The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to shut down its factory with immediate effect. The EPA issued the order after investigating several public complaints about alleged air pollution and nuisance from the factory.
The Authority said it found sustained emissions of visible particulate matter, gases and other pollutants from the company’s operations. It said the emissions could affect the environment, nearby land uses and public health.
The EPA also found that Empire Cement had failed to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns. The company was found to have breached Condition 9.1 of its Environmental Permit.
The EPA also identified problems with the company’s pollution control systems. According to the Authority, Empire Cement had failed to install appropriate state-of-the-art pollution control systems on all pollution discharge units.
The systems must meet the requirements of GS 1236:2019, the Ghana Standard for Environment and Health Protection. The EPA also found that the company’s existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment were not being maintained as required.
The Authority said these systems must remain in good working condition. This is to help reduce air pollution and keep emissions within the permitted limits.
The EPA also cited the maintenance of dust plants at the factory. It said the dust plants must be properly maintained to prevent or minimise dust emissions into the external environment.
The Authority further cited the requirement for pollution control systems to function at all times and meet GS 1236:2019 standards.
The EPA said these failures put Empire Cement in breach of Conditions 5.1(a), 5.1(h)(i), 5.1(h)(iv) and 9.1 of its environmental permit. The company must now address the breaches before it can reopen.
The EPA has directed Empire Cement to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns. It must also install the required state-of-the-art air pollution control systems. The company must ensure that its existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment are in good working condition.
Empire Cement must also engage the impacted community about the effects of its operations. It must explain the measures being taken to address those impacts and submit a report on the engagement to the EPA.
After installing the new pollution control systems, the company must notify the EPA. The Authority will then inspect the systems before deciding whether the factory can reopen.
The EPA said Empire Cement cannot resume operations without written permission. It stated:
“Note that the company can only start operations upon installation of State-of-the Art Air Pollution Control Systems that will meet the emissions standards of the GS 1236:2019 and written permission from the Authority.”
The EPA warned that failure to comply with the directive could lead to further enforcement action. This could include administrative penalties and other regulatory sanctions allowed by law.
The directive was signed by Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA.
Read the statement below:
