FGV Annual Report 2020

Sustainability Matters Wastewater Management All wastewater discharged from FGV mills is treated to ensure the biological oxygen demand and other parameters level comply with the regulatory requirements. Non-compliance of the parameters may result in the suspension of the operating license. At FGV, we are committed to meet the parameters set by the local regulators in all our operations. We conduct daily, weekly and monthly effluent performance monitoring that involves a lab analysis and physical condition of the POME treatment system. Every month, wastewater samples are taken and tested by accredited laboratory for quality parameters. In 2020, FGV installed 34 units Activated Sludge System plants and three (3) units membrane filters to enhance the performance of effluent treatment plant to comply with the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 20 ppm and below. Each of these units cost approximately RM2 million each. Wastewater in our plantation operations is primarily palm oil mill effluent (POME), which is a thick brownish viscous liquid waste with a colloidal suspension that consists of 95%-96% water, 0.6%-0.7% oil and 4%-5% total solids. The discharge of poorly managed POME is a major cause of river pollution. Therefore, the POME must be thoroughly treated to meet regulatory requirements before being discharged. There are three (3) levels of effluent treatment practised at FGV. They are: Primary treatment Secondary treatment Tertiary/ ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEM Physical process using chemicals. Biological processes using anaerobic and aerobic decomposition. (conventional ponding) Biological processes using mechanical aerators/Ultra- filtration macro-filtration/ activated carbon filter. To manage water shortages, our mills observe strict water processing control of throughput, oil contamination in effluent treatment system. We also undertake pond de-sludging activity and daily monitoring of the performance of the effluent treatment system for better performance. In addition, we continuously enhance the existing system for better quality discharge (aeration pond, polishing plant, membrane bio reactor) and foster better rapport with regulatory authorities. In the event of recovery actions needed, FGV will maximise SOP due diligence and undertake control processing that correlates with the prevailing effluent condition. In 2020, we recorded improvements in our BOD3 parameter compliance limit. The BOD3 discharge level averaged at 78 mg/l against the 74 mg/l in 2019. FGV will continue to make improvements to meet its internal target. In 2021, we are planning on further effluent improvements and will be engaging with regulatory authorities. 150 FGV HOLDINGS BERHAD Annual Integrated Report 2020