fp Turks and Caicos

To reduce the ‘environmental footprint’ the company has initiated a five year plan to make changes in four major areas in its operations: the enhancement of optimal plume dispersion, reduction in noise pollution, preventative measures of water contamination and staff education plan.

As part of the program, PPC is working towards achieving the ISO 14,001 standard by 2012, which is the international benchmark on environmental management. This matrix is a management tool, which enables organizations of any size to identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products and services.

To head the efforts, PPC Ltd recently appointed Mr. Eustace Musgrove as an Environmental Officer responsible for advising and implementing new and existing environmental and safety procedures in the program. PPC’s President and CEO, Mr. Eddinton Powell, explained that, “Over the past several months, Eustace has received extensive training in Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Safety Management. Eustace’s job is to be the champion for the environment and safety at the company and to lead our team in these areas. ”

Mr. Musgrove, enthusiastic about the plans said, “It is a positive initiative for the company to pursue the ISO 14001 standard as it will enable us to identify solutions for current and potential environmental challenges. We must remember the importance of the environment that we live in and preserving it for the present and the future is a responsibility not only for PPC but everyone. However, as the power company, we want to lead by example and this program will guide us to make the necessary changes to reduce our own carbon footprint”.

The company’s Strategic Environmental Initiative (SEI) is aimed at developing and achieving international standards that will ensure that PPC has one of the best environmental codes in the region. This is consistent with the company’s five-year strategic goal of becoming the best utility in the Caribbean. Key aspects of the program include:

Reduce smoke emissions

At the power plant, the engine stacks will be increased in height (approximately 175 feet above sea level) and installed with a state of the art exhaust. The increased height will allow for maximum plume dispersion, and prevailing winds to take the exhaust over the ocean. All of PPC’s new generation buildings are equipped with these higher stacks, and the company is retrofitting the older plant with similar stacks. By the end of the year, all of the PPC plants will have these higher more efficient exhaust systems. The new exhaust stacks will also have a uniform look that will be more aesthetically pleasing in the Providenciales skyline.

Reduction of noise pollution

PPC is erecting state of the art soundproof buildings to house the power plant’s engines. All of PPC’s new generation buildings have been designed and constructed with the latest noise attenuating (reduction) technology. In addition, the company has been conducting noise attenuation studies on its older buildings and recently signed a contract to carry out the noise attenuation recommendations to the older facilities. This will contain the level of noise significantly, which will be noticeable to residents in the immediate vicinity. PPC’s new buildings and the retrofitted older buildings meet and will meet worldwide standards for noise attenuation, fire protection, and spill management.

Water Monitoring

PPC already has measures in place that ensures that ground water is free from contamination. When the company has completed its Environmental Program there will be additional preventative measures in place that will prevent any chances of contamination. The Company is currently conducting a comprehensive water drainage study that when implemented next year and will result in significant improvement to water runoff management.

Staff Education Program

PPC will launch an ongoing educational program for staff to educate them on the important role that they play in preserving the environment. Staff will receive continual training in all aspects of environmental management. In addition, environmental management will be an integral part of the company’s Employee Performance Appraisal System, with the purpose of incentivising employees to higher environmental awareness and practice.