The management of Indorama Nigeria, a fertilizer and petrochemical company in Rivers state, has allowed stakeholders to tour its facilities and operations in Rivers state to disabuse claims in some quarters that it is polluting the environment.
The company explained to the stakeholders during the tour at the weekend that its operations were designed to implement the goal of zero harm, safe and healthy environment anchored on an effective management system.
The fertilizer and petrochemical company insisted that it operates a friendly and harmless environmental that would not have any negative effect on its host communities.
The head, corporate communications, Indorama Nigeria, Jossy Nkwocha, named the company’s host communities as Agbonchia, Njuru, Okerewa, Akpajo, Aleto, Elelewon, all in Rivers state.
He said the company permitted the assessment tour because of the recently circulated letter, which was sent to the company’s partners by a group under the auspices of the Alliance for the Defence of Eleme.
He said that the company being a responsible corporate citizen, maintained a robust environment management and monitoring system.
He said the firm’s environmental performance was acknowledged by regulators and lenders, adding that the organisation has made efforts to continue improving of its environmental systems and performance.
He said: “The environmental criteria considered are low energy per ton of production, low water consumption and minimum effluent generation, low noise from plant operation, minimal purge, and emissions. Extensive environmental and risk assessment studies and incorporation of recommendations in plant design and operational monitoring.
“It also includes Installation of best-in-class available detection and control systems for effective operational control and prompt actions.
“All pollution abatement equipment is designed for appropriate capacity considering the worst-case scenario. Installed detectors across the plants and all safety devices are designed considering worst-case scenario.
“Before embarking on a new project, detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study as per the Federal Ministry of Environment guidelines, which is inclusive and covers study of environmental and social components including stakeholder engagement under supervision of Federal Ministry of Environment and Rivers State Ministry of Environment. “
