Coal dust suppression KEPCO: Remedial works a priority

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of the Korean Electric Power Corporation-Salcon Power Corporation (Kepco-SPC) assured Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong that putting in place the remedial measures at its coal yard is a priority.

Lawyer Guillermo Dabbay, Jr., Kepco-SPC general counsel, made the assurance during yesterday’s plant visit of Garcia and Chiong to inspect the progress of the remedial works.

These measures are implemented to prevent coal dust particles from being blown away by strong winds during coal unloading.

As of yesterday, temporary plastic sheets have already been installed. This would soon be replaced by a low hollow block wall with dust collection nets. A dust suppression system consisting of water sprinklers are also working well.

Coal unloading drop height in the covered coal yard has already been reduced from 13 meters to only 2 to 3 meters by extending the tripper. These measures should be enough to prevent coal dust particles from being blown away, even by heavy winds during coal unloading activities.

In spite the on going remedial measures being undertaken by the power company, Garcia suggested the use of long span roofing materials instead of hollow blocks to hasten the process.

Garcia offered the help of Provincial Engineering Office in the installation of the long span sheet while Chiong also offered his municipal engineering office personnel.

Engineering personnel of the province, Naga City and Kepco-SPC will meet this morning at the Capitol to discuss how to go about the suggestion of Garcia.

Last week, Garcia and Chiong issued separate cease and desist orders on the unloading of coal when reports reached them that a shipment of coal had arrived.

Garcia said the order stays until the remedial measures are fully implemented.

Dabbay explained that due to good weather conditions the ship unexpectedly arrived earlier than expected so KSPC has decided, right there and then, that unloading will only begin when the necessary remedial measures are in place.

KSPC is absorbing the expensive daily demurrage fees for keeping the vessel in Naga until unloading can safely take place.   (FREEMAN NEWS)