Bangkok--2 Nov--WeeM Communication
M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok, chairs a press conference at Four Seasons Hotel, Rajdamri Road, Bangkok, on the launch of new thermal incinerator at Nongkaem Waste Management Center.
“As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok has a population in excess of 10 million locals and those who have relocated from other provinces. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is using several measures to manage the consequential, massive amount of waste generated, including sanitary landfill at two sites in Nakhonpathom and Chachoengsao. It should be noted, however, that the daily waste output in Bangkok is 8,700 tons and this number will continue to grow every year,” notes M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok.
This concern has urged BMA to identify a more technologically advanced solution. One in particular has been endorsed and implemented in several countries of the world including Germany, Japan and Singapore. Using relatively small space when compared to landfill, thermal incinerators are capable of eradicating waste of nearly all types including infectious waste from the hospitals while at the same time being greener. They can be built in the location where waste is generated to help lower transportation costs. Output like ashes from thermal incinerators can be used to fill land or produce construction materials and the heat generated can be used to generate steam for buildings or to generate electricity. This solution can reduce the amount of waste by 75% to 95%.
BMA has since hired C and G Environmental Protection (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to invest in the construction and the operation of an incinerator with a capacity of 300 tons per day at Nongkaem Waste Management Center. To this end, the company has installed the necessary equipment and will be managing this facility for the next twenty years. The incinerator is of a stoker type with a minimum temperature of 850?C which is considered suitable for the types of garbage produced by Bangkok.
The Governor adds, “This kind of incinerator is now in use in several countries. The Nakhon Phuket Municipality is currently in the process of building one as well. It will generate a minimum of 5 megawatts of electricity which will be sold off to Metropolitan Electricity Authority. This incinerator will not cause pollution as relevant sanitary principles will be observed to ensure minimal impact to the environment. It is in full compliance with the statutory air pollution requirements. ”
The environmental impact evaluation was carried out by a contractor —Team Consulting Engineering and Management Co., Ltd. Initial environment examination was conducted through public hearing and ESA or Environment and Safety Assessment. The 90-day process was completed on September 21st, 2012, They have confidence in the technology used and believe it to be more efficient than the current practice of landfill. Survey respondents view the project as one which is in the interest of the public and does not affect the nearby communities.
“One of the most effective ways to reduce waste to the minimal is to sort garbage before it leaves your residence. By doing so, you can help lower the amount of waste to be processed by the system and contribute to the sustainability of Bangkok as the green capital,” says the Governor in conclusion.