SEPA orders closure of asphalt plant
OLMT Package I contractor says it will start laying asphalt layer on roads along a nine-kilometre stretch of the track from Tuesday. PHOTO: ABID NAWAZ/EXPRESS
The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, (SEPA) has ordered to stop operation of unauthorised asphalt factory, operating on an amenity plot in FB Area without obtaining approval.
SEPA received public complaints that a cement factory is processing asphalt in Federal B Area Block 4 without any mitigation measures, needed to protect the surrounding environment, and degrading the air quality in the residential area.
Subsequently, SEPA called the owners of the said factory for a personal hearing offering an opportunity to defend their subject act of violation.
On their failure to justify their unauthorised activity, SEPA issued directives to immediately stop all kinds of unauthorised processing of asphalt substance which is a mixture of dark bituminous pitch with sand or gravel.