A Benue-based ethanol-producing company, which was sealed shut on April 17, 2023 by a combined team of NESREA officials and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command, has now responded that the claims in some sections of the media that it had continuously discharged waste materials into the Benue River is false. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) claimed that the company was found guilty of poor environmental breaches for discharging untreated waste (effluent) into water bodies.
Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited, which owns the facility, produces ethanol using cassava as its raw material. NESREA also claimed that the facility had no effluent treatment plant, which would ensure that the wastes are well-treated before being discharged into the environment. The PRO of the agency had announced that this non-availability is a clear violation of the provisions of the National Environmental (Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Soap and Detergent Manufacturing Industries) Regulations 2009 S.I No.36 and National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulations 2009 S.I No.28.
Firm admits to an accidental discharge of wastes.
In light of this, the firm released a press statement, which was signed by its Communications and Public Relations Manager, Mr. Stephen Numbeve. In it, the firm stated that the recent discharge of effluents into the Benue River, which made NESREA seal the facility for two weeks, was accidental. The facility had been shut down from April 17-29, 2023. While admitting this, the press statement explained that the sludge from a by-product (bio-gas) was moved into a “Saver Pit” which was filled-up when the engineers had shut down operations for the day.
The statement added that the sludge spilled through the safety channels down the drains into the river before pre-treatment through the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). “It is important to make it clear that the discharge was not a continuous one as being widely reported; it occurred only once in that moment,” Numbeve noted. He revealed that the company made a mistake, was sanctioned by the government agency, and their facility had just been unsealed after they complied with the conditions stipulated by the environmental agency.
EMS optimization employed to prevent future re-occurrence.
Most importantly, the company said that it has learned from the occurrence in the last couple of weeks. Because of this, it has resolved to optimize its Environmental Management System (EMS) to avert any future re-occurrence of the issue. Their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has also been completed and duly approved, while they await EIS certification by the Federal Ministry of Environment. Numbeve also disclosed that the firm has installed a state-of-the-art ETP and an accompanying standard laboratory equipped to ensure product and effluent are air quality as well as meeting SON, NESREA and international standards.
It was added in the statement that the company is adopting a circular economy approach to waste management. Solid and liquid wastes are converted into bio-gas and fertilizer. Even the treated wastewater is being recycled to ensure that there is nothing to be discharged into the environment anymore. “We encourage the general public to take a tour of the company and access things,” the communication manager said. “Go and verify!” This transparent move will help gain not only the trust of the government but also the affinity of the people in nearby communities who are affected by the environmental degradation caused by the discharged wastes.
The firm recounts its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Pure Bio-Tech said it has been providing access to clean water in the community by installing two additional boreholes. It has also secured a parcel of land to establish a school with modern learning facilities. The company re-affirms that it is a law-abiding entity and pledges to continue to improve its systems of operation as well as programs designed to protect the environment and human health. In the nearest future, the company sees itself as a leading environmental friendly company in Benue State and in the North Central region.
Related Link
Wikipedia: Website
Ethanol plant claims accidental discharge. – The firm had been sealed by NESREA for violating environmental safety laws. – Express your point of view.
The Benue-based ethanol-producing company
that was alleged to have discharged waste into the water bodies has admitted to this and are claiming it was a mistake. I believe such will never be repeated by the company again.
The violation of environmental safety laws by the Ethanol producing company can lead to serious environmental and social consequences. It calls for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and the implementation of sustainable practices to prevent future environmental disasters. A collaborative effort between the government, the private sector, and the local communities is essential in ensuring the protection and conservation of the environment.
It’s mostly common among manufacturing companies utilizing chemical substances to be polluting the environment they operate in. The issue should be investigated well and persevere the company if found guilty.
This kind mistake should not be happen and not to be allow, now they violate the environment law it which they must be punished accordingly to law
I don’t know how the firm who has the ethanol plant claim accidental discharge. The effect the gas will cause as a result of it’s escape into the atmosphere, is part of the hazardous gases that is depleting our ozone layer.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) are doing a great job. They have being able to clarify the allegation going on in the social media on the continuous discharge of waste materials in the Benue River by the Benue-based ethanol-producing company that it was false and already sealed the firm for violating environmental safety laws.
Violation of environmental safety law Is not good a lot all. Since they are found guilty they should face the repercussion of their action. This will serve as a lesson to other
Ethanol plant claims accidental discharge. The companies don’t need to break law. The safety of the people very necessary. Good work from The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency