SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

BLCP POWER PROJECT

IN THE

THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND

February 2003
 ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank

BLCP – BLCP Power Limited
EGAT – Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
EIA – environmental impact assessment
FGD – flew gas desulfurizers
IEAT – Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand
OEPP – Office of Environmental Policy and Planning
PM-10 – particulate matter of 10 micros and less
SO2 – sulfur dioxide
TSP – total suspended particulates

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

o
C – degree Celsius
cm – centimeter
dB(A) – decibel average
km – kilometer
kV – kilovolt
m – meter
m3 – cubic meter
mg – milligram
mg/l – milligram per liter
mm – millimeter
MW – megawatts
pH – measure of acidity-alkalinity
ppm – parts per million
µg/m3 – micrograms per cubic meter

NOTES

(i) The fiscal year of the Government ends on 31 December.

(ii) In this report, “$” refers to the US dollars.
 CONTENTS

Page

I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 8

A. Physical Environment 8
B. Biological Environment 9
C. Sociocultural Environment 10

IV. ALTERNATIVES 11

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 12

A. Physical Environment 12
B. Biological Environment 13
C. Socioeconomic Impacts 14

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT 15

VII. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND MONITORING PROGRAM 15

VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 17

IX. CONCLUSIONS 17

APPENDIXES

1. Main Environmental Requirements 19

2. Major Environmental Impact, Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Program 20
3. BLCP Environmental Impact Assessment Monitoring Committee 30
4. Objectives of the BLCP Tripartite Committee 31
 1

I. INTRODUCTION

1. In 1994, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) invited independent

power producers to submit proposals for the supply and sale of electric capacity and energy to
EGAT in specified years. The solicitation was an open competitive bidding process conducted
pursuant to the "Guidelines for the Purchase of Power from Independent Power Producers"
approved by the Cabinet of Thailand on 31 May 1994. The capacity solicited represented EGAT's
estimated capacity needs through 2002 to be provided by independent power producers (IPP). On
20 December 1996, the bid submitted by a consortium of Banpu, Loxley, CRA (now Rio Tinto)
and Powergen (BLCP) to build, own, and operate a 1,434 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant
at Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province, was selected. Figure 1 shows the project location, and Figure
2, the detailed location of the power plant.

2. The main Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared by the
Environmental Research Institute of Chulalongkorn University of Thailand. The Power
Technology Centre of Nottingham, United Kingdom, carried out the three-dimensional modeling
of the cooling water discharge. BLCP obtained approval for the EIA for the plant from the Office
of Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP) in January 2001. BLCP also obtained approval
for the coal unloading facility EIA from OEPP in February 2002. A community consultation
program to fulfill the Thai Government EIA requirements, was conducted at the start of the plant
EIA investigation and a series of public consultation meetings were carried out in accordance
with Thai practices. The public consultation has been completed and was acknowledged by
OEPP in November 2002. On 21 February 2003, BLCP conducted a public consultation meeting
on the impact of the completed EIA report on the Project, in accordance with the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) requirements.

3. The proposed Project is classified by ADB under category A, a project with significant
potential impacts if the appropriate mitigation measures are not properly implemented and
operated. Thus, this summary EIA is circulated to ADB’s Board of Directors 120 days prior to
requested loan approval. The summary EIA is also available on ADB’s web site. The original
EIA reports are in Thai. Copies of this summary EIA and its Thai translation are available at the
ADB project office and at the project proponent’s office. The main EIA reports are also available
on request at ADB’s project office. The EIA and its summary were prepared by BLCP and
circulated for comments and suggestions from interested parties. ADB’s evaluation of the
Project’s impacts will include comments and suggestions received that are relevant to the
Project, and will be included in the loan document submitted to ADB’s Board of Directors.

4. Under Thai law, the transmission lines are exempted from the EIA process if they do not
pass through environmentally sensitive areas. EGAT is responsible for planning, designing, and
constructing the transmission lines from the Project to the main national grid. EGAT, in
consultation with OEPP, has established that an EIA is not required, as the transmission line does
not pass through environmentally sensitive areas. The environmental assessment of the
transmission lines is included in this summary EIA.
2
 3

II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

5. The plant will be a conventional two-unit pulverised coal-fired, steam-electric generating

station with a gross output of 717 MW per unit, totaling 1,434 MW. Coal will be used as the
primary fuel while light fuel oil will be used for start-up, for flame stabilization and during low
load operations. The main plant is arranged within the three interconnected structures—the
boiler structures, the turbine building, and the integrated control and electrical building. The site
and plant layouts are shown in figures 3 and 4. The main design and operational data for the
plant is summarized in the table below. Appendix 1 discusses the main environmental
requirements for the Project.

Main Design and Operational Data of BLCP Power Plant

Item Data

Plant location Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate

Completion schedule
Commercial operation Unit 1 – October 2006
Unit 2 – February 2007
Construction period 43 months to COD of unit 2
Annual operational time 7,500 h/annum/unit
Annual average plant load factor 85%
Net heat rate 9567 kJ/kWh
Net power generation capacity 673.25 MW/unit
Annual net power generation 17,168 GWh
Plant concept
Technology Conventional pulverized coal-fired steam plant.
No. of pulverized coal-fired boilers 2
No. of steam turbines 2
No. of stacks 1, with two flues
Type of fuel
Main fuel High quality bituminous coal
Start up and stabilization fuel Diesel fuel oil
Cooling water
Total demand for two units 62 m³/sec
Maximum temperature rise 7.8ºC
Intake Within port of Map Ta Phut
Outfall To open sea
ºC = degrees celsius, GWh = gigawatt hour, h = hour, kJ = kilojoule, kWh = kilowatt hour, m³ = cubic meter, MW =
megawatt, sec = second.
4
 5

Figure 4: BLCP Power Plant Layout

6

6. Each of the two steam generation boilers will be fitted with advanced low nitrogen oxide
burners and an associated multi stage combustion system capable of burning a wide range of
imported coal, and with a seawater flue gas desulfurization plant. The steam turbine will be of
well-proven design for extended base load operation, load cycling, and two-shift operations. A
process diagram is shown in Figure 5.

7. The plant ancillary systems will include all items necessary to ensure reliable operation
of the plant and compliance with agreed environmental commitments, including a wastewater
treatment plant, ash conditioning, telecommunications, and lights. Seawater will be used for
cooling the main condenser and as auxiliary cooling water for other plant equipment.

8. The net power produced by BLCP will be fed to the plant’s 500 kilovolt (kV) switchyard.
EGAT will construct a transmission line from BLCP’s switchyard to the Pluak Daeng substation,
which forms part of the national 500 kV grid. The 47 kilometer (km) transmission line, known as
the new transmission facilities, will be designed, constructed, tested, commissioned, owned,
operated, and maintained by EGAT. EGAT will be responsible for acquiring ownership rights,
rights of way, easements, and continued access rights necessary for the construction,
operation, maintenance, upgrading, replacement, and removal of the new transmission facilities.
The overhead lines between the BLCP switchyard and Pluak Daeng substation will be 500 kV
double circuits, which will ensure transmission of the full contracted output even with one circuit
out of service.

9. Imported high quality coal from Australia and Indonesia, with a maximum sulfur content
of 0.70% per cargo and 0.45% annual average, will be transported by sea to the plant through a
coal unloading pier at the plant. The berthing facilities will be designed to accommodate vessels
up to 170,000 dead weight tons. The active coal stock and the reserve stockpile are each
approximately 350,000 tons, providing a total of approximately 60 days coal supply. Light fuel
oil, with a maximum sulfur content of 0.25%, will be trucked to the plant from the adjacent oil
refineries and will be stored in two 2,000 cubic meter (m3) tanks. The light fuel oil will be used
only for start up, flame stabilization, and low load operation.

10. The ash produced by each boiler will be trucked to an offsite ash storage area if it is not
sold as cement replacement, for manufacture of building products, or for construction works.
The hauling trucks have a maximum capacity of 20 tons and covers that will ensure that ash will
not be dispersed during transportation. The ash storage area will permanently store all
unmarketable combustion wastes generated by the station. The waste storage system will be
designed, constructed, and operated to comply with all applicable regulations and good
environmental management practices.

11. Freshwater will be supplied to the plant by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand
(IEAT) mainly to produce high quality water for the boilers, potable water for domestic use, and
water for the coal and ash handling systems. IEAT is responsible for providing the infrastructure
to the site. IEAT is constructing the road infrastructure necessary for access to the site as well
as the requisite water and utility connections. The infrastructure will include a raw water supply
to meet BLCP’s needs during construction and operations.
 Figure 5: BLCP Coal-Fired Power Plant - Process Diagram

Steam Generator
0
Main Steam Line ; T= 541 C ,P = 172 bar G Flue Gas
FGD

HP Boiler
Deaera
Furnace ESP
Turbine LP
FGD
Air
ID FAN
Generator
STACK
700 MW LP LP IP HP
HP
FD FAN

Stacker / Reclaimer
Coal Pulverizer Coal Coal Stack Yard
Condenser
Hotwell

Cooling
Substation System
Electricity to EGAT Grid System Unloader Unloader

500 kV

Coal Ship

EGAT = Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Deaera = Deaerator, ESP = electrostatic precipitator, FD = forced duct, FGD = flue gas desulfurizer, G =
gage, HP = high pressure, ID = induced duct, IP = intermediate pressure, kV = kilovolt, LP = low pressure, MW = megawatt, P = pressure, T = temperature.

7
8

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. Physical Environment

12. The Project will be at Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province (Figure 1) on the east coast of
Thailand, 200 km from Bangkok. Map Ta Phut has been chosen as one of the major industrial
and economic centers for future development, as part of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard
Development Program. Since its inception, the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate has grown
considerably and currently includes a national petrochemical complex, two refineries, several
steel processing plants, and a deepwater port. The Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate will provide
the Project with ideal infrastructure and support facilities, which will greatly assist the
construction and operation of the Project.

13. The area leased for the Project is within the newly developed outer eastern area at the
seaward entrance to the port of Map Ta Phut, and provides a suitable location for the coal
handling facility. The site is shown in Figure 2. IEAT has granted a 30 year land-use permit to
BLCP. The project site is approximately 3.0 km from the original shoreline. The power plant,
associated coal-unloading facility, and coal stockyard area will be on 96.4 hectares of land, that
has been partly developed by IEAT with the second stage of the Map Ta Put port development.
The National Environment Board approved IEAT’s reclamation September 1996.

14. The sea port and the public channel are 12.5 meters deep and this will be increased to
15-17 meters. The future water depth can accommodate up to 170,000 ton ships with some
restrictions of loaded draft, such as those that will be used to transport coal to the project.

15. The siting of BLCP’s power plant in the Map Ta Put industrial estate allows the Project to
share infrastructure and support facilities with many other major industrial plants. The location
also has space for a bulk cargo berth to be constructed adjacent to the power plant. The power
plant will create negligible disturbance to existing land use and minimal adverse impact to the
environment and surrounding communities.

16. Seismic surveys have revealed three Cenozoic sedimentary layers overlaying the
basement granites. The project area for the power plant and the area nearby are not in an
active seismic source zone and are not exposed to the risk of moderate to high intensity
earthquakes. The area is located at approximately the limit of the Mercalli scale’s no. III
maximum earthquake intensity, which is considered of low intensity. Therefore, the area is
relatively safe seismically.

17. The climate of Thailand is influenced by the tropical monsoon winds from the northeast
during winter (November to January), and for the rest of the year from the southwest. The
temperature inversion is not strong, and only happens during the early morning hours, at a
height of up to 50 meters (m). The average temperature varies from 25.0 degrees ceslius (°C) in
December to 29.4°C in April. The average rainfall varies from 15.1 millimeters (mm) in
December to 263.5 mm at the height of the rainy season in October. Relative humidity varies
over the same period from 70.0% to 94.0%. The average seawater temperature is 29°C, the
extreme range being 23.0–32.2°C. The highest tidal level is only 3.5 m and the maximum wave
height is 3.67 m.

18. The ambient air quality was monitored for 5 consecutive days from 12 to 16 July 1996, at
five locations within the air shed. The maximum 24 hr concentration of sulfur dioxide is 43
 9

micrograms (µg) per cubic meter (m3)1 and the minimum is not detectable; the average is 6
µg/m3. All the nitrogen dioxide concentrations were recorded at one µg/m3 for 1-hour averaging
time. The Thai 24 hour ambient standard for sulfur dioxide is 300 µg/m3 and for NO is 320
µg/m3 with 1-hour averaging time. The sulfur dioxide and NO concentration were very low,
indicating no evidence of high levels of industrial pollution. The only pollutant of significance was
total suspended particulates, which was noted at two sites close to highways where
concentrations of 92–417 µg/m3 were noted; the Thai ambient standard is 330 µg/m3 for 24 hour
averaging time. Thus, the air quality in the area was still good, but a number of factories and
plants are due to open or go to full operation during the coming years, including two oil
refineries. These later additions to the air shed were taken into account when modeling for air
quality in order to determine the cumulative impacts.

19. Noise levels were monitored continuously at four representative locations, chosen at
random, for three days during 7–14 August 1996, from which 24 hour levels were 60.2, 61.7,
55.6, and 56.4 decibels (dBA). These noise levels did not exceed the ambient standard noise
level, recommended by Pollution Control Department, of 70 dBA at the nearest sensitive
receptor.

20. The power plant will dispose of unmarketable coal ash in landfills. The disposal area is in
Tambol Tab Ma, Amphoe Muang, Rayong Province, about 16.9 km from the plant. The disposal
area is an old quarry and covers 16 hectares. BLCP completed soil surveys in this area and
analyzed groundwater quality. The groundwater in this area was found to be of poor quality. The
water was not good enough for consumption because pH values showed a weak acid quality
and some heavy metals were present. The water pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.7 compared to the
Thai drinking water standard of pH 7.0 to 8.5, manganese varied from 0.164 to 2.608 milligrams
(mg) per liter (l) compared with the standard of 0.3 mg/l, and total dissolved solids was 1,260
mg/l compared with the standard of 750 mg/l. Lead was 0.293 mg/l and arsenic 0.062 mg/l,
while the standard calls from nondetectable levels for both metals.

21. Seawater and sediment sampling was conducted at three stations around the power
plant site. This work revealed that salinity was 30.66–31.58 parts per thousand, dissolved
oxygen at a depth of 3.5 m was 95% saturated, and pH was 8.40–8.65. Plant nutrients essential
for the growth of marine phytoplankton were found to be at normal levels. The only adverse
factor was oil and grease concentrations at the surface, which ranged from 3.0 to 4.2 and were
in excess of the 0.5 mg/l standard for seawater in industrial zones. Analysis for trace elements
in the water column and bottom sediments indicated that only two elements, mercury and
cadmium, were found in some samples to be at higher concentration than the permitted values
for an industrial zone.

B. Biological Environment

22. Corals at Ko Saket, a small island about 1.8 km from the project site, and at the adjacent
Hin-Yai rock, about 2.5 km distant, have been under stress for some time mainly due to
sedimentation. The extent of the corals was recorded. Phytoplankton and zooplankton were
recorded at all three monitoring stations near the power plant site but no meiobenthic organisms
were found in the bottom sediments. Fish larvae were only found at one monitoring station
during studies for the coal unloading facility.

1
The Thai air quality and emission standards are based on an air volume at 25°C and 1 atmosphere
pressure compared to commonly used standard cum at 0°C and 1 atmosphere pressure.
10

23. Onshore studies were arranged in three zones extending from the project site. Almost
the entire area extending about 15 km from the site had already been occupied and severely
disturbed by development. Only a small mountainous area in the outer zone, 10–15 km from the
site, remained largely unoccupied but had been severely disturbed and invaded. The inner zone
adjacent to the power plant site is largely allocated Map Ta Phut industrial use. Ko Saket, to the
east, is unoccupied and has sparse vegetation. The middle zone contains residential areas,
some agricultural activity and plantations, some natural woodland, industry, and (to the
northwest boundary of the zone) a small tree-covered hill that is part of the Khao Kra Proak
mountain range. According to information and data collected from the study area, no national
wildlife reserve exists or endangered species are known in the area.

24. The reclaimed project site contains no vegetation of any kind and comprises compacted
sand fill ready for development.

25. The proposed ash disposal pit is a quarry site that is used occasionally for extraction of
fill material, but not on the area designated for BLCP’s ash disposal site. The soil and lateritic
rocks have been excavated to depth of 6–8 m. The topsoil has been removed and the land is
bare of vegetation although algae and mosquito larvae were noted in the ponds that form during
the rainy season.

26. The transmission line will pass through farmlands used primarily for rice, corn, sorghum,
and cassava. Rubber, bananas, and coconut are also cultivated in the area.

C. Sociocultural Environment

27. The project site is in Amphoe Muang, Rayong Province. Rayong is in eastern Thailand
and covers 3,522 square kilometers. Amphoe Muang occupies 514.5 square kilometers. The
total population of Rayong as of December 1995 was 491,700, of which 105,400 people lived in
Amphoe Muang. At that time most of the people were employed in agriculture, only 10% were
employed in fisheries, and a growing number were moving into industrial jobs as the planned
eastern seaboard development progressed. In 1989, per capita income was B74,294 and by
1993, this had grown to B108,936 as a result of development.

28. The Map Ta Phut area has 25 villages with a total of approximately 30,000 people. Map
Ta Phut municipality is the seat of the Rayong provincial governor and staff. Most of the area’s
inhabitants are engaged in industries. The extensive industrial complexes are the area’s largest
employer since the inception of the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in 1984. Only 2 of the 25
villages are involved primarily in fishing-based activities. The nearest village to the BLCP site is
Ban Ta Kuan, which is along the coast approximately 4 km away. BLCP’s nearest neighbors are
petrochemical complexes. Nevertheless, the Map Ta Phut area does include residences,
government buildings, and schools that are relatively distant from the BLCP site and separated
from it by industrial facilities.

29. Map Ta Put Port started operations in 1992 and is serving the immediate needs of the
growing industrial complex developed in the adjacent hinterland under the Eastern Seaboard
Development Programme. The port terminals and industrial estate are owned by IEAT, but the
management and operation of the port terminals are assigned to leaseholders for a period of 30
years. Use of the port has steadily increased as industrial activity has developed. National
highway 3 provides the main access to the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. A rail link provides
some opportunity for the carriage of goods and equipment. The project site is within this well-
developed port area and will therefore have very little visual impact on the surrounding area.
 11

30. Social infrastructure is well established in Rayong Province. At the time studies were
carried out the province had 290 schools, 111 pubic health service centers (including 6
community hospitals and 1 general hospital), 9 private hospitals, and 24 dental clinics.

31. Well-developed emergency services exist within the industrial area and all new
businesses are required to actively participate in and help to maintain them. Health and safety
requirements are given a high priority and this is reflected in the detailed documentation.

IV. ALTERNATIVES

32. No Project. Electricity consumption in Thailand increased at an annual rate of 11.8% in

1992–1999. Despite the economic crisis of 1997, the electricity consumption increased by 3.7%
per annum from 1997 to 2001. With economic recovery, the electricity consumption is projected
to increase by 6.14% per annum in 2002 to 2006 and 6.28% from 2007 to 2011. Although the
present reserve margin ranges from 35 to 40%, by 2007 this is expected to decrease to less
than 15% under a medium economic recovery assumption. A 15% reserve margin is necessary
to maintain sufficient power when one or two power plants have to undergo maintenance and
emergency repair. Insufficient electricity supply will constrain economic development in
Thailand.

33. Alternative Fuel. The National Energy Planning Office has prepared a power
development plan. Fuel and its sourcing is an important component of the energy development
strategy. At present, electricity is generated from power plants using natural gas and
hydropower. Small and older power plants operate on fuel oil. Although Thailand has natural
gas fields in Erawan and Bongkot, it has to purchase additional gas from neighboring countries
such as Malaysia and Myanmar. The natural gas supply is used also for the petrochemical
complex, fertilizer, and a wide range of high value chemicals. Thailand is also buying electricity
from hydropower sources in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Hydropower is dependent
on rainfall, and droughts can have a serious impact on the power supply. Natural gas and fuel
oil prices are determined by international markets, primarily by the supply from the Middle East,
and demand, from other industrialized countries in the region, such as Japan, the Republic of
Korea, and Singapore. Political instability in the Middle East could constrain fuel oil supply. Thai
coal reserve is primarily lignite coal with high sulfur content. Coal imported from Australia and
Indonesia provides an alternative energy source whose transport and availability is less affected
by the Middle East political conditions.

34. Alternative Location. The location of power plants is determined by the demand and
balancing of the capacity in the transmission system. Locating the power plant as close as
possible to the regional demand reduces power losses in the transmission line. The Eastern
Seaboard Development Area has one of the fastest growing power demands in the country.
Thus, EGAT has programmed the development of 1,400 MW in the region, and BLCP as the
winning bidder, decided to locate the power plant within the IEAT industrial area for following
reasons: (i) utilities, such as water supply and roads are present; (ii) the deepwater port is
available for receiving the needed coal; (iii) the area is zoned for heavy industries and the
surrounding areas are suitably planned for an environmental buffer zone; and (iv) the land is
newly reclaimed by IEAT and does not require any relocation or acquisition of private properties.

35. Alternative Technology. The main alternatives for firing coal to generate electricity are
(i) circulating fluidized bed combustion, (ii) pressurized circulating fluidized bed combustion, and
(iii) integrated gasification combined cycle. The circulating and pressurized circulating fluidized
12

bed technologies are used in small power plants, and the cost per kilowatt is significantly higher
than for the large conventional pulverized coal-fired, steam generating plant to be used in the
Project. The integrated gasification combined cycle process is not yet fully developed. Thus, the
Project will use a conventional pulverized coal-fired process.

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

36. The Project is needed to (i) meet the specific requirements of EGAT for new power
generation capacity at an appropriate location on the main 500 kV power transmission network,
and (ii) achieve fuel diversity. The location was chosen because it provides the best available
arrangements and circumstances to minimize the impact of the power plant on the environment.

A. Physical Environment

1. During Construction

37. The site has been contained and partly reclaimed by IEAT. The site is reclaimed using
the dredged materials from the deepening of the port and ship passage into the port. The
environmental impacts of the reclamation activities are considered part of the background
impact that is outside the Project and is covered by a separate EIA of IEAT industrial
development. For dredging, BLCP has secured OEPP approval of the EIA of the coal unloading
facilities (para. 2).

38. The main impact of the Project during construction is from dust emitted during site
excavation and erection of structures, and noise from piling, transport of construction materials,
and the construction equipment. Standard engineering practices will be enforced on the
construction site, and primarily consist of (i) covering the construction materials or wetting them
during storage, (ii) wetting the construction area regularly, and (iii) cleaning the equipment
wheels and bodies of equipment that leaves the construction site. Workers will be provided with
earmuffs and regularly rotated away from construction areas with high noise levels. The
construction area is almost 3 km seaward from the coastline, and 10 km to major residential and
institutional areas such as school and public buildings. The construction noise is not expected to
affect the residential and institutional areas.

39. Sediment from stored construction materials may be carried with surface runoff during
heavy rainfall, and contaminate surface water. The stored construction materials will be covered
with canvass, and surface runoff directed to the settling pond on the eastern side of the plant
site.

2. During Operation

40. The air dispersion modelling took account of all available emission sources obtained
mainly from the OEPP database of the emissions in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate (existing)
and future expansion. The model and the emissions inventory was approved by OEPP in
reviewing the EIA. The model showed the maximum ground concentration of sulfur dioxide at
452 µg/m3 and of oxides of nitrogen at 368 µg/m3 for 1 hour average time. The model was
carried out using 0.95% sulfur in the coal. The Project will use coal with an average sulfur
concentration of 0.45% and will include a flue gas desulfurization unit. The industrial estate is
still evolving and it is difficult to predict the emissions from the other industries as their sizes,
processes and products have not been established. The Project will use low nitrogen oxide
burners. The emissions from the Project are estimated at 262 mg/m3 of sulfur dixoide, which is
 13

lower than the 320 mg/m3 allowable under the Thai standard. Nitrogen oxides and particulate
emissions are estimated at 241 ppm and 43 mg/m3 compared with allowable emissions of 350
ppm and 120 mg/m3, respectively. The Project will be provided with an electrostatic precipitator
to remove 99.7% of particulate matter from the flue gas. In addition, the Project will be provided
with a 200 m stack to disperse the gaseous emissions.

41. Within the Project, the coal stockyard will be provided with water sprays to suppress
dust. The water supply will also feed firefighting hydrants. Stockyard management will minimize
the risk of overheating and spontaneous combustion of the coal by strictly limiting the time that
coal remains uncompacted. Long-term strategic coal stocks will be compacted and sealed. The
coal stockyard will be lined with an impermeable membrane to ensure that no percolate can
drain in to the sea. All water runoff from the coal stockpiles will be channeled to a collection and
settlement basin and will be reused for the coal dust suppression systems, including the
stockyard sprays. Any surplus water will be directed to the wastewater treatment plant before
discharge to the sea. Most coal conveyors and all transfer points will be fully enclosed to
minimize dust problems. Conveyors that cannot be fully enclosed will be fitted with wind guards
in accordance with good industry practice. A 6 m wind fence will be provided at the southern
end of the site to minimize dust carried out with the wind.

42. The ash will be properly conditioned by the addition of freshwater prior to transportation
to the disposal site. The trucks will be covered after loading to ensure that no ash escapes
during transportation, and truck bodies and wheels will be cleaned before every journey to
minimize the carrying of ash and dust onto the roadways.

43. Buildings housing noisy equipment will be designed and constructed with insulation to
reduce the noise. Personnel entering buildings will be provided with the necessary safety
equipment including earmuffs.

44. All contaminated water will be treated before discharge from the plant. Oil separators will
be provided to filter water from vulnerable areas before further treatment. Surplus water from
the coal stockyard, all process wastewater, run off from operating areas and demineralizer
wastes will be treated in a wastewater treatment plant using flocculation, clarification, and
neutralization processes. An activated sludge system will be provided to treat domestic sewage.
The ash disposal area will be lined with impervious material to prevent leachate contaminating
the groundwater. All water that comes into contact with the ash will be collected and drained to
a settlement and storage pond and will be reused for dust suppression. Any surplus water will
be treated before discharge from the site.

B. Biological Environment

1. Construction

45. The area has been contained and partially reclaimed by IEAT. Marine organisms in the
area have been disturbed by IEAT’s previous reclamation activities.

46. Approximately 43% of the 47 km of the transmission line passes through trees and
perennial cropland. Banana plants, rubber trees, and other tall trees will have to be cut. Another
50% of the transmission line passes through annual crops such as cassava, rice, sorghum, and
corn. Dislocation of the annual crops will be temporary as the area under the transmission right
of way can be replanted with those crops when construction is completed. The tree area,
especially the rubber plantation, will be converted to annual crops.
14

47. The ecology in the ash disposal site is highly disturbed (para. 26).

2. Operation

48. The potential impacts during operation are primarily due to the hot water discharge from
the plant, surface runoff, and abstraction of cooling water. Marine life could be swept with the
current induced when the cooling water is pumped into the cooling system. This is minimized by
providing a screen at the inlet and constructing the inlet channel with as large cross sectional
area as possible to reduce the water velocity to less than 0.3 m/second. Computer modeling
has shown that the increase in seawater temperature of more than 3°C rise is limited to the 500
m mixing zone allowed by Thai regulations. Surface runoff is diverted to a settling pond to
reduce the dust and particulate matter prior to discharge to the sea. Domestic sewage and
process wastewater are treated prior to discharge to the sea. Chemical dosing of the cooling
water system will be closely controlled and monitored to ensure that residual chlorine levels are
well within permitted limits. Coal unloading operations have been designed to avoid discharges
into the sea. Thus, the residual impact on the marine environment will be at an acceptable level.

C. Socioeconomic Impacts

1. Construction

49. The main socioeconomic impact of the Project during construction will be related to
increased traffic within the industrial zone and in nearby communities from the movement of
workers and equipment. Most of the large equipment will be shipped to the site. As much as
possible, trucks hauling construction materials and equipment will be scheduled to pass through
built-up areas during off peak hours. The truck drivers and equipment operators will all undergo
1 day training and orientation on proper road courtesies and strict observance of traffic rules
and regulations such as the speed limits. While traffic from movement of personnel to and from
the construction site might be a negative impact, the community will experience higher
employment from the Project. People employed in the Project will have increased disposable
incomes.

50. The construction of the transmission lines will involve relocating approximately 25
houses. The houses will be transferred beyond the right of way and within the existing lots. The
area traversed by the transmission lines is primarily agricultural and even the designated
residential areas have large lot size. Another 42 structures (e.g., barns, storage areas, and
sheds) will have to be relocated. EGAT, which is responsible for land acquisition and
construction of this component, has set aside B1.69 billion for land compensation and relocation
of structures and houses, which is higher than the actual construction cost of the transmission
line of B1.52 billion.

2. Operation

51. The Project is to be developed in a designated industrial zone that has been established
by the Thai Government as part of its of long-term strategic planning for the nation. The Project
fits within this strategy and the systematic arrangements for socioeconomic growth in the area.
The Project will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities and power to support
continuing industrial, commercial, and domestic development.
 15

52. The trucks hauling the ash will have to traverse the highway and secondary road. Truck
operation will be limited to day time and off-peak hours to reduce the impact on the traffic. The
trucks will be covered and the mositure in the ash properly controlled to reduce dust pollution
along the hauling route.

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

53. The Project’s quantifiable costs are (i) capital costs, (ii) operations and maintanace
costs, (iii) fuel costs and other utilities, (iv) labor, and (v) administrative costs. About US$ 101
million of total project costs can be attributed to safeguard environmental standards and thereby
mitigate adverse effects of the project. The main quantifiable project benefit is the value of
steam-generated electricity. Stable power supply is crucial for the continued development of
Thailand. BLCP will be in the Map Tap Phut Industrial Estate, one of Thailand’s largest industrial
estates. The main client base of the power generated will be the eastern seaboard of Thailand
and excess power will be transmitted to the national grid for use in other areas of the country.
The availability of energy will stimulate balanced growth in Thailand and offer employment
opportunities. The cost for those generating their own electricity is approx. B2.25/kWh, which is
effectively 18% higher than average tariffs of larger power plants.

54. Estimated total project costs will be US$ 1.341 billion of that, over US$ 150 million is
expected to be invested into Thailand through foreign direct investment from a private sponsor,
increasing the unquantified benefits to the country by stabilizing the investment climate. The
Project will also be expecting to pay over B 3 billion corporate income tax throughout the life of
the Project, and approx. US$ 33 million in value-added tax during the construction period.

VII. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

55. Residual environmental impacts will be systematically monitored and reported during
construction and operation of the plant in accordance with arrangements agreed during review
of the EIAs. The Project is designed to comply with the Thai air emission, water effluent,
receiving water, and noise standards. Considering the existing and planned industries in Map
Ta Phut, and sufficient factor of safety, such as using coal with lower sulfur content and
including a desulfurizer, the Project is expected to meet the ambient air quality standard. The
expected performance of the Project is summarized in the table (page 3). Appendix 2
summarizes the mitigating measures, the monitoring requirements (e.g., parameters monitored),
frequency of monitoring, and the parties responsible for compliance and implementation.

56. BLCP will pay close attention at all stages of the Project, to monitor and control
environmental performance and to consult regularly with the responsible authorities and the
community. BLCP is an active member of the local environmental monitoring committee
arrangements that are controlled and managed by IEAT. The plant operations organization will
include a specialist responsible for environmental management and monitoring, and training
programs will include appropriate environmental management activities for all operational staff.

57. The arrangements for environmental management and monitoring of the BLCP power
plant are shown in Figure 6. The duties of the EIA monitoring committee and the tripartite
committee are listed in Appendixes 3 and 4. The Thai Government required independent third
party membership on the monitoring and tripartite committee. In compliance with ADB’s
requirements, BLCP has informed IEAT of its willingness to expand the monitoring committee’s
terms of reference to include the whole Project, which is also in line with the terms of reference
of the tripartite committee.
 16
Figure 6: BLCP Power Links With Environmental Authorities
And Formal Links With Community

Pollution Control Department EIA Monitoring Committee Tri Partite Committee

Government Monitoring Chairman: Chairman: Director General
Activities Chief Engineer IEAT Industrial Works Department
Ministry Of Industry

Office of Environmental Policy Industrial Estate Authority of

and Planning (OEPP) Thailand (IEAT)

BLCP Power Ltd.

Independent Specialist
Support
Monitoring and Audit

IEAT = Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, OEPP = Office of Environmental Policy and Planning.

Lines of direct communication and management

Other lines of communication
 17

VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

58. In any large-scale infrastructure project, the impact on the local communities is
significant in terms of employment, environmental issues, area infrastructure demands, and
activity levels. BLCP recognized the Project’s potential impact and has made efforts to initiate
discussions and establish good relations with the local communities and government officials
since 1996, when development of the Project began. The views and concerns of the community
have been noted and acted on throughout preparation of the EIA.

59. The formal consultation process has taken place in two stages. During 1996, the
fieldwork necessary to formalize and record public opinion about the impact of the Project was
undertaken by experts from Chulalongkorn University Environmental Research Institute. The
results of that work are recorded in the Project’s EIA. The second stage was carried out in
2001/02 in response to a condition attached to OEPP approval of the main EIA, which was to
conduct a public hearing process.

60. BLCP consulted with the Government and the regulatory authorities to establish the most
positive and constructive arrangements for the second stage of formal consultations. All parties
agreed that a community consultation process would be far more beneficial than arranging a
single event within the rigid confines of a formal public hearing. The outcome was development of
a community participation project, the detailed arrangements and procedures for which were
approved by OEPP. The process and results are recorded in a final report that forms part of the
project documentation and is available from BLCP for any interested party. The process was
arranged in three parts: (i) provision of updated information to the communities and to arrange
and hold meetings to clarify details of the project, answer questions, and note views and
concerns; (ii) visits by community groups and officials to a local power plant that includes coal-
fired boilers and associated facilities; and (iii) an attitude survey conducted by the Faculty of Mass
Communication of Chulalongkorn University. Notice of the arrangements for each stage was
provided via normal community channels. The attitude survey concluded that most people support
construction of the power plant, but many are concerned about long-term management of its
potential environmental impact. BLCP has confirmed that it will closely manage operation of the
power plant and will continue to give close attention to the concerns of the community. The report
on the Community Participation Project has been reviewed by OEPP and in a letter dated 28
November 2002 it acknowledged completion of the community consultation process.

61. BLCP confirms that all of the documents, illustrations, brochures, and any other material
used during the community consultation processes have been presented in Thai and all
presentations, discussions, consultative meetings, and informal discussions have taken place in
the Thai language. Strenuous efforts have been made to present the facts in a form that can be
understood by nontechnical people.

IX. CONCLUSIONS

62. The Project is within a heavy industrial zone, on reclaimed land 3 km from the shoreline.
The land was reclaimed using dredged materials or spoils from the development and
maintenance of the port facilities. The Project will use the utilities provided for in the industrial
zone and will build its own facilities for treating the domestic and industrial wastes. The Project
is designed to comply with the environmental standards in Thailand, speciafically those related
to air emissions, ambient air quality, wastewater effluent, receiving water quality, and noise.
18

63. The Project will meet the power demand of the industries in the eastern seaboard of
Thailand. As part of the national grid, the Project will also supplement the power requirement in
other parts of Thailand. The project location will have little interference with human settlements.
The Project is in line with the Thai government strategy of diversifying the power source,
optimizing the location of power supply with respect to demand, and using modern technologies.

64. The Project’s environmental impacts could be mitigated using established environmental
management techniques. An independent committee organized by the Thai government will
monitor the environmental impacts and the efficiency of the mitigating measures. The local
communities are represented in the monitoring committee.
 Appendix 1 19
MAIN ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Project
Item Dimension Thai Standard
Commitment
Emissionsa
NOx ppm 241 350
SO2 ppm 262b 320

CO ppm 94 870
Particulates mg/m³ 43 120

Ambient Air Qualityc

NO2
1-hour Average NO2 µg/m³ 230dmax 320
SO2
1-hour Average µg/m³ 452 max 780
24-hour Average µg/m³ 101 max 300
Annual Average µg/m³ 28 max 100

Wastewater Discharge °C 40 40
Temperature
pH n.a. 5 to 9 5 to 9
BOD5 mg/l 20 max 20
COD mg/l 120 max 120 max
SS mg/l 150 max 150 max
DS mg/l 2000 max 2000 max
Sulfide as H2S mg/l 1 max 1 max
Cyanide as HCN mg/l 0.2 max 0.2 max
Oil and Grease mg/l 5 max 5 max
Formaldehyde mg/l 1 max 1 max
Phenol and Cresol mg/l 1 max 1 max
Free Chlorine mg/l 1 max 1 max

Cooling Water Discharge ºC 40.0 max 40.0 max

Temperature
Also < or = 3ºC rise @ Increase at edge of
500m 500m mixing zone <
or =3ºC

Noise at Site Boundary dB(A) 75 n.a.

BLCP = BLCP Power Limited, BOD5 = five-day biochemical oxygen demand, CO = carbon monoxide, COD = chemical
oxygen demand, dB(A) = decibel acoustic, DS = dissolved solids, EIA = Environmental Impact Assessment, H2S =
hydrogen sulfide, HCN = hydrogen cyanide, mg/l = milligram per liter, mg/m³ = milligram per cubic meter, µg/m³ =
microgram per cubic meter, NO = nitric oxide, NOx = oxides of nitrogen, O2 = Oxygen, OEPP = Office of Environmental
Policy and Planning, ppm = parts per million, S = sulfur, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, SS = suspended solid, US EPA = United
States Environmental Protection Agency.
a
Emissions quoted at 7% O2. 1 atmosphere. And 25ºC.
b
At 0.95% Sulfur in coal. OEPP has subsequently set a condition within the main EIA that the maximum sulfur content
of any consignment of coal shall not exceed 0.70% and the annual average shall not exceed 0.45%.
c
Project figures are ground level concentrations determined using ISC3 US EPA Regulatory model and including all
other known emitters within the airshed. For NO2 BLCP only adds 5.2 µg/m³ to the existing background, and for SO2 it
adds only 16 µg/m³ to the 24-hour average.
d
Converted from NOx to NO2.
Source: Environmental Impact Assessment (power plant).

MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, MITIGATION MEASURES AND MONITORING PROGRAM
Environmental Impact
1. Physical Resources
a. Air Quality
i. Construction Phase
Dust emitted from construction
activities such as site excavation and
structure construction.
ii. Operation Phase
Gaseous pollutants such as NOx and
sulfur dioxide (SO2) from power
plant, including dust from operation
activities such as the emissions from
stack and the stock yard as well as
the process of conveying coal to the
power plant.
Mitigation Measures
Follow the Code of Practice on Dust Suppression
for Construction and Transportation issued by the
Pollution
Control Department in 1996, such as,
• covering loose materials in the buildings on
the site with canvass during construction.
• spraying water on the entrance of the
construction site and material piles in order to
protect dust dispersion,
Washing wheels of trucks before they exit the
construction site, and
Covering construction material during transport.
Use high quality coal (bituminous coal range
0.27-0.70%, sulfur average 0.45%, sulfur per
year, and 10% of ash) imported from Australia
and Indonesia.
Control dust at the covered conveyor belts,
transfer points for coal and ash, and coal piles by
spraying water to maintain moisture of coal and
installing a 6 meter (m) high wind shield at the
downwind of the coal yard.
Install equipment to reduce air pollution such as
electro static precipitates (ESP) to collect dust
and the sea water flow gas desulfurizers (FGD)
to reduce SO2 from the power plant. Install low
NOx burner + separate over fire air (SOFA) to
reduce NOx.
Construct the 200m stack for better air pollutant
dispersion.
20
Appendix 2
Monitoring Program Responder
Assure the contractor follows the Code of Contractor and BLCP
Practice on Dust Suppression for Construction Power Limited
and transportation issued by the Pollution (BLCP)
Control Department.
Monthly monitor for total suspended
particulates (TSP) and particulate matter of 10
micros (PM-10) at Wat Ta Kuan 1 day/month
during construction period.
Cost is about B80,000/year.
Check the quality of imported coal used in the BLCP
project every trip by hiring a third party.
The 3-day continuous monitoring of ambient air BLCP
quality must be done 2 times a year. Two
monitoring stations will be at downwind and
upwind of the coal stock; another station will be
at Wat Ta Kuan. The parameters investigated
at the three stations are TSP and PM-10. Total
cost is about B100,000/year.
Implement manual stack testing to cross check BLCP
with the continuous emission monitoring
system (CEMS) twice a year. Cost is about
B50,000/year.
BLCP
Cost of the installation including the equipment
of CEMS, which automatically and continuously
monitors emission released from stack, is
es,
 Environmental Impact
b. Noise
i. Construction Phase
Noise from construction activities
such as pile construction, materials
transportation, and foundation
construction.
The impact from noise on workers
will occur only in the high noise level
areas, such as the pile construction
area.
Mitigation Measures
Control air emission will meet the standard on an
emission flow rate of 1,020 grams per second,
which consists of SO2, oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
and TSP are 262 parts per million (ppm), 241
ppm, and 43 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m³)
respectively. These concentrations are lower
than the standards, which are 320 ppm of SO2,
350 ppm of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 120 mg/
m³ of TSP.
Prepare some vacant space in the power plant
for installing air equipment to reduce NOx if
necessary.
Control dust dispersion from ash transportation
between the Project and the provided landfill site
by adding moisture into the ash, covering the
trucks with canvass and washing the trucks’
wheels every time they exit the site.
Provide noise protection equipment, such as
earmuffs, for workers in high noise level areas.
Periodically rotate the workers in high noise level
areas to minimize the noise impact.
Install warning signs at high noise level areas.
Monitoring Program Responder
about B5 million. Parameters are particulates,
velocity, SO2, NOx, temperature, and Oxygen
(O2).
Monitor ambient air quality at 4 stations in close BLCP
proximity to the power plant at Wat Ta Kuan,
Map Ta Phut School, Map Ta Phut New Town,
and Thailand Petroleum Authority (PTT)
housing. Parameters monitored at these
stations are SO2, NOx, and TSP (PM-10). At
the meteorological station, wind speed and
direction must be monitored. The cost for the
four stations is B16 million plus B4 million per
year for operation.
The same parameters and stations will be used
to manually cross check. The 3-day
continuous monitoring of ambient air quality
must be done twice a year. Total cost is about
B500,000/year.
Mitigation measures for ash transportation will Contractor and BLCP
be provided for the land transportation aspect.
Assure the contractor provides enough noise Contractor and BLCP
protection equipment for the workers.
Appendix 2
3 day continuous noise monitoring at 1 station BLCP
in the construction site, every 3 months. Total
cost of the monitoring is about B15,000/time,
each time.
21

Environmental Impact
The noise impact will be low since
the Project is far from the community.
ii. Operation Phase
Noise from generator and machine
during coal transportation process.
c. Geology and Mineral
i. Construction Phase
None
ii. Operation Phase
None
d. Surface Water Quality
i. Construction Phase
Sediment leached from the
construction material and the
construction are will contaminate the
area around the site.
ii. Operation Phase
Some areas have activities that
produce wastewater, such as the
operating office, production area
(e.g., hot water in the boiler), and
maintenance section.
Wastewater collected from the area
of the coal management at the
conveyer and the coal stock.
Mitigation Measures
Maintain machine in good condition.
Provide noise protection equipment such as
earmuffs for workers in high noise level areas.
Periodically rotate the workers in high noise
impact areas to minimize the impact.
Install warning signs in high noise level areas.
None
None
Properly manage the piles of construction
materials by covering them with canvas.
Prepare a sedimentation pond to collect the
water passing through the construction area and
prevent sediments from leaching out of the site.
Prepare the drainage system to collect the 1,704
cubic meter (m 3) per day of the process and
office wastewater and drain them to the treatment
plant, which is in the project site, before being
discharged from the site.
Wastewater from the coal unloading and coal pile
area will be collected and discharged to the
nearby sedimentation pond before being wholly
reused in the sprinkler system.
22
Monitoring Program Responder
Appendix 2
Monitor the noise level for 7 continuous days at BLCP
the two stations at the power plant and Wat Ta
Kuan, 4 times and 2 times a year, respectively.
Total cost is about B300,000 per year.
None
None
Contractor and BLCP
1 station set up for monitoring the effluent from BLCP
the wastewater treatment plant twice a year.
The parameters are biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD), suspended solid (SS), Total
Phosphorus (Total-P), Total Nitrogen (Total-N),
acidity or alkalinity (pH), dissolved oxygen (DO)
and temperature. The monitoring cost is about
B40,000/year.
BLCP
 Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program Responder

reused in the sprinkler system.

Wastewater from the ash landfill site.
Install one layer lining at the bottom of the landfill
pit to prevent leaching. The sump will collect all
leachate and runoff, which will be reused to
minimize dust dispersion.
Set the 4 monitoring stations, the first is at
upstream sump and 3 are at the downstream
sump. Monitor 4 times/year. The parameters
are pH, hardness, and heavy metal such as
mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and
chromium (Cr). Monitoring cost is about
B100,000/year.

e. Water Resources and

Hydrology
i. Construction Phase
Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate will None None
supply the Project with water used in
the construction site by truck.

ii. Operation Phase

Consume the sea water 5,382 million
m³/day for the cooling system.

Consume 4,500 m ³/day of tap water,

which is distributed for 3 units as
follows:
None None
• office and production process
2,179 m ³/day,
• ash management: 500 m³/day,
and
• activities at coal yard: 1,821
m³/day.

f. Waste Handling and Disposal

i. Construction Phase
Most of waste is construction Contract the municipal agency to handle it. Assure the contractor uses adequate waste Contractor and BLCP
material. It will be transported out of handling and disposal management.
the site by truck.

Appendix 2
23

Environmental Impact
ii. Operation Phase
Waste produced from the project
activities are
• general waste (solid and liquid
waste) from the office,
• wastewater at the coal yard, and
• wastewater released from the
power plant (e.g., wastewater at
cooling system
Ash from coal combustion 960
tones/day or 350,000 tones/year
2. Ecological Resources
a. Forest and Wildlife
i. Construction Phase
None
ii. Operation Phase
None
b. Aquatic Ecology and Sea
Water Quality
i. Construction Phase
The Project will be constructed on
reclamation land and the material will
Mitigation Measures
The management will use the mitigation
measures to ensure water quality, e.g.,
• providing a wastewater treatment system to
receive wastewater from the process, office
activities and toilet;
• installing a sedimentation pond near the coal
yard to treat runoff and sprinkled water leach
out from the coal pile; (the treated water will
be reused for spraying on the coalpile); and
• treating effluent form the FGD at the aeration
pond.
Provide the 606-hectare landfill site at Tub Ma,
Amphoe Muan, which is about 16.9 kilometers
(km) from the power plant and can accommodate
about 10 years of ash disposal. The power plant
will prepare an additional area and will report in
detail to the Office of Environmental Policy and
Planning (OEPP) during the 8 th year of the old
landfill operation.
Use sanitary landfill management for ash. One
layer of lining and a leachate treatment system
will be provided at disposal site.
Promote the alternative usage of ash with the
other company or agency.
None
None
Use the same mitigation measures as in a. (air
quality), such as spraying water on the
24
Monitoring Program Responder
Monitor water quality of the treatment plant’s BLCP
Appendix 2
effluent with the same measures as the surface
water quality.
Automatic sensor with two probes will be BLCP
installed at the outfall for the treated FGD
effluent and the cooling water effluent. Monitor
the parameters, temperature, and pH
automatically and send the date signal to the
control room. This online system will be useful
for improvement water quality as soon as
possible.
Monitor water quality of the surveillance sumps BLCP
with the same measures as the surface water
quality.
None
None
Assure the contractor follows the Code of Contractor and BLCP
Practice on Dust Suppression for Construction
 Environmental Impact
reclamation land and the material will
be transported by land transportation.
Small amounts of fugitive dust could
be dispersed into the sea.
There is contaminated water from the
construction activities.
ii. Operation Phase
Sources of the effluent releasing from
the power plant are the 5.382 million
m³/day of seawater used in the
cooling system and the seawater
FGD system and the 1,704 m³/day of
freshwater releasing from the
wastewater treatment plant.
There is high temperature seawater
releasing from cooling system.
Dispersion of dust and ash in the
seawater.
Direct impact on aquatic life due to
the pumping seawater sent to the
cooling system and the hot water
released from the system.
3. Human Use Values
Mitigation Measures
quality), such as spraying water on the
construction site and stockpile.
Provide a sedimentation pond to collect
wastewater from the construction site and protect
the polluted water leach out of the restricted area.
Wastewater from the sea water FGD will be
treated in the aeration pond. The treated
temperature will not be higher than 40 degrees
celcius (°C) and the pH will be neutral.
The temperature, which will not be over 40°C,
must also not exceed the 3°C existing
temperature of seawater in the area within 500m
from the effluent point.
Dispersion of dust and suspended solids from the
coal will be prevented by compacting the coal pile
and spraying water over it.
Provide a 17,000 m ³ sedimentation pond near the
coal yard to collect runoff run through the coal
yard and then reused for spraying.
Reduce the losses of aquatic life coming with the
intake seawater by designing to enlarge the
intake that decreases the velocity to 0.3
m/second. Install screens that will help the
organisms to escape from the intake system.
None
Monitoring Program Responder
Practice on Dust Suppression for Construction
and Transportation issued by the Pollution
Control Department (same mitigation measure
as for the air quality).
Assure the contractor provides the drainage Contractor and BLCP
channel and the sedimentation pond in the
construction site.
Automatic sensor with two probes will be BLCP
installed at outfall to analyze temperature and
pH. The sensor will automatically send signals
to the control room. This online system will be a
benefit for water pollution management.
Monitoring effluent at outfall 4 times a year.
The parameters are Hg, Cd and chlorine. Total
monitoring cost is B30,000 per year.
The 13 stations for seawater quality monitoring
will be distributed within 500m around the
effluent point. They will monitor at two depths,
the seawater surface and at mid-depth. The
monitoring must be reported 4 times/year
during construction. The total monitoring cost is
about B12,000 each time.
Monitor seawater quality in the gulf of Map Ta
Put with the parameters: Salinity; DO; pH;
transparency; SS; total dissolved solids (TDS);
oil and grease; nitrate; phosphate; trace
elements; heavy metals - Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr;
and quantity and types of plankton. The 3
sampling stations are at the intake, outflow and
ship channel. The monitoring must be reported
Appendix 2
4 times/year during operation. With monitoring
at two depth, the seawater surface and at mid-
depth. Total cost of the monitoring is about
B30,000 per monitoring exercise or B120,000
per year.
None
25

Environmental Impact
a. Navigation
i. Construction Phase
None
ii. Operation Phase
The Project will use its own berth for
unloading coal, and have little impact
on existing berths.
b. Land Transportation
i. Construction Phase
Increased traffic volume due to the
transportation of workers and
construction equipment.
ii. Operation Phase
Coal transportation does not affect
the road traffic because it is
transported by sea.
A low impact may occur because of
office cars and ash loading trucks,
which are 50 rounds per day.
26
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program Responder
Appendix 2
Provide a safety and emergency response BLCP
program based on the International Navigation
aids program.
BLCP
None
Join the annual oil spill prevention and combating
training course conducted by the Oil Industry
Environmental Safety Group (IESG), Harbor
Department and Pollution Control Department.
Large equipment may be transported by vessels Contractor and BLCP
and must not obstruct the existing channel.
None
Construction materials will be trucked to the site
during off-peak working hours.
Truck speed.
The project cooperates with the highway police to BLCP
manage traffic especially during rush hours.
Transport ash during daytime and avoid None Contractor and BLCP
congested traffic period.
Control the ash transportation to the landfill site
by adding moisture into the ash and cover the
trucks.
Wash truck wheels before entering and exiting
the site.
Limit truck speeds to a maximum of 60
kilometers/hour.
Limit the loading weight to a maximum of 20
tons/round.
 Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program Responder

tons/round.

Maintain trucks in good condition.

c. Soil Characteristic Agriculture

and Agro Industry None None
i. Construction Phase

ii. Operation Phase

None None
d. Flood Control & Drainage
i. Construction Phase
Flooding in construction area. Use proper construction management and Contractor and BLCP
provide sedimentation pond to collect and drain
None
water effectively.

Proper design of the drainage system.

ii. Operation Phase

None None None

e. Power Supply and

Transmission
i. Construction Phase
Buy electricity from local electricity None None
and the special power producers
(SPP) in the Map Ta Phut Industrial
Estate

ii. Operation Phase

Improve the service efficiency of the
electrical system in the Map Ta Phut None None
Industrial Estate and Eastern area.

f. Land Use
i. Construction Phase

Appendix 2
The Project has been permitted to
construct in the Map Ta Phut
None None
Industrial Estate.

Use land only in the project area.

ii. Operation Phase None None

27
 28
Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program Responder

No Impact because the project area

is in the Map Ta Phut Industrial

Appendix 2
Estate.

4. Quality of Life Values

a. Socioeconomic
i. Construction Phase
Social problems such as immigration Provide enough infrastructure facilities for the None Contractor and BLCP
and conflicts between alien workers workers.
and the local people.
Provide safe conditions for workers. Contractor and BLCP
ii. Operation Phase
Increase the capacity of electrical
service.

Positive impact is a major outcome None None

such as a better economic status and
job employment, while the negative
impact is minor.

b. Public Health
i. Construction Phase
The impact will directly affect the
workers.
Equipment and working hazard.
Use proper materials and equipment in the Contractor and BLCP
construction activity to decrease the risk of
causing accidents. None
Contractor and BLCP
Provide safety protection equipment such as
helmets, shoes, glasses, gloves, and ear muffs.

ii. Operation Phase

Emission impact on workers and Physical resource management. Check the workers’ health annually.
people around the project area.

Impact of dust, SO2, noise, heat, Enforce the wearing of protective equipment as a Provide emergency responses and cooperate
chemicals on workers, and accidents. standard practice. with other agencies.

Usual accident risks during operation Install warning signs in the risk areas. Investigate the environment of the working area
of the power plant. to focus on dust, SO2, NOx, noise, and heat.
Arrange the working time periodically to reduce
the exposure time.

Cooperate with the Industrial Estate Authority of

Thailand (IEAT) of Map Ta Phut and the Rayong
Civil Department for training of emergency
 Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program Responder

Civil Department for training of emergency

responses.

c. Visual Aspect
i. Construction Phase None None
The Project will be constructed in an
industrial area.
ii. Operation Phase
Impact of the height of structures The power station should be designed in keeping BLCP
such as the stack, building, and coal with neighboring industries. Landscape measure
pile. such as screen planting for coal piles to reduce
the impact. None

Using landscape measures such as screen

planting to reduce the impact.

Appendix 2
29
30 Appendix 3

BLCP ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT MONITORING COMMITTEE

1. The members of Environmental Impact Assessment Monitoring Committee are shown in

Table A3.

Table A3: Committee Members

Person Position

1. Chief Engineer, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) Chairman

2. Port Director, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) Committee
3. Representative of Office of Environmental Policy and Planning Committee
(OEPP)
4. Representative of Pollution Control Department (PCD) Committee
5. Representative of Rayong Province Committee
6. Representative of Map Ta Phut Municipal Committee
7. Representative of Harbour Department Committee
8. Representative of Environmental region, Cholburi province Committee
9. Secretary of Sawasdee Foundation Committee
10. Assistant Professor Dr. Voravit Chivaporn Committee
11. Professor Dr. Vipusit Munthajit Committee
12. Chairman, Takuan Aua pradu community Committee
13. Chairman, Map Ta Phut Islamic community Committee
14. Secretary, Takuan Aua pradu community Committee
15. Mr. Vitoon Yutim (IEAT Deputy Port Director) Committee and
secretary
16. Mr. Veerapon Puangpitayavut (BLCP) Committee and
assistant to secretary
IEAT = Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, OEPP = Office of Environmental Policy and Planning, PCD = Pollution
Control Department.

2. The committee is authorized to

(i.) regulate implementation of the monitoring and mitigation program for the coal
unloading facility of BLCP Power Limited on land reclamation Map Ta Phut Phase II,
Muang District, Rayong, in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment
reports and the conclusions of the expert committees;
(ii.) consult, advise, and coordinate to solve any environmental problems arising during
the construction period including, if any, claims from communities due to impact of
the project works and other related activities;
(iii.) consider and comment on project activities that might cause environmental impacts,
coordinate with relevant parties, and invite officers giving information, advice, or
suggestions to attend committee meetings as appropriate; and
(iv.) meet once a month during the construction period and every 3 months during the
operation period, with effect from the commencement of dredging works.

Issued on 25 September 2002 by

Khun Anchalee Chavanich, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand
 Appendix 4 31

OBJECTIVES OF THE BLCP TRIPARTITE COMMITTEE

1. The committee is authorized to

(i.) consider and study details of the Project, any potential pollution problems, and
the environmental impact on Map Ta Phut communities;
(ii.) monitor progress of the Project to enable Map Ta Phut community to correctly
understanding and follow the project works during construction and operation;
(iii.) organize on behalf of Map Ta Phut communities exchange of their opinions, and
knowledge of the BLCP power plant project; and
(iv.) appoint additional members to the committee representing responsible
authorities and communities in the Map Ta Phut area, as appropriate.

2. The Committee was effective from 27 September 2002, as authorized by Mr. Suriya
Jeungrungruengkit, Minister of Industry.