Japan SD awarded project
Niigata GCC Environmentally Friendly Plant Design
The Niigata GCC plant has been built as a satellite plant for Hokuetsu paper in Niigata city. The plant is located less than 3km away from the centre of the city close to a residential area. To ensure good relationships with neighbours, the environmental impact caused by the operation of the plant has been carefully controlled. During the initial planning stages close attention was paid to the potential environmental impact brought about by the operation of the plant such as noise, dust and storm (waste) water.
Noise Control: all the potential sources of noise, and the possible causes in relationship to the operation of the plant, were listed. These were then evaluated and a noise control method selected. Noise control can be achieved relatively easily by purchasing expensive design methods and technology, but by using natural noise control methods called “Distance Decay” Imerys were able to save cost. To get the effect of distance decay, all noise generating facilities were designed to be located as close to the centre of the site as possible.
White Water: the operation was designed to keep white water within the production building. For storm water, the rain data in Niigata city was checked and Imerys calculated the potential volumes for storm water treatment and ensured the correct pump was installed to manage the excess water.
Dust Control: Imerys ensured the conveyer was completely covered. Therefore dust was prevented from being blown away by wind. At the same time, this cover prevented the marble from getting wet as Niigata is particularly wet in the winter season. A fully covered conveyer also prevents marble chips from falling out of the conveyer system. This improves workers safety around the conveyor belts. The chips and dust remain inside the enclosed spaces, so we need to remove the collected dust and chips periodically. Dust control is not easy but we make every effort to keep dust to a minimum.
To date, there have been no complaints about noise, waste water and dust. We have maintained good relationships with our neighbours in the immediate area, and believe this is proof that the Niigata GCC plant design has worked well for environmental impact control.
