive emissions, with consideration on normal worst case, upset , start-up and shut-down conditions.
On Water Resource for the project, Chow said a parameter must include plans for pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and management to reduce waste quantities over the economic life of the project.
On Conservation and Reclamation, Chow said accurate baseline (pre-development) information on land capability, vegetation, forest productivity, recreation, wildlife, aquatic resources, aesthetics and ecotourism attractions, must be revealed.
He said a DEIA is worth its salt only if it provides a detailed plan on biodiversity promotion, protection and re-vegetation of disturbed terrestrial and aquatic areas that are impacted by the project.
Cumulative environment effects assessment is desired because the future is big thing on the minds of every human being and they have a right to protect themselves if the consequences 30 to 50 years from now bring ruin to them, Chow said.
Wong noted there are 40 fishing villages in the surrounding vicinity of the proposed power plant site in Sequntor.
"We request provision of a full description and the consultation with local communities on ecological use and determine the impact of development on traditional fishing, existing large scale fish hatchery and cultural uses by these 40 villages.
On Public Health and Safety Assessment, Chow said there "must be" description of those aspects of the project that may have implications of public health.
"There must be assessment into the cumulative health effects to receptors or surrounding communities within a 20km range or more that are expected to be affected by the project," he said.
