ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: The compressed natural gas filling stations have been set up in the federal capital city in violation of the environmental laws as none of these CNG stations have obtained clearance certificate from the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency.

This has been stated in a letter recently sent by the Agency to the chief commissioner and the director-general of the CDA environment directorate.

Under section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, it is mandatory to seek approval from environmental protection agency/department for establishing projects having adverse environmental effects.

The Agency, in order to implement of the Act, has already issued the IEE/EIA Regulations, 2000, the letter stated.

It said the Agency had also noted that a number of CNG filling units had been installed at outlets of various oil marketing companies. It added that none of these companies had sought approval from the Agency in this regard, which was clear violation of the law.

The Agency has asked the Oil Companies Advisory Committee to advise its member organizations to follow the legal requirements in future. It also asked the committee to explain as to why clearance certificates were not obtained by its member companies to establish CNG facilities at their respective outlets.

When approached, Mohammad Ashraf, general manager of CNG operations, Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan, said: “We have nothing to do with this environmental issue. It is between Pepa and the Capital Development Authority’s environment directorate.”

Responding to a question, Tariq Kandaan, president of All Pakistan CNG Stations Association, told this reporter that at present, there were about 20 to 25 stations in the capital.

“We seek licence from Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority for setting up CNG stations,” he said, adding that the No Objection Certificates to be sought before establishing a CNG unit were duly being obtained.

“Had there been a requirement for another NoC concerning environmental clearance, we would have followed that too,” Mr Kandaan maintained.

However, sources said a number of environmental concerns were also attached with the setting up of a CNG station.

Such a facility must be equipped with noise barriers with a view to controlling noise pollution.

Location is also of critical importance, since any untoward incident can lead to loss of property and life. Similarly, there must be some strict check on the material used to control even minor leakages.