IEAT offers four location options for Exxon Mobil’s new petrochem facilities
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is working with Petroleum Institute of Thailand to survey possible locations for Exxon Mobil Corporation to establish its new petrochemical facilities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the authority’s governor, Somjin Phileuk, said.
“We have narrowed down suitable choices to four; two of them are lands near Laem Chabang Industrial Estate with areas of 5,000 and 1,200 rai respectively, one will involve reclamation of 2,500 rai of land in the Gulf of Thailand, and the last choice is at Phase 3 of Laem Chabang Port with an area of 1,875 rai,” she said.
Somjin explained that the lands near the industrial estate are the most suitable because they are located near Exxon Mobil’s current refinery and should help reduce transportation cost. “However, there are several communities located on and near those lands, and some time will be required to reclaim the land for building the facilities,” she added. “The third choice, which involves reclaiming land from the Gulf of Thailand, poses the challenge of lacking potential for future expansion without impacting the coastal environments.”
The fourth choice of land is located near Laem Chabang Port’s sludge storage tanks. The IEAT will need to find alternative solutions for companies that are currently using the tanks. “The Port Authority of Thailand has confirmed that they will provide assistance in any way possible, including relocating the tanks,” she added.
“The study for a suitable location is expected to be completed within February and will later be presented to the Cabinet for approval, which will be followed by the EHIA [environmental and health impact assessment] study,” said Somjin.