EPA shuts down Empire Cement over alleged air pollution violations

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to shut down its factory with immediate effect.

The order follows investigations into several public complaints about alleged air pollution and nuisance from the company’s operations.

The EPA said it found sustained emissions of visible particulate matter, gases and other pollutants from the factory.

The Authority said the emissions could affect the environment, nearby land uses and public health.

The EPA also found that Empire Cement had failed to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns.

The Authority said this breached Condition 9.1 of the company’s Environmental Permit.

The company was also found to have breached several other permit conditions on pollution control.

The EPA said Empire Cement had failed to install appropriate, state-of-the-art pollution control systems on all pollution discharge units.

The systems are required to meet the Ghana Standard for Environment and Health Protection, GS 1236:2019.

The EPA also raised concerns about the condition of the company’s existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment.

According to the Authority, the systems must be kept in good working condition to reduce air pollution and meet permitted limits for fenceline air quality and point-source or stack emissions.

The EPA further said the dust plants at the factory must be properly maintained to prevent or minimise dust emissions into the surrounding environment.

Following its findings, the EPA determined that Empire Cement was in breach of several conditions of its environmental permit.

The company must now remain shut until the breaches are addressed.

Empire Cement has been directed to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns as required under its permit.

It must also install the required pollution control systems and ensure its existing systems and equipment are working properly.

The company must also engage the affected community on the impact of its operations and the steps being taken to address the concerns.

After completing the required work, Empire Cement must notify the EPA for an inspection.

The factory cannot reopen until the required pollution control systems have been installed and the EPA gives written permission for operations to resume.

The EPA warned that failure to comply could lead to further enforcement action, including administrative penalties and other sanctions allowed by law.

Read the statement below:

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