31 October, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. Naftan OJSC, in conjunction with the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, is conducting a public discussion on the environmental impact assessment report for the construction of a hydrogen production unit, the chief engineer of the enterprise, Anatoly Artyukh, informed BELTA correspondent. This is the first such discussion to be held, and it is designed to familiarise the general public with the impact the construction of the new facility will have on the environmental situation in the city. The construction of the hydrogen production unit is envisaged by the "Naftan 2010-2015" reconstruction and modernisation programme. The new facility is intended to meet the hydrogen demand of the reconstructed hydrotreating units. The project is based on the latest achievements in oil refining, taking into account the rapidly changing requirements of sales markets. The implementation of this project will allow for an expanded range of import-substituting products: the enterprise will produce high-quality gasoline and diesel fuel with minimal sulphur content, meeting the highest European standards, as well as quality boiler fuel. As calculations have shown, after the construction of the hydrogen production unit, the concentration of harmful substances will not change, therefore, the risks of man-made atmospheric air pollution and, consequently, the negative impact on the living conditions of Novopolotsk residents are minimal. The construction will also have no negative impact on the water basin, soil, or landscape. At the same time, Naftan's new production facilities will yield a long-term economic effect. The stable economic position of the enterprise will ensure an increase in budget revenues, which can be used for the socio-economic development of the region, Anatoly Artyukh emphasised. The public discussion of the project and consultations will continue until 23 November of the current year. The environmental impact assessment report for the construction of the hydrogen production unit can be reviewed at the enterprise and at the City Executive Committee.-0-

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