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NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System
NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA and the Nigeria Police Force have sealed off Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited for contravening environmental law by discharging pollutants into public water system.
A statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of NESREA, Amaka Ejiofor said: “On Monday, 17th April, 2023 at about 12.30 pm, the combined team of officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA and Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command Headquarters sealed off a facility belonging to Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited situated along Gboko Road, Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, for discharging untreated effluent into water bodies thereby endangering human lives and the environment, and also flouting extant environmental laws and standards.”
Ejiofor said the company, an ethanol production plant, which belongs to the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector, uses cassava as its raw material, noting that the production of ethanol using cassava is a wet process that requires the installation of a functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) which would ensure that waste from these processes is well treated before being discharged into the environment, insisting that the non-availability of the ETP is in clear violations 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.
She disclosed that In March 2023 the Facility Consultant (NESREA Accredited) carried out an Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM), and the Report of the Effluent analyzed by the Consultant was submitted to the NESREA Field Office Makurdi on the 16th April, 2023. The Report revealed that most of the parameters analyzed from the Effluent were above NESREA Permissible level as provided under the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulations 2009 S.I N0.28, adding that the facility had earlier been issued notices of compliance concerns to halt production until a functional ETP is fully installed but it failed to comply.
She said NESREA subsequently moved in to avoid further endangering of lives of residents who use water from the river for their basic household needs. This is in conformity with the provisions of the NESREA Act 2007 (as Amended), which allows the agency to carry out such enforcement activity in situations where it becomes expedient and necessary to halt an action posing imminent danger to human life, animal the environment.
She alleged that in addition to not having an ETP, the facility was also found to be operating without an Environmental Impact Statement, and did not complete the process of conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencement of its operation which contravenes the EIA Act CAP. E12 of LFN, 2004, also accusing the Facility for operating without relevant Environmental Permits contrary to the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing System) Regulations 2009 S.I N0.29.
She said the facility therefore remains sealed while investigations continue, stating that at the conclusion of investigations, the appropriate sanctions will be meted out on the company.
Meanwhile, the Director General of NESREA, Prof Aliyu Jauro has reminded facilities that compliance with laid down environmental laws is a must for any company operating in the country, warning that the agency is fully determined to ensure that non-compliant facilities are made to face the full wrath of the law.
NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.
The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.
According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.
The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.
The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.
According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.
“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.
“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
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