Industrial defence

With reference to the article in the PostBag section regarding IRPC, which you published on May 28, 2018, we are sorry for hearing that unhappy voice and please let us clarify the situation.

IRPC’s business is refining and petrochemicals. The IRPC Eco Industrial Complex is situated in Rayong province. Over the past several years we have tried our best to minimise the uncontrolled flaring and smoking that goes up into the atmosphere. Actually, it costs us a lot of money to burn and waste hydrocarbon by flaring. However, it is a must because it is the safest way to burn it during emergencies, especially during the unplanned shutdowns of the processing units.

Over the last few years we have commissioned several new processing units and during those trial periods there could be more unplanned shutdowns than normal. It should be better by now. Unfortunately, last week we had unplanned shutdowns of several units due to power failures, which can happen especially during the rainy season.

Most of our employees live in Rayong. Their safety and wellness is our prime concern. That’s why we have installed various ambient air-monitoring stations around our plants to ensure the air quality at ground level meets legal standards and is safe for our families. Our flare is designed to reach a height of 140m to ensure the emissions from burnt hydrocarbon and smoke spreads to wider areas and the ambient air quality at ground level is still safe.

We can assure you that we shall try our best to minimise the unplanned shutdown and consequently the flaring and smoking. This is to keep our promise to do business with the greatest care for society, the public and the environment. Sorry again for any misunderstanding. Should you need more information please do not hesitate to contact me by calling 085-4806098.

CHANIDA SANHAKORN Corporate Communications Manager, IRPC Plc