While the debate on sustainable development continues to rage, the advent of a company specialising in environmental pollution control, waste management and related matters will no doubt, be welcomed by industries and environmentalists alike.
by Angeline K’Singam
Environmental Resources Management Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. (ERM Lanka), a joint venture in Sri Lanka, fulfils a long felt need in the country for this type of specialised expertise”, commented Mr. Ranjit Fernando, the General Manager of the National Development Bank, a partner in the joint venture.
Environmental Management Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. has been jointly launched by the National Development Bank of Sri Lanka and Environmental Resources Management Ltd., of UK, a member of ERM world-wide. Its advent is well- timed say industrialists. Sri Lanka has now learned the value of protecting the environment and no project in the country can get off the ground without an Environmental Impact Assessment. Rapid industrial development at the expense of the environment is a zero sum game-a trade-off that no country can afford to make.
ERM Lanka has moved into its offices at the Waldock Mackenzie
Sri Lanka has now learned the value of protecting the environment and no project in the country can get off the ground without an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Building at Navam Mawatha. The company which was incorporated last year, offers consultancy advice in the field of pollution control, effluent treatment, etc., and conducts Environmental Impact Assessment studies and assists in the implementation of pollution control projects. It offers the following services:
Environmental Management Assistance in the development of management systems involving strategy development, preparation of procedures, auditing systems and a full range of communication and training programs.
Environmental Assessment New enterprises are assisted in site selection, complete environmental assessment and the development of detailed proposals.
Waste Management and Resource Recovery
Assistance is provided to achieve both environmentally- friendly goals and cost effectiveness in waste management. Productivity improvements in waste services, waste minimisation schemes and the efficient recovery of materials and energy are also handled under this category.
Pollution control and Site investigation
This addresses problems of land, air, water and noise which require rigorous analysis and practical review to develop cost-effective solutions.
Audits, Health and Safety and Risk Analysis
Audits and analysis on environmental performance through review of management procedures and practices, assessment of potential problems and opportunities to minimise risks.
The two lead players in the joint venture, NDB and ERM bring to bear long years of expertise in the area. NDB’s commitment to sustainable development is demonstrated by the fact that it has established its own Environmental Unit within the Bank to assist client industries. This ensures that bank-funded projects are carried out in an environmentally-friendly manner. This unit also handles the Pollution Control and Abatement Fund (PCAF). Funding is available for waste minimisation, resource recovery and pollution abatement for financially viable industries which have been in operation before January 1, 1994, under this scheme. Under another technical assistance component, a non-repayable grant can be obtained to cover the cost of consultancy services in this area. Seventy-five percent of the cost is reimbursable upto a maximum of Rs.60,000/-,
Credit can also be obtained under the PCAF as a term loan upto a maximum of Rs.6 million at a zero real rate of interest. This is available for the purchase of equipment that would lead to a reduction of emissions, production of wastes and exposure of workers to potentially hazardous substances as well as equipment for monitoring pollutants. Investments related to the relocation of highly polluting industries to special estates equipped with waste treatment plants are also eligible, as are investments by enterprises that set up and operate such treatment plants.
Environmental Resources Management, UK is one of the leading international consultancies providing specialist advice on all aspects of the environment to clients all over the world. It has a current portfolio of 300 clients in over 100 countries. The technical, scientific and management skills of ERM have been deployed on projects, ranging from the assessment and auditing of industrial facilities to the implementation of formal environmental management systems. ERM, UK won the Queens Award in 1984 and 1989 for its excellence in the field and was voted International Environment Consultant of the Year.
