SEPA stops factory operations over air emission violations

SUKKUR, Jun 09 (APP): Acting upon the directives of the Ombudsman Sindh and in response to public complaints regarding environmental pollution, a team of the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) under the Supervion of Dr. Gul Ameer Sumbal on Tuesday conducted an inspection of a plastic recycling factory operating in SITE Area Sukkur.

During the inspection, the SEPA team observed that the factory was operating without adequate environmental pollution control measures. Significant air emissions were being released from the recycling process, causing environmental concerns and posing potential risks to public health and the surrounding environment. The management failed to demonstrate satisfactory arrangements for controlling and treating the emissions in accordance with the provisions of the Sindh Environmental Protection-2014 Act and applicable environmental standards.

Considering the seriousness of the violations and in compliance with the directions of the Ombudsman, the SEPA inspection team ordered the immediate stoppage of the factory’s operations.

The management was directed not to resume activities until all required environmental safeguards and pollution control measures are installed and approved by the competent authority.

Furthermore, a Letter of Personal Hearing has been issued to the factory management, directing them to appear before the Director General, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and explain the violations observed during the inspection. Appropriate legal action shall be initiated in accordance with environmental laws and regulations after providing an opportunity of hearing to the concerned parties.