Air pollution

Air Pollution

NEA regulates sources of air pollution, imposing minimum standards to ensure that emissions remain at acceptable levels to ensure that Singapore has clean and safe air. Emission standards are specified in the Environmental Protection and Management (Air Impurities) Regulations.The main targets of NEA’s air pollution regulations are industrial operations, power generation plants and motor vehicles.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) Emission Inventory

SO₂ emissions are a major issue in Singapore given off mainly by refineries, power stations, other industries, cargo ships. As shown below is the emissions data collected from various sources in 2007.

During that period of time when industrialization has grown rapidly and emissions were extreme, Singapore had specifically reclaimed a piece of land, Jurong Island, for industrial purposes.  

Sources	Emitters	SO2 Emissions (tonnes)	Contribution of SO2 Emissions
Refineries	Shell	28,278	51%
	Singapore Refining Company	26,754
	ExxonMobil	22,421
Power Stations	Power Seraya	14,194
	Tuas Power	18,382	27%
	Senoko Power	7,754
Shipping	-	28,026	18%
Other Industries	Sembcorp Utilities and Terminals	748	3%
	ExxonMobil Petrochemical	722
	Linde Syngas	546
	Mitsui Phenol	436
	Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore	208
	Invista	3
	Other Fuel Oil Users	1,300
	Diesel Users	46
Motor Vehicles	Petrol Vehicles	891	1%
	Diesel Vehicles	101
Total		150,810	100%

I think that by isolating the industrial area, away from residential and working places, people are less likely to be affected by the harmful toxins and chemicals released by the factories. Although this method does not help in overcoming air pollution, it helps to improve the problems that come along with air pollution (e.g.: haze, health conditions of the people)

Industrial Emissions

The NEA’s Source Emission Test Scheme for industries requires industries to conduct source emission test on their own or engage accredited consultants to do so on their behalf. This helps industries to monitor their air emissions regularly and to take measures, to ensure compliance with the prescribed air emission standards.

By implementing regulations, standards and having tests, factories have to abide certain rules and meet certain criteria. Those who failed to meet the standards are penalised and have to pay heavy fines. I feel that this system will benefit air pollution in Singapore greatly because factories are mindful of what they should or not release in order not to pay the fines or be “black-listed”. Also, enforcing rules are inexpensive ways of controlling gases emissions, only the co-operation of the people has to be sought for.

Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution. To control the emissions generated by motor vehicles, NEA regulates the type and quality of fuel that can be used in Singapore, and also sets minimum exhaust emission standards for all vehicles.

NEA takes stringent enforcement actions against smoky vehicles on the roads. Regulation 19 of the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations stipulates that it is an offence for any person to use or permit the use of any smoky vehicle on the road.

It is the responsibility of every owner of a vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before using it on the road. Besides carrying out proper servicing and maintenance of the vehicle regularly, the driver must also not overload the vehicle or drag the engine of the vehicle while driving. For 2-stroke motorcycles, the cause of white smoke emissions is usually due to addition of lubricating oil in excess of the amount specified in the vehicle manufacturer’s manual.

Again, law enforcing requires more of the peoples’ cooperation than funds hence its economically-friendly and would also prove beneficial since drivers will most likely keep their vehicles in good conditions and go for vehicle-checks than pay additional taxes or fines.

Off-Road Diesel Engines

With effect from 1 July 2012, all off-road diesel engines to be imported for use in Singapore are to comply with the EU Stage II, US Tier II or Japan Tier I off-road diesel engine emission standards. Off-road diesel engines are any equipment or machinery that is equipped with diesel engines as the main or auxiliary prime mover and not registered with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for use on public roads. Examples of off-road diesel engines include construction equipment such as cranes, excavators, forklifts and power generators. Diesel engines used in ships, railways, locomotives and aircraft do not fall under this regulation.

All newly-imported off-road diesel engines, both new or used, intended for use in Singapore must comply with the stipulated emission standards with effect from 1 July 2012. This regulation includes those with engine power above 560kW. The engine or off-road diesel equipment can be sent to an overseas or Singapore accredited laboratory for an emissions test according to the ISO 8178 standards.

Allowing only specific types of diesel engines ensures standardisation. People either abide the rule set or pay fines. This form of using money to control people from releasing harmful chemicals and gases encourage Singaporeans to play their role in managing air pollution and the results could be as good as buying or building new machines which help clear toxic air.