Formosa environmental inspection

The installation of additional wastewater treatment system at Biochemical wastewater treatment plants has received a strict examination from the inspection team, because this is where toxic Phenol and Cyanide often concentrate. In addition, the construction of the waste stabilisation ponds, and the completion of automatic monitoring equipment, has also been thoroughly checked.

"Formosa still has to address one issue, which is the conversion from a wet to dry coke stamping method. However, after inspection, the inspection team has confirmed that the water discharged from coke stamping is not released into the environment", Tran Hong Ha - Minister of Natural Resources and Environment - said.

"When the coal is heated up in the furnace and cold water has to be used to stamp them, it is wet stamping. I2n principle, the water discharged from coke stamping is always circulated. A year ago, the process was incomplete, so many toxic chemical and dirty substances accumulated in the water. Now, they have added a treatment system, so all is good", Assoc. Prof./Dr. Cao The Ha said.

In addition to the past measures to control wastewater, exhaust gases are also a focal point to be tested. The inspection team was especially interested in the emissions from 15 chimneys generated from the blast furnace 1, which has been in operation for some time.

"When operating the blast furnace, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon monoxide will be emitted. Carbon monoxide is toxic, but its treatment is fairly simple, because it only needs oxygen. However, if these gases leak out too much, productivity will decrease, so firms often have to retain them. As for gases such as Sulfur dioxide, there is already an automated monitoring system installed. Plus, the inspection team still take samples once a month", Assoc. Prof./Dr. Trinh Van Tuyen - Director of Institute of Environmental Technology - said.

In addition to acknowledging Formosa's promises to address its environmental shortcomings, the inspection team also urged the steel corporation to quickly complete the public waste indicator system. This will ensure transparency in the process.