Investment in environmental measures
The volume of environmental investment in coking operations has been quite considerable. Coking plant Jan Šverma was fitted with desulphurisation equipment between 1993 and 1997, with subsequent modifications in the chemical processes, the hermetic sealing of chemical processes, and the introduction of measures to prevent emissions during chamber charging and dust removal from the coke. The same environmental measures were introduced at coking plant Svoboda between 1996 and 1999.
In 1998, extensive measures were introduced to increase the environmental quality of coking plants Jan Šverma and Svoboda with a total expenditure of nearly CZK 1.8 billion. Both plants have now reached European level in this respect.
Significant environmental projects in 2008
The most significant environmental projects of 2008 included the building of protective tanks for initial condensation at the Jan Šverma plant, with construction costs reaching CZK 16 million.
Coking plant Svoboda was improved with the hermetic sealing of chemical operations (first and second stages), with the total cost of the improvement reaching CZK 90 million. In the same year, preparations commenced for the construction project “Cooling unit for the safe water circuit”, and the construction of coking battery No. 10.
Significant environmental projects in 2009
The year 2009 was marked by two core environmental projects at coking plant Svoboda: cooling units for the safe water circuit, and the construction of coking battery No. 10. Coking plant Jan Šverma saw the completion of the project “Wastewater disposal”, with costs of CZK 35 million.
Significant environmental projects in 2010
Pivotal environmental projects were completed in 2010 at coking plant Svoboda: cooling units for the safe water circuit, with total costs of approximately CZK 92 million, and the construction of coking battery No. 10, with an investment of CZK 1.6 billion. The new battery meets the most stringent environmental limits applicable for such facilities. The coking batteries are fitted with state-of-the-art technology for the capture of air pollutants originating from coke production. All waste material from the construction was disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Significant environmental projects in 2011
For the upcoming period of 2011 to 2013, the company has planned the preparation and implementation of an environmental project designed to reduce air pollution from coke production. Planned constructions include: refurbishment of the quenching tower at coking batteries Nos. 9 and 10; installation of mini rising pipes at coking battery No. 8; installation of a regulating device for gas extraction at the battery charging stage; refurbishment of doors at coking battery No. 7; and acquisition of a cleaning truck. Of the above projects, the following are planned for 2011: refurbishment of the quenching tower at coking batteries Nos. 9 and 10 (an overhaul of the current method of quenching will decrease the volume of escaping dust particles in steam to the level of the legal limit); installation of rising pipes at coking battery No. 7 (improving the environmental parameters of the charging process at coking battery No. 8, resulting in a considerable decrease of raw coal gas escaping into the air); and acquisition of a cleaning truck.