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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY. PRESENTED BY MS. IRENE KAMUNGE AG. DIRECTOR LEGAL SERVICES NEMA August 2013. OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION. Environmental impacts in the cement industry. Regulatory framework. Commitment to the environment. IMPACTS.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY PRESENTED BY MS. IRENE KAMUNGE AG. DIRECTOR LEGAL SERVICES NEMA August 2013.
OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION • Environmental impacts in the cement industry. • Regulatory framework. • Commitment to the environment.
IMPACTS Many environmental impacts from the cement industry arise from the process of clinker burning. This process has major impacts on energy use and emissions to the atmosphere.
IDENTIFIABLE IMPACTS • Emissions to the Atmosphere; These emissions include; • Greenhouse gases • Volatile Organic Compounds • Dioxins(Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs & PCDFs) • Metals and their Compounds • Dust
IDENTIFIABLE IMPACTS Cont’ • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: These gases are produced from three primarly source; a. Chemical process of making clinker b. Combustion of fossil fuels in the kiln; c. Indirect emissions from purchased electrical power
Examples of Green house gases i. Oxides of Nitrogen (Source - Fuel combustion by oxidation of chemically bound Nitrogen in the fuel and by thermal fixation of Nitrogen in the combustion air. ii. Sulphur dioxide and other sulphur compounds Source-Combustion of sulphur compounds (pyrites) in the raw materials and fuel. iii. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide Source-Calcination of Limestone (CaCo3) and fuel combustion
2. ODOUR Odour emissions are very rare a problem with a well operated cement plant. Odour occurs if the raw materials contains combustible components (Kerogens) which do not burn when they are heated in the preheater, but instead pyrolise, leading to emission of hydrocarbons.
Odour Cont’ • The hydrocarbons are seen above the stack as a ‘blue haze’ or plume and this is what causes unpleasant smell. • Burning of sulphur containing fuels and/or use of Sulphur containing raw materials can lead to odour emissions (this is a problem especially encountered in shaft kilns)
3. NOISE & EXCESSIVE VIBRATIONS • The heavy machinery and Large fans used in the cement manufacture give rise to emission of noise and/or vibrations. • Much of this is experienced at the raw mill where the raw materials are finely ground, dried and further blended in the raw mill. • This impact mainly affects the employees operating within such areas.
4. WASTE • Waste produced during clinker production consists basically of unwanted rocks, which are removed from the raw materials during the preparation of the raw meal, and kiln dust removed from the by-pass flow and the stack. Filtrate from the filter presses used in the semi-wet process is fairly alkaline and contains suspended solids.
5. EXCESSIVE HEAT • This is experienced in the areas around the Kiln. The Kiln can burn to about 2000oc.
6. DUST • Chemical Composition Cement plant dust is primarily mineral. It contains traces of the raw material used to manufacture it, notably CaCO3 (limestone), as well as SiO2 (shale) (silica) , Al2O3 (Bauxite)(alumina) and Fe2O3 (Iron ore). • Sources Fugitive sources • Blasting • Material storages and handling (wind and spillages) • Point sources • (stack, cooler, filters etc.)
7. LAND DEGRADATION • This may result from poorly managed quarrying of raw materials. e.g. Limestone, coal;
8. DISPLACEMENT OF PEOPLE • This arises during acquisition of land for raw materials. • A variety of calcium-containing raw materials that can include aragonite, limestone, and chalk are gathered from a quarry. • Local communities are displaced without lawful compensation to pave way for quarries or coal. • This requires a comprehensive Resettlement Action Plan.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK • The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999 and regulations made thereto. • Key regulations include: • The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003. • The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006 –Legal Notice No. 121, 2006. • The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Noise & Excessive Vibrations) Regulations.
COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT • Cement industries should be more committed in achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability by; • Improving in environmental performance. • Incorporating environmental factors into planning decisions. • Monitoring activities impacting on the surrounding environment.
COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT Cont’ iv. Complying with environmental laws and regulations. v. Rehabilitating degraded sites. vi. Engaging effectively with the local communities. vii. Using alternative fuel; Reduce consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal and replace more carbon-intensive fossil fuels.