New industrial plants must meet tighter emissions standards from July 1: NEA

NEW industrial plants in Singapore will have to meet tighter industrial emissions standards with effect from July 1, 2015, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Friday.

"As part of the National Environment Agency's (NEA) continued effort to further improve air quality and safeguard public health, industries in Singapore will soon have to meet tighter industrial emissions standards over a range of pollutants," the agency said.

It added that the introduction of the more stringent standards would serve to improve Singapore's air quality as the country strives towards achieving its air quality goals for 2020 and beyond.

Existing plants will be granted a grace period, until July 1, 2018, to comply with the revised standards for compounds of mercury, lead, cadmium, ammonia and hydrogen fluoride. They will be given until July 1, 2023, to comply with the revised standards for particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2).

"The grace period will give them time to adjust their plans (e.g. upgrades of equipment) and processes so that they can meet the standards and still achieve their business outcomes," NEA said.

The agency has been in consultation with the affected companies since early 2014 on the revision of industrial emissions standards.

In Singapore, industrial activity accounts for about 99 per cent of the locally generated SO2 emissions.

NEA hopes the tightening of emissions standards will encourage industries to continually review and improve their industrial processes, equipment design and daily operational protocols to reduce pollution.