Debate No. 1 of 16.03.2004
Alcodis Ltd.- EIA Conditions

(No. B/17) Dr. R. Beebeejaun (Second Member for Port Louis South and Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he will state if the non respect by Alcodis of the EIA conditions is the cause of the outbreaks of health problems at Rose Belle North primary school.

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, on 15 November 2002, Alcodis Ltd was issued with an EIA licence for the production of ethanol subject to 26 specific conditions.

An audit carried out by a technical team comprising the Director of Environment, officers of the Ministry of Health, the University of Mauritius and the MSIRI at Alcodis Ltd. in the context of the recent cases of health problems at Rose Belle North Government School, on 03 and 04 March 2004, has, inter alia, revealed that 6 EIA conditions were not complied with. Three of these conditions, which have a direct impact on public health, are as follows -

no odour shall be released from vinasse;
the installation of a desulphurisation unit, and
the use of good quality coal as fuel.

In fact, Alcodis Ltd has shifted from the use of coal to heavy fuel oil for combustion in its boiler without informing the Ministry of Environment. Heavy fuel oil is known to have a much higher sulphur content than good quality coal. Furthermore, the company did not have on line a proper and adequate desulphurisation unit. These, according to the Ministry of Health, combined with the absence of a treatment plant for vinasse have resulted in the emission of sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, odour and suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere. These emissions are known to be injurious to human health and may cause respiratory, eye and noise irritations as well as nausea, which are exactly the same problems experienced by the pupils and staff of the Rose Belle North Government School.

Further investigations in the area have revealed no other possible causes for health problems and have pointed to Alcodis Ltd. A Prohibition Notice was served on Alcodis Ltd on 02 March 2004 for non compliance with EIA conditions. Subsequently, in a letter dated 05 March 2004, Alcodis was requested to take necessary remedial measures, including shifting from the use of heavy fuel oil to diesel as fuel in its boiler and to install a desulphurisation unit in order to reduce sulphur dioxide emission.

Alcodis was allowed to carry out trial runs during the long weekend of 11 to 14 March after it had informed my Ministry of the measures taken. A technical team monitored operations during that time to assess the situation with regard to emission, odour and noise.

Whilst the measures regarding noise and odour were acceptable, the stack emission monitoring results provided by the University of Mauritius showed a very high level of Sulphur Dioxide concentration of 519.6 ppm, equivalent to an emission of 1300 kg per day as compared to the World Bank guidelines of 200 kg per day for a generator of 1 megawatt as the one at Alcodis. This is also considered harmful to health.

The findings of the assessment exercise were discussed at an enlarged technical committee on Sunday 14 March. The Committee recommended that in view of the potential risk still prevailing, it was not advisable to lift the Prohibition Notice. The Committee also advised that it would be environmentally safer for Alcodis to shift from heavily fuel oil to diesel, in which case the Prohibition Notice could be withdrawn.

Alcodis was informed of these recommendations at a meeting held at my Ministry in the afternoon of Sunday 14 March.

After thorough examination of all possible options, Alcodis informed my Ministry that it would switch over to diesel as from Monday 15 March as a short-term measure. Alcodis Ltd. started running its plant as from 8.20 p.m. on 15 March after having effected appropriate adjustments to the boiler. A technical team from my Ministry was present then and continues to be present to monitor the situation. The stack emission equipment of the University of Mauritius is in place and Alcodis has been asked to continue monitoring the flue gases until further notice.

The mobile air monitoring unit of my Ministry has been placed in the premises of the Rose Belle North Government School to monitor the ambient air quality. The quality of the ambient air at the school this morning is normal.

Alcodis will be allowed to test other less costly means of reducing sulphur dioxide emissions during weekends and off school hours between 4.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. the next morning.

I would like to reassure the House that this matter has been dealt with in full objectivity and with professionalism in order to reconcile industrial activities with the safeguard of the health of the school children and the inhabitants of Rose Belle.

Dr. Boolell: Can I ask the Minister whether it is the policy of his Ministry to see to it that there is a regular environmental audit being carried out?

Mr Bhagwan: We are in the process of effecting environmental audit where we have heavy industries. We have recruited recently more than ten technical officers as a team to effect industrial audit in industries. In fact, we have set up a committee at my Ministry where we are in the process of adding additional conditions to the existing EIA conditions of certain industries.

Dr. Boolell: Why is it then that Government has had to wait for a third outbreak of health problems to occur in that particular vicinity before it took appropriate action?

Mr Bhagwan: Alcodis was on a trial and Alcodis did not inform our Ministry of the problem. When we had this second problem, I think on a Thursday, we worked on the weekend and on Tuesday, the full team under the leadership of the Director of Environment went on site and we had an audit. A further audit was carried out with the help of other Authorities like the MSIRI and the University of Mauritius.

Dr. Boolell: I grant the Minister that it is only now that measures have started to be taken. Why is it that Government has had to wait for an uproar in the village of Rose Belle before it started to act promptly?

Mr Bhagwan: I have not, as a Minister, the reputation to sit on files and wait, but...

(Interruptions)

Mr Speaker: Order hon. Boolell, let the Minister reply.

Mr Bhagwan: We have to identify other problems also. There were questions linked to pesticides and other items. So, we were working in the region and even within the Alcodis premises, Sir.

Dr. Boolell: I recall when that problem occurred on the first time. In respect of the reply given in this very House, fingers were pointed elsewhere because there was no thorough inquiry conducted. This is it. We are not here to point fingers at X, Y or Z, but I am asking the Minister: why is it then that appropriate measures were not taken so that there would be no recurrence of this problem?

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, we are monitoring the situation and Alcodis already shifted from coal to fuel. This was irresponsibility on the part of the operator.

Dr. Boolell: It is the responsibility of Government to see to it that there is proper environmental audit and that there is compliance to the provisions of the law.

Mr Bhagwan: It is what we are doing and what we have been doing and I am very proud of what my staff is doing.

Dr. Boolell: "Après la mort, la tisane", is this what the Minister is proud of?

Dr. Beebeejaun: Mr Speaker, did the Ministry of Health issue a warning the way the vinasse was being stocked, and if so, what action has been taken?

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health are working as a team for several weeks now; the audit was carried out by the team and all the necessary findings were made.

Dr. Boolell: Can we make sure that there will be no similar occurrence and that a proper audit is going to be conducted and proper advice going to be tendered so that appropriate measures are taken?

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, due monitoring is being carried out at the level of CEB and other industries and we are obtaining the help of the University of Mauritius also.
At 1.00 p.m the sitting was suspended.

Keywords: odour, EIA licence, air pollution, public health, coal, heavy fuel, oxides, sulphur, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, noise, air, monitoring, air quality, boilers

Debate No. 02 of 23.03.2004
Boilers - Heavy Fuel Oil

(No. B/82) Dr. J. B. David (Fourth Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether in regard to boilers using Heavy Fuel Oil presently operating in Mauritius, he will -

give the number, and
state when his Ministry last carried out a survey on gas emission from those industries, and whether he will table the results thereon.

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, I am informed that there are about 60 boilers operating with Heavy Fuel Oil in Mauritius.

Industries are requested to carry out their own stack monitoring and submit the results to my Ministry as and when deemed necessary. Some instances where the monitoring has been carried out are the Phoenix Industrial Estate, the Richfield Ltd. and Sinotex Ltd. where emissions were observed to be high. Remedial measures had been prescribed and action taken by the industries.

It is also a practice to include conditions in EIA licences which require undertakings operating boilers to take all mitigating measures to reduce stack emissions to an acceptable level.

Furthermore, my Ministry is finalising the Industrial Wastes Audit Regulations which aims at controlling all emissions from industrial activities through the introduction of an Environment Management Plan.

My Ministry has also recently recruited a number of officers and is in the process of procuring a stack monitoring equipment to further strengthen enforcement of compliance measures.

It is to be noted that at present only the University of Mauritius has the equipment and the capacity to carry out stack monitoring in the country.

Dr. David: I have a few supplementary questions, Mr Speaker, Sir. May I ask the Minister whether there has been a joint survey of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment to know the impact of HFO on human health?

Mr Bhagwan: We have discussed this possibility recently and the Director of Environment is working on it.

Dr. David: It means, up to now, it has not been done.

Mr Bhagwan: It has been done on an ad-hoc basis. They are working on the list of equipment and also on the new set-up. There is joint monitoring not only with the Ministry of Health, but also with the Ministry of Labour.

Dr. David: Will, therefore, the Minister submit a report to the House when the survey would have been done?

Mr Bhagwan: Yes, Sir.

Mr Dulloo: For clarification purposes, may I ask the Minister whether his Ministry has got those instruments and logistics for the purpose of testing or he is relying on the equipment and instruments at the University of Mauritius? And, if so, how this is done in order to ensure the proper testing?

Mr Bhagwan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the fact that there is actually only one equipment at the University of Mauritius - and I used that myself - and we are in the process of buying one for the Ministry. We have recruited new specialised officers to work on this. That equipment was purchased when we were working for the Ministry of Agriculture in 1992 and 1993.

Dr. David: Will the Minister tell us whether there has been any specific survey in the surrounding of the CEB of Fort Victoria in that connection?

Mr Bhagwan: A survey has been carried out and we have requested, through enforcement notice, the CEB to perform stack monitoring, at least, twice per year. Recently, there was a last enforcement notice issued to the CEB. It was to submit a stack monitoring by 15 April and one by 15 October.

Dr. David: Can we know, therefore, what has been the outcome of that survey? Can't it be tabled?

Mr Bhagwan: They are supposed to give it by 15 April, Sir.

Keywords: heavy fuel oil, air pollution, boilers, EIA licence

Debate No. 02 of 23.03.2004
Canal Malaria, Pereybere - Pollution Problems

(No. B/75) Mr A. K. Gungah (Second Member for Grand'Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he is aware of the pollution problems water accumulation in Canal Malaria at Pereybère is causing and, if so, will he state the measures he has taken or proposes to take to remedy the situation at the earliest.

Mr Bhagwan: Yes, Sir. Following the hon. Member's request, a joint site visit effected on 16 February 2004 by officers of my Ministry, the District Council North and the Police de L'Environnement has revealed that stagnant water in the canal give rise to odour and is also a breeding place for mosquitoes.

As a short-term solution, the District Council North has cleaned the canal and sprayed larveacides.

Canal Malaria has also been included in the priority list of the NDU land drainage Projects. The scope of works are being finalised for the implementation of a proper drainage system and will, inter alia, include appropriate levelling and reconditioning of the drains to allow proper flow of water and placing of concrete slabs on part of the canal.

In the meantime, we have requested the District Council to effect regular maintenance on the canal.

Mr Gungah: May I ask the Minister to request the technicians to check the canal that passes under the main road that goes to the beach of Pereybère? It seems that that part is blocked.

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, a full survey is being carried out.

Keywords: water pollution, air pollution, odour, police de l’environnement, larvaecides

Debate No. 02 of 23.03.2004
Mobile Ambient Air Control Unit

(No. B/76) Mr A. K. Gungah (Second Member for Grand'Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he will state if his Ministry is equipped with a Mobile Ambient Air Control Unit and, if so, state -

the number of times it has been used, indicating the last date when it was in use, and
whether the machine has ever been out of order and, if so, will
he state the period.

Mr Bhagwan: Yes, Sir, my Ministry is equipped with a mobile Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Unit.

The mobile Unit has been used on 18 different sites since it became operational in December 2001 and it is presently being used at the Rose Belle North Government School since 15 March 2004.

The Unit has never been totally out of order. However, 2 of its 6 analyzers were not functioning properly during the period October 2003 to mid March 2004. Repairs have been effected and the equipment is now fully operational.

Keywords: air pollution, air quality, monitoring, mobile air control unit

Deb. No. 04 of 30.03.04
Electricity Production Generators - Air Emissions - Monitoring

(No. B/138) Mr M. Dulloo (Third Member for Grand’Baie & Poudre d’Or) asked the Minister of Environment & National Development Unit whether his Ministry has the instruments or means to test emissions, including sulphur dioxide emission, from electricity production generators powered by diesel, coal, gas turbine or bagasse and, if so, will he –

give the dates when such tests were carried out, if any, and the outcome thereof, and
state the level of sulphur dioxide emission recorded and action being taken to monitor the situation.

The Minister of Public Utilities (Mr A. Ganoo): Sir, with your permission, I will reply to both PQ B/138 and PQ B/148 as they relate to the same issue. I am informed that, already under the first Environment Investment Programme back in 1991, a set of ambient air and stack monitoring equipment was acquired by the Ministry of Environment and given to the Mauritius Sugar Authority, for the purpose of monitoring air emissions principally from the sugar factories. In October 1998, the equipment was handed over by the Mauritius Sugar Authority to the University of Mauritius, which provides the services to the public at large against payment and undertakes both ambient air and stack monitoring. Presently, this is the only piece of equipment available for stack monitoring. The equipment was also used in the context of the Joint UNIDO/Ministry of Environment Project at Valentina Industrial Estate for stack monitoring.

The Ministry of Environment became the enforcing agency for air quality only in July 2002. However, an ambient air quality equipment was already purchased and commissioned in December 2002. The equipment is meant to assess ambient air quality and consists of two monitoring stations, one stationary situated at Cassis, at the southern entry of Port Louis and the other one is mobile, which is presently being used at the Rose Belle North Government School. The two stations measure different parameters, including sulphur dioxide at ambient level. The mobile unit has been at 18 different sites, including at Highlands, Petit Camp, Valentina, Goodlands industrial zone, Flacq, Cassis and the port area.

Air quality standards were proclaimed under the Environment Protection Act in August 1998 and included ambient air quality and stack emission standards.

The fixed station at Cassis, which is in the proximity of two CEB power stations, namely St. Louis and Fort Victoria, has to date not recorded any alarming levels of sulphur dioxide.

The St. Louis Power station is in operation since 1955 and that of Fort Victoria since 1965. It is to be noted that all the power stations of the CEB which run on heavy oil are situated down wind and near the sea and, thus, does not affect inhabitants. There is a standing agreement with the CEB concerning Fort Victoria that they have to shut down the station whenever there is a change in wind direction towards the residential zone. It should also be noted that the Ministry of Environment has in the past issued notices under the Environment Protection Act to the CEB to improve the auality of the environment. The most recent enforcement notice issued against noise and air pollution at Fort Victoria was on 25 January 2002. Since then, several measures have been taken by the CEB, including two studies by teams of experts from India and UK, and the recommendations are being implemented. The last enforcement notice issued regarding noise, air and water pollution against the St Louis Power Station at Camp Chapelon, Pailles, was on 11 March of this year, and one of the requirements is that the CEB should undertake stack monitoring at least twice a year.

From 07 to 20 November 2001, ambient air quality monitoring was carried out in the proximity of Fort Victoria power station, more precisely in the compound of Mauritius Telecom at Cassis. The results were well below the limits for ambient air quality standards.

Ambient monitoring was also carried out on 3 sites around Fort George Power Station from 02 to 24 October 2002, and the results obtained were well below the limits for ambient air quality.

I am also informed, Sir, that the Ministry is in the process of acquiring portable user friendly units for stack emission and has started capacity building in terms of recruitment of personnel and training.

Mr Chumroo: Regarding Fort Victoria and Nicolay CEB stations, I have just heard the Minister say that, whenever there is a change in wind direction, measures are taken. Does it imply that there are gas emissions and for that reason, machines are stopped?

Mr Ganoo: I don’t have the information for Nicolay station, but as I have said, there is no problem with regard to the two other stations.

Mr Chumroo: Sir, being given that the power station is in a residential area and being given that they are using gas for the running of the station, does not the Minister think that it is somewhat dangerous or toxic for the inhabitants of the area?

Mr Ganoo: Sir, the information supplied to me is about St Louis and Fort Victoria. I will look into the situation as far as Nicolay is concerned and report to the House.

Dr. David: Mr Deputy Speaker, we've just heard the Minister say that there is no problem at St Louis Power Station. He mentioned Fort Victoria and St Louis as well. Last week the Minister of Environment circulated a paper in which mention was made that the test would be done on 15 April 2004 and the second one on 15 October 2004. The test has not yet been done and the Minister says that there is no problem at St Louis CEB Station. In fact, there are many problems.

Mr Ganoo: I answered, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that, in fact, the Enforcement Notice against the CEB with regard to St Louis Power Station dated 11 March 2004 was issued to the CEB and one of the requirements is precisely what the hon. Member referred to and that CEB should undertake that monitoring, at least, twice a year.

Dr. David: Therefore, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, how can he say, for sure and conclusively that there is no problem? The survey has not yet been done.

Mr Ganoo: There is a difference between stack monitoring and ambient air quality monitoring!

Dr. David: But saying that this does not impact on the health, on the people around is, according to me, too early.

Mr Dulloo: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I sympathise with the Minister as he is not the substantive Minister, but there is a real problem to which we should draw his attention. He has given us the history, but he has not got the means to carry out a proper test as far as sulphur dioxide is concerned. What we ask is: what is he doing urgently about this situation? Right now the people of Camp Chapelon, Pailles are suffering from serious discomfort because of the sulphur dioxide emission which they suspect to come from the Station of St Louis? This is why we say that there is urgency and something should be done.

Mr Ganoo: Sir, the Ministry of Environment is equipped with an ambient air quality monitoring unit and this monitoring machine is equipped with, in fact, six analysers to detect sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, high volume sampler. This is as far as the ambient quality monitoring unit is concerned. We do have the analysers.

Dr. David: Sir, the Minister mentioned stack monitoring and I read from what was circulated last week "on 15 April 2004, first tests to be done to perform stack monitoring and submit results of analysis to this Ministry in particular for particulate emissions and sulphur dioxide".

Mr Ganoo: Yes and I have a copy of the Enforcement Notice with me. In fact, this is an extract from the Enforcement Notice to the CEB by which the CEB has accordingly been instructed to implement all the necessary measures within the two months from receipt of this notice so as to ensure compliance with the standards in force, to abide by the standards and to perform stack monitoring, at least, two times per year on 15 April and on 15 October 2004 and submit the results of the analysis to the Ministry in particular for particulate emissions and sulphur dioxide. This is right and this test will enable the Ministry of Environment to assess the situation in terms of stack monitoring.

Keywords: air quality, diesel, coal, gas turbine, sulphur dioxide, monitor, noise, water pollution, power station, public health

Debate No. 05 of 13.04.04
Unity College Students - Intoxication

(No. B/206) Dr. A. Boolell (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he will state if the cause of intoxication of the Unity College students has been established.

Reply: I am informed that on 29 March 2004, 36 children from Unity College attended the Jawaharlall Nehru Hospital complaining of burning sensation in the nostril and eyes, headache, nausea and some with giddiness and abdominal pain.

Three of them were admitted for observation and their conditions were found to be satisfactory. The following morning, they were all examined by a paediatrician and were discharged.

Results of specimens submitted for toxicological analysis were negative. In view of the fact that very transient manifestations of symptoms and all pathological investigations did not reveal any incriminatory substance, no specific cause could be attributed from a purely medical point of view.

However, I would like to add that surveys carried out both by the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life and my Ministry have confirmed that there is a persisting mild and occasionally more pronounced odour of vinasse and alcohol in the vicinity of Alcodis Ltd. Such odours, under specific conditions such as poor ventilation and crowded areas may cause symptoms similar to those reported on 29 March.

I further wish to inform the hon. Member that, amongst other measures, Alcodis Ltd. has been requested -

to undertake a complete audit by a qualified professional to identify possible leakages and to submit a certified report;

to increase the carting away capacity of vinasses in a sound environmental manner; and
the vinasse treatment plant to be made fully operational.

My Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life, Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources, the MSIRI and the University of Mauritius is closely monitoring the situation. A follow-up meeting is scheduled with Alcodis Ltd. tomorrow to review progress.

Keywords: public health, odour, air pollution, alcohol, vinasse, intoxication

POINTE AUX SABLES - ECOFUEL LIMITED –
POLLUTION HAZARDS

(No. B/314) Dr. J. B. David (Fourth Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he has received a petition signed by the inhabitants of Petit Verger, Pte aux Sables, concerning pollution hazards from Ecofuel Limited and, if so, will he give the date on which the petition was received and say what has been done since then by his Ministry.

Reply: An application for an EIA licence for used oil recovery at Pointe aux Sables by Ecofuel Limited was received by my Ministry on 20 March 2001. Further to the publication of EIA notice to invite public comments, a petition signed by the inhabitants of Petit Verger, Pointe aux Sables was indeed received on 30 April 2001 against the project. The concerns raised were related to noise and air pollution, traffic impact and risk of odour nuisance.

The receipt of the petition was acknowledged on 06 June 2001 and the latter were informed that their comments would be considered at the review stage of the application.

A Technical Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of Mr C. Fournier, Marine Engineering Surveyor & Consultant and comprising representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Rodrigues, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and International Trade, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment, University of Mauritius and the Central Electricity Board was set up under section 10 of the Environment Protection Act in September 2001 to, amongst others, assess and comment on the EIA application.

The recommendations of the TAC and the comments received from the inhabitants of Petit Verger, Pointe aux Sables were taken into consideration during the examination of the application by the EIA Committee held on 20 June 2003. An EIA licence was issued to Ecofuel Ltd on 26 June 2003 subject to a set of 30 conditions which, inter alia, addressed the issues raised by the inhabitants.

Arrangements were also made on 17 July 2003 for the publication of a notice to inform the public about the decision as per Section 23 (5) of the Environment Protection Act 2002.

A recent letter of protest was received at my Ministry on 02 April 2004. A meeting was held on Tuesday 20 April 2004 at my Ministry with the complainants for the latter to take cognizance of the mitigating measures proposed in the EIA report as well as the conditions attached to the EIA licence. They have also been informed of the above measures in writing on 22 April 2004.

I wish to inform the House that construction works have not yet started. The proposed site is located within the 200 m buffer zone from the Montagne Jacquot treatment plant. The project is of national interest and will have a direct bearing on the proper management and disposal of used oil in Mauritius and Rodrigues. My Ministry will, in collaboration with other Ministries/Authorities, ensure regular monitoring of the implementation of the project for strict compliance with the conditions of the EIA licence.

My Ministry will also consult Ecofuel Ltd with a view to arranging a meeting to enable the latter to further explain the various processes involved and the mitigative measures to be taken.
Keywords: air pollution, EIA licence, noise, odour, EPA

Debate No. 9 of 11.05.2004
Chalet and Alma Streets/Masjid Tupsee - Canals-Stagnant Waters, Debris, etc

(No. B/371) Dr. R. Beebeejaun (Second Member for Port Louis South and Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he is aware of the state of the canal between Chalet and Alma Streets adjoining Masjid Tupsee and, if so, will he state the measures he is taking or intends to take to drain away stagnant waters and get rid of the debris, mosquitoes and foul smell emanating from the canal.

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, Section 48 (1) of the Local Government Act 2003, provides for Local Authorities to take measures to construct, repair, maintain and clean drains, sewers, gutters and cross gutters falling under their respective jurisdiction.

With regard to the state of the canal, a joint site visit was effected on 07 May, by officers of my Ministry, the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life and the Municipality of Port Louis, revealed that there is no stagnant water as such, but the flow is slow due to the topography of the site, the presence of rocks on the bed of the canal and also because of littering and illegal dumping by inhabitants of the locality.

It was also observed that some residents of the locality have connected their domestic wastewater pipes discharging kitchen and bathroom wastewater into the canal, giving rise to a bad smell. The Ministry of Health & Quality of Life has requested the concerned persons to remove the connections.

The Municipality of Port Louis has been requested to take appropriate action at its end to clean the canal. The situation will be monitored by both the Ministry of Health and my Ministry. I have been informed that the Municipality of Port Louis is already taking appropriate actions.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to reiterate my appeal to all enforcing agencies, particularly to Local Authorities to shoulder their responsibility and to take whatever actions deemed appropriate under the provisions of the law.

Dr. Jeetah: Mr Speaker, Sir, in view of the malaria problem, could the hon. Minister tell the House whether he has a plan of all canals and drains in Mauritius?

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, it is not just because of malaria. We are doing our work everyday according to what responsibilities we have.

Dr. Jeetah: But, does the hon. Minister have a plan?

Mr Bhagwan: We have several plans, including plans for the hon. Member's constituency!

Dr. Jeetah: Mr Speaker, Sir, would the hon. Minister table a copy of the plan?

Mr Bhagwan: Sir, we are doing our work daily, hourly and every minute.

Dr. Jeetah: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the hon. Minister going to table a copy thereof, or not?

Mr Bhagwan: The hon. Member is a tireur plan! We are not tireur plan! Sir, each Authority and each Ministry has its responsibilities by law and we are doing whatever is necessary.

Dr. Jeetah: How can you work without a plan, Mr. Minister?

Mr Bhagwan: Our responsibilities are prescribed in the law. Each Ministry, be it the Ministry of Health, the Local Authority or the Ministry of Environment, we are all doing what we have to do and we are doing it properly.

Dr. Jeetah: My question relates to a plan. If the hon. Minister does not have one, he just can't do the work!

(Interruptions)

Mr Speaker: Hon. Dr. Beebeejaun, your question, please!

Keywords: odour, air pollution, water pollution, mosquito, wastewater, enforcement, malaria

Debate No. 23 of 29.06.2004
Smoke Emitting Vehicles - Control

(No. B/564) Mr A. K. Gungah (Second Member for Grand' Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he will list the steps taken to combat the problems caused by smoke emitting vehicles and state the progress achieved so far in the control of this type of pollution.

The Minister of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport (Mr A. Bachoo): Sir, with your permission, I shall reply to this question.

Government has been looking into the problems caused by smoke emitting vehicle as from early 2002. The Road Traffic (Control of Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2002 came into force on 01 September 2003.

My Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and National Development Unit, launched an aggressive sensitisation campaign during the months of August to October 2003 to sensitise the population at large about these regulations.

The campaign comprised the following activities -
the press conference held on 04 August at the Vehicle Examination Centre of Forest Side to kick-start the sensitisation campaign;

a set of posters was designed and distributed to all petrol stations;
radio and television spots were designed and aired during a whole week;
advertisements were published on local newspapers;
a workshop on "Emissions Control of Diesel and Petrol Automotive Engines" was held from 06 to 07 October 2003, at the IVTB, Ebène, to sensitise and train owners of vehicle workshops on new and emerging technologies and to provide a common platform for interaction with automotive engine specialists and motor vehicle dealers.

In addition, roadside checks were undertaken at different sites around the country by a joint enforcement team comprising officers from the NTA, the Police Department and the Ministry of Environment. The purpose of the checks were not to establish contraventions, but to alert owners of smoke emitting vehicles about the authorised opacity level and the need to fine tune their vehicles accordingly.

In order to ensure the effective implementation of these regulations, the following actions have also been initiated -

the NTA Vehicle Examination Centres at Plaines Lauzun and Forest Side are using two newly purchased heavy duty smokemeters for the testing of vehicles, and

the training of 93 enforcement officers comprising officers of the Vehicles Examination Centre, the Inspectorate Division of the NTA, and the Police Traffic Branch by the University of Mauritius has started since 21 June and will end on 02 July 2004.

I also wish to point out that the National Transport Authority is in the process of procuring six portable smokemeters for roadside checks. However, pending the availability of these equipment, visual roadside checks are being carried out by the Police de l'Environnement and Inspectors of the NTA. Around 3200 PF71 notices requiring owners of smoky vehicles to present their vehicles to the Vehicle Examination Centres have so far been issued.

For the period January to June 2004, a total of 2091 vehicles have been produced for examination at the two Examination Centres. Out of these, a total of 118 motor vehicles have been prohibited from being used on the roads until such time their defects are remedied.

Mr Gungah: May I ask the hon. Minister whether any study or survey has been carried out in order to find out the origin of this type of pollution, that is, whether it is from the type of diesel or petroleum product that is being used or any mechanical problem in the vehicle?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, since many years investigations have been carried out. And if I am not mistaken, firstly, the quality of diesel also is partly responsible and, secondly, certain defects in the vehicles also have been seen. That is the reason why when we have made the regulations, all these have been specified clearly, for example, the type of engines to be utilised and the type of diesel to be used once the regulation comes into force.

Mr Dowarkasing: Mr Speaker, Sir, with the widespread of mobile phones, could the hon. Minister explore the advisability of setting up a hotline so that drivers or people travelling in cars could report immediately in case of heavy emission of gas?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, I take note of this suggestion.

Mr Gungah: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the hon. Minister what are the contraventions taken again the drivers/owners of these vehicles?
Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, they are issued a Form PF370. I won't go into the details of it, but the opacity limit is 40%, and if it exceeds, then a PF370 is issued. They either have to get their engines properly repaired and thereafter they go to the NTA to get a certificate so that they can be allowed to use that engine on the road.

Keywords: air pollution, air quality, smoke, road traffic regulations, sensitization, vehicle emission, smoke meters, monitoring, Police de l’Environnement, diesel

Debate No. 28 of 24.08.2004
CEB - Air & Noise Pollution - Enforcement Notice

(No. B/726) Dr. J. B. David (Fourth Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether an Enforcement Notice has been served on the CEB in relation to air pollution, noise pollution and discharge of oil at St Louis Power Station and, if so, will he state -

the remedial steps taken by the CEB in respect thereof, and

if an environmental audit has been carried out since March 2004 and, if so, will he state when, by whom and table copy thereof.

Mr Bhagwan: Yes, Sir, as stated in my reply to PQ No. B/254 on 20 April last an Enforcement Notice was served on the CEB on 15 March 2004 in relation to air and noise pollution and discharge of oil.

The CEB has informed my Ministry that –

with regard to air pollution, stack monitoring has been undertaken by the University of Mauritius on 29 April and 13 May last and the average level of sulphur dioxide was well below acceptable limits. Another monitoring exercise is scheduled for October;

with regard to noise pollution, the use of the 4 older units which are closer to residential units have been considerably minimised including stopping their operations at about 2100 hours as far as possible. The CEB will also undertake a noise audit by a Noise Consultant with a view to implementing a noise mitigation strategy; and

oil has never been discharged intentionally, but on 2 occasions there has been accidental oil spills due to overflow of the station's oil water separator in the last 25 years. An oil spill contingency plan has also been submitted to my Ministry.

An environmental audit is already under way and would be completed after the next air monitoring exercise and the noise audit. Meanwhile, my Ministry is closely monitoring the situation. I will make available a copy of the audit once it is ready.

Dr. David: Mr Speaker, last time, the Minister, when replying to that question, agreed - and, in fact, circulated the enforcement notice - that the CEB is operating with an excess amount of decibels, beyond what is accepted by law. Will the Minister state whether the CEB is still operating illegally?

Mr Bhagwan: We all know that the CEB is an old power station and the hon. Member who has been Minister of Environment himself, knows that the station dates back to 1955. Over the years, there has been replacement by new engines and old engines are being replaced. As far as possible, the CEB has been asked to reduce the operation and even to cancel operation of the older engines which are situated near residential buildings. With the coming into operation of the new engines, and the noise audit which will be done by a professional consultant, we will have clear results in the days to come.

Dr. David: The question is whether at the moment the CEB is operating with an excess of decibels beyond which is accepted by law, if yes, will there be any sanction against the CEB?

Mr Bhagwan: No, Sir. The CEB is giving service to the nation. We all accept that there has been a situation which has been existing over the years. I, myself, have been working there, Mr Speaker, Sir, and we all know that we are gradually replacing the old engines and people who have constructed their house near the power station have done so at their risks. There is a noise pollution which we are trying to get rid of over the coming months.

Dr. David: Can we know when the next stack monitoring will be done?

Mr Bhagwan: I have replied that it will be done in October.

Keywords: enforcement, air pollution, noise pollution, monitoring, sulphur dioxide, oil spill, environmental audit