Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd begins EIA related studies on proposed fourth coal power plant

by Ifham Nizam

Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd (LHI) has commenced studies, particularly, on ash content and impact on water resources as regards the proposed fourth coal power plant at the Lak Viyaya Power Plant Complex at Norochcholai.

An official told The Island that the study would focus on water quality, coal ash and other related issues especially pointed out by the environment and renewable energy lobby.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Project Team now says it will take one year to complete the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA team is headed by a renowned Professor.

“It would take six months, a senior engineer said. The main study, laboratory tests etc., would be conducted by Sri Lankan owned Lanka Hydraulic Institute Limited,” he added.

When queried, an engineer said that immediately after the completion of the study, it would be taken up by a public consultation committee. “The public will be given 30 days to come up with their suggestions.”

However, our inquiries revealed that the government is very much committed to handing over the fourth plant to the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) that built three plants at the first coal-fired power plant complex in the country.