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Environmental Impact Assessment
of
Dr. J . Nouri* Ali Nazari Doust**
Arak Aluminum Plant
( IRALCO ), using pre-baked anodes
technology, was put into operation in 1972,with annual capacity of 25000
t. In 1990 and 1992 the capacity increased to 70000 t. and 120000 t.
respectively. IRALCO development plan led to increased
environmental pollution in the region as
well as
In the study, the environmental impact assessment of the plant, having strategic products, on the city and region has been done. The data and information was made available through sampling and environmental experiments, regarding the environmental standards. In this study, the four following choices were selected: a) plant primary development with 45000t. production per annum, b) plant development with 120000t. production per annum, c) plant quality development and step-by-step replacement of the production lines with modern technology, and d) plant closure. B,C and D were assessed in terms of environmental impacts and the impacts of any choice on different natural, human, economic, social and cultural environment were studied. The study concluded that choice C, from the environmental impact assessment point of view, was the best. the choice was also studied from the technical and economic point of view, and the result showed that by implementing the choice C there would be at least 5% saving in the imported materials through the increased productivity as well as $ 62m. reduction in foreign exchange expenses through the introduction of modern technology. The raw material saving would lessen the plant foreign exchange expenses to the amount of $ 3 m. per annum. Furthermore, the automation of production process will make a reduction in the labor force and this in turn will lead to expense reduction, too. About 18% of the electricity consumption would be also saved. In addition to all the above-mentioned advantages, if the choice C is implemented, the continuation of plant activities regarding the environmental standards and regulations, and in line with the sustainable development, will be assured.
Keywords: Environmental Impact
Assessment, IRALCO,
*
Dept . of Environmental Health
Engineering ,
**
Expert at the Water Resources Quality Management Office
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