No air pollution noted in Sual from coal-fired plant
SUAL – A recent study confirmed that air quality in Sual remains at normal level despite the presence of the 1,218 megawatt Sual Coal-fired power plant and will maintain that status if another coal-fired plant planned by a South Korean Investors is constructed.
The study conducted by AECOM PHILIPPINES, Inc., an established international research and consultancy firm whose mother unit is listed in the Fortune 500 list, was based on the guidelines set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The DENR earlier mandated regular environmental monitoring in Sual which hosts the biggest coal-fired power plant in the country.
AECOM Philippines conducted the study in 11 critical receptor sites around the municipality based on Administrative Order No. 2000-81 Air Standards and Guidelines ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources and those standards set by the National Pollution Commission pursuant to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Air samplings were taken pertaining to Total Suspended Particles (TSP), Particulate Matters (PM), Gaseous Pollutants such as Nitrogen Di0xide, Sulfur Dioxide, and Coarse Particulate.
These samplings usually are the result of burning fossil fuel like coal, fuel oil, diesel, and gasoline, as well as different kinds of dust carried by the wind.
Among the monitoring areas were in Sitio Longos in barangay Pangascasan where the coal power plant is located: Resettlement Area in Poblacion, Pangascasan Integrated School, Ash Disposal Area of the power plant, Bangayao Point, Cabalitian Pier, Cabalitian Amianan, Masamerey, Baybay Elementary School, Napo-Logolog Elementary School, and Baybay Sur.
“All stations are within the standards set by Department Administrative Order No. 2000-81 or the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and in terms of Total Suspended Particles concentration, the air quality in the ambient air quality monitoring stations is good based on DAO 2000-81,” the study said.
Mayor Roberto Arcinue said this development is a welcome news among Sual residents who are supporting the construction of a second coal-fired power plant that is expected to generate an additional 1,000 megawatts.
Aside from providing hundreds of jobs and millions in extra revenues, a second power plant would ensure stable power supply that is conducive to economic progress and sustainable growth, he added. (Leonardo Micua)
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