Proposed Emission Standards, Siting Criteria and Good Practices for Hot Mix Plants

There are more than 1000 hot mix plants of different categories operating in different parts of the country. Most of the plants are of stationary and drum- continuous type. The rated production capacity varies from 6-10 t/hr to and 10-120 t/hr. The locations of these plants keep on changing. Burning of fuel, feeding of aggregate, direct heating of bitumen create environmental hazards especially `air pollution' due to dust and volatile organic compounds such as BTX, PAH, PCB's and VOCs.
Realizing the need to strike a balance between environment and economic development, the Central Pollution Control Board, with the help of Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee decided to prepare Comprehensive Industry Document (COINDS) on hot mix Plants in an effort to minimize the adverse environmental impacts by regulating emissions from these plants. Proposed emission standards, siting criteria and good practices have been circulated to manufacturers and other stakeholders for their comments and suggestions.

Development of Emission Standards for Wheat Processing and Flour Mills, Pulse Grinding and Milling, Dry Rice Grinding and Rice Mills

There are a large number of industrial units spread across the country engaged in pulse milling, dry rice and besan grinding, wheat processing and flour mills and rice mills. These units mostly use conventional production technologies and give rise to substantial pollution of air, water, noise, etc.

The objective of the study is the assessment of problem of noise, emission and effluent, best available cost-effective technology to control pollution and to develop standards for noise, emission and effluent including storm water disposal for wheat flour mills, pulses making mills, dry rice, pulses grinding mills and emission standards for rice mills. Study has been completed based on which recommendations are drawn.

Development of Environmental Standards, Stack Height Regulations and Good Practices for Producer Gas Plants and Biomass Gasifiers

Producer gas obtained by the process of gasification, can be employed in thermal application or for mechanical/electrical power generation. Like any other gaseous fuel, producer gas afford much better control over power levels when compared to solid fuel. This also paves the way for more efficient and cleaner operation.

Producer gas plants generate various pollutants and there are no pollution control norms for these plants presently. During the gas manufacturing, tars are generated and discharged into the environment, which are "non-aqueous" in nature. Coal tar is always co-mingled with other lighter oils, which are also waste products from producer gas plants. There are significant gaseous emissions containing certain volatile organic compounds along with other gaseous pollutants such as CO, NOx and SO2.

The producer gas plants and biomass gasifiers are energy efficient and environment friendly, but the local environmental benefits (such as reduction in particulate emission, CO, SO2 and NOx) have not been studied. The Central Pollution Control Board therefore, decided to study the environmental parameters systematically for producer gas plants and biomass gasifiers and recommend techno-economically feasible environmental standards following BATNEEC (best available technology not entailing excessive costs) and strategies for better environmental conditions in association with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi.

Comprehensive Industry Document: Development of Emission Standards and Good Practices for Arc Furnaces and Induction Furnaces in SSI sector

Heating in an electric furnace is made by electric energy. Raw ferrous materials consist mostly of scrap. For this reason, the electric furnace plays an important role in the recovery and recycling of waste iron resources. In areas where an abundant supply of scrap and electric power are available, the proportion of steelmaking via the electric furnace route is relatively high, because both energy consumption and equipment investment are substantially smaller in the integrated route using a BF and BOF process to produce steel from ore.

Electric furnaces are classified as arc furnaces or induction furnaces. The arc furnace is used far more extensively for steelmaking because its capacity is large and production efficiency is high. In addition to melting, both oxidation refining and reduction refining are possible in the arc furnace; the arc furnace is used for decarburization, dephosphorization, and dehydrogenation, and the induction furnace for desulfurization and deoxidation. The arc furnace is also capable of melting higher fraction of alloy scraps.

With the rapid industrialization, the consumption of steel continues to grow and as a result scarp generation will also continue to increase. Increased scrap generation in India and import from foreign countries means increased use of such furnaces, which will require adequate emission control and collection methods.

The Project is undertaken in association with Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCS&T), Chandigarh with the objectives to study and characterize fumes and emissions from electric arc furnace, induction furnace and inbuilt facilities (argon oxygen decarborizer, turning furnaces, pre-heater, etc.), to study fugitive emissions during raw material handling, additives handling and tilting of pot /crucible for molten metal testing or during transferring, to study noise pollution, minimization of fugitive emission and noise pollution, issues concerning generation, handling and disposal of slag (solid waste), suitable cost effective modifications for better performance, effluent handling for ETPs (i.e. provided for air pollution control system); and to evolve suitable environmental standards (emission, noise, effluent and solid waste) and good practice for electric arc and induction furnaces including inbuilt facilities.

Emission Standards, Stack Height Regulations and Siting Criteria for the Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK)

The existing emission standards on brick kilns pertains to only annular kilns (BTKs and high draft Kilns) and were made before VSBK emerged as a potential technology for firing brick in the country. With this background it has been considered to formulate the emission standards, Stack height regulations and Siting Criteria for Vertical Shaft Brick Kilns.

Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) is an energy efficient technology for firing clay bricks. It is particularly suited to the needs of brick production in developing countries - which is small scale and decentralized type i.e. clamps. Presently more than 30 VSBKs are in operation in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh. Several design modifications have been incorporated under the India Brick Project (IBP) in the original Chinese VSBK design to improve its performance in energy, environment and product quality aspects.

The main advantages claimed for VSBK technology are:

a. highest energy efficiency among all types of kilns;
b. lower emissions;
c. small area requirement; and
d. uniformity in the quality of the fired bricks

A study entitled "Development of Emission Standards and Stack Height Regulation for Vertical Shaft Brick Kilns vis-a-vis Pollution Control Measures" has been undertaken by Central Pollution Control Board in co-operation with TERI, New Delhi. The study has been completed and Draft emission standards, Guidelines and Siting Criteria have been evolved.

Performance Evaluation of Air Pollution Control System-Modification thereon and Review of Emission Standards for Bull's Trench Brick Kilns

India is the second largest producer of bricks after China. Brick is the common building material used in almost all parts of India. During the ninth five-year plan period, the annual demand of 170 million bricks per year was estimated. Brick making is a traditional industry but has emerged as an important activity. There are around 150,000 kilns engaged in brick production in the country. Brick making is highly energy intensive process, with specific energy consumption varying from 1.2 to 1.75 MJ/kg of fired bricks for BTKs and 1.5 to 3.0 MJ/kg for clamp kilns. Coal is the major fuel used for firing bricks. It is estimated that brick industry consumes over 20 million tonnes of coal annually.

Some of the technological development in brick firing, such as fixed chimney kilns, high draught kilns and vertical shaft brick kilns have resulted in reduction in pollution and increase in energy efficiency. The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, The Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCS&T), Chandigarh, etc. have designed fixed chimney and air pollution control device(s) basically to trap particulate matter from Bull Trench Kilns.

Of late, apart from coal, various fuels including vacuum residue/distillation cake of refinery, hazardous organic wastes, rejected coal of coal-washries and agriculture residue are being used as fuel at brick kiln industries. A Meeting of stakeholders, CPCB officials and TERI have been held to decide the monitoring protocol. Questionnaire survey has been prepared and circulated to all SPCBs and PCCs for collection of information.

Comprehensive Industry Document (COINDS) and Evolving Environmental Standards and Good Practices for Cashew Seed Processing Industry.

Cashew nut processing industry is one of the promising sector producing valuable commodity exported to Gulf and European countries. The industry is categorized as small-scale. There are about 300 units scattered in Nagercoil district, Tamilnadu itself. The concentration of these industries is also near Cheerla and Palasa in Andhra Pradesh; Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Trivandrum districts in Kerala and in Goa. Even though there is cashew seeds cultivation in this area, most of the production demand is met by importing cashew seeds from South Africa. There are two commonly followed methods of Cashew nut processing, viz roasting process and cooling process. In cooling process vegetable oil is extracted from the shells of the seeds, which has market in paint industry. Due to limited market demand for the oil, most of the industries are following roasting process.

The cashew seeds roasting process releases thick smoke from the roasting drum through the stack. The smoke has irritating odour and became public nuisance for the neighbourhood. The process also discharges wastewater from the quenching operation of the roasted seeds. The industries are mostly in small scale and cottage sector with no conventional and techno-economically cost-effective pollution abatement systems. Though pollution load from individual unit is relatively low but the magnitude of pollution problem from the cluster of units is substantial.

The environmental standards for cashew seed processing industry are yet to be developed. The Central Pollution Control Board is developing 'Comprehensive Industry Document on Cashewseed Processing Industry to evolve Environmental Standards and Cost Effective Good Practices' with the active co-operation of AIP- NPC, Chennai.

Fly Ash Utilization by Brick Kilns

A Notification, dated 14 /9/ 1999 was issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, as a follow-up of the orders dated 25-8-1999 of the Hon'ble High Court of, Delhi in CWP no. 2145/99; Centre for Public Interest Litigation, Delhi V/s. Union of India wherein it was made mandatory for the brick kilns to use flyash in brick making if located within 50 km radial distance from any coal based thermal power plant. Through a fresh notification dated 27-8-2003, the principal notification on flyash has been amended. Now it has been made mandatory for all brick kilns located within 100 km radial distance of any coal based thermal power plant to use flyash in brick making.

Compiled version, considering both the notification on flyash has been prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board and it has been provided to all state pollution control boards, pollution control committees and brick kiln owner's association. As a follow-up, Haryana Pollution Control Board has inserted an advertisement in the leading newspapers. All SPCBs and PCSs have been advised to carry-out an advertisement on similar lines in local news papers. Further, all SPCBs and PCCs have been advised not to allow any new brick kiln to be established within 100 km radial distance of power plant without flyash utilization facility.

Remediation and Restoration of Degraded lands due to Removal of Fertile Top Soil by Brick Kiln Industries in India

The Hon'ble Supreme Court while hearing the Writ Petition No. 133781/1984 in March 2002 regarding operation of brick kilns in Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) observed, inter alia, that the brick kilns manufacturers are using the rich fertile top soil for brick making and it will adversely affect the environment thereby depleting a very precious natural resource. The Supreme Court was of the view that the Ministry of Environment & Forests in consultation with Indian Agricultural Research Institute and other related organizations dealing with the subject, should make a study on the possible protection of the top soil.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, as a follow-up of the aforesaid observations of the Supreme Court, constituted an Expert Committee. The National Environmental Engineering Institute(NEERI) Nagpur has been commissioned by the Ministry of Environment of Forests to take up the aforesaid study. The study was to be completed within an year covering seven states namely Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, U.P. and West Bengal. Various aspects concerning the use of top soil are being studied. Remediation and restoration of degraded land due to removal of fertile top soil by brick kiln industry in India is also being studied. Technical reports for these states have already been prepared.

Solid Waste Management in Re-rolling Mills

The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India desired to know the status of solid waste management in re-rolling mills in India alongwith alternate use and reuse. An attempt has been made to collect information in this regard from all the State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees. Information received from 20 SPCBs and PCCs, being collated and compiled.

Separation of Chromium from waste chrome shavings to minimize disposal problems of hazardous solid wastes in tanneries

It is estimated that about 20,000 tonnes of chrome shavings are generated per annum from tanning industry in the country. In this project, the technology for chromium separation from the leather shavings has been developed. The study has been carried out in collaboration with Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai. The important findings of the study are as follows:

»Concentration of the chromium varies from 1.9-3.8% as Cr on dry solid basis.
»Moisture content of the shavings and trimmings varies from 40-55% depending upon the storage period.
»80-90% removal of chromium from shavings and trimmings with moisture content of about 50% was observed.
»Increase in the percentage of chromium extraction was observed for wetting back of the shavings and trimmings before detanning.
»Detanning process duration time of one hour is sufficient for chrome bearing waste with the moisture content of about 50%. More process duration time will be needed for low moisture content waste.
»500% float volume is sufficient for effective detanning in drums for shavings and 800% float volume for effective detanning in drums for trimmings.
»No enzyme or heating is involved in detanning.
»Intermittent mixing of 10 minutes per hour is sufficient for detanning and extraction for shavings. Continuous mixing is needed for trimmings.
»Lime at pH 12 is selected as a detanning agent.
»One time washing is sufficient. Washing is carried out in drum for a float volume of 500% for shavings and 800% for trimmings for a duration time of 30 minutes.
»Filtering of the shavings was done using a 2 mm sieve and filter bag.
»Detanned liquor and wash water can be reused for the next cycle, which will minimize the considerable quantity of the chemicals and process water.
»Formic acid at pH 3 is selected for chromium extraction.
»Two times extraction is needed for chrome shavings and three times extraction is needed for trimmings.
»Pulping occurs immediately after the addition of acid only in the case of shaving. Because of the pulping, the filtrate volume reduces and thereby reduces the percentage chromium extracted. The manual filtration process also takes more time due to clogging of the pores.
»Mechanical dewatering equipment are necessary for effective separation of liquor and solid for commercial scale operation.
»Drum with 12-15 rpm is sufficient for detanning and extraction process.

Comprehensive Industry Document on Electroplating Industry

The study has been undertaken to prepare a comprehensive industry document (COINDS) on electroplating industry. The information such as number of industries, their location, environmental problems and available pollution control technologies has been collected. The draft report includes detailed information on Electroplating Industry, processes & chemicals used, Environmental effects, In depth studies of 20 electroplating units, Recovery of metals, waste minimization & best available technology option, review of existing environmental standards comparison with environmental standards in other countries and suggestions revision of effluent & emission standards emission.

Performance Study of Tannery units

About ten tanneries located around Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were studied with the objectives to improve their pollution control performance. Some common problems were found and the suitable remedial measures were suggested. Some of the suggested measures are as follows:

1. Solid waste including chrome-bearing sludge to be stored properly in lined pits with a shed over it to protect from rains.
2. The algae growth in the aeration tank indicates that aeration tank is not maintained and not been put to use. MLSS level is to be maintained as per design.
3. Acoustic enclosures are to be provided for the DG set(s) for control of noise pollution, as per Notification under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
4. Boron bearing salts are not to be used in the manufacturing process.
5. Dry desalter machine should be installed to reduce load on the solar evaporation ponds.
6. Sprinkler system for solar evaporation ponds to be provided for effluent from soaking and pickling unit.

Preparation of Comprehensive Industry Document (COINDS) on Soaps & Detergents

Soaps and detergents are extensively used household products, which are indispensable to health, hygiene and cleanliness. So far, no industry specific emission / effluent standards have been stipulated by CPCB for the soaps & detergents manufacturing industry. It was decided to undertake the task of bringing out COINDS to provide necessary information on the status of Soaps & detergents industry in the country. CPCB entered into a 'Memorandum of Understanding' with Harcourt Butler Technological Institute (HBTI), Kanpur for the preparation of the document, which will include the minimal national standards and other relevant information needed for the prevention of environmental pollution from this industrial sector.

Sulphur Balance and Material Balance in Oil Refineries

In-depth study of four selected Oil Refineries located in western zone was carried out in association with IIT Kanpur. These refineries are - Reliance Industries Limited, Jamnagar; Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Vadodara; Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mumbai and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mumbai.

Distribution of sulphur in different stages of crude refining was studied and compared for all four refineries. The stack monitoring and wastewater quality monitoring was also carried out at all the refineries. The study highlights that sulphur content in products is only 29.7% at Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), but the same is high in other refineries. At RIL only 0.56% of sulphur contributed to the environment, but its concentration is quite high in other refineries. The sulphur recovery is also very high at this refinery as compared to other refineries, because of better technology and much larger sulphur recovery units.

Study of Dye Industries Located at Vatva Industrial Estate, Gujarat

As a mandatory requirement, 14 dye manufacturing units located at Vatva Industrial Estate had applied to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, for ex-post facto environmental clearance during February 2002. While considering the proposal for environmental clearance, the EIA Committee had visited these industries and recommended suggestions to the Ministry of Environment & Forests. The committee suggested that each unit should ensure reduction of COD to 400 mg/l at their ETP, so that after treatment in the CETP, the COD remains well within the specified environmental standard of 250 mg/l.

Status of Pollution Control Measures in Ceramics related units in West Bengal

The units namely ceramics are categorised under the small scale sector and the entire manufacturing process is undertaken in batches. The most important part of the manufacturing process is the kiln. There are two types of kilns - the tunnel kiln and the rectangular / dome shaped kiln, the former being the conventional one. However, with improvement in technology there is a gradual shift to the tunnel kiln for convenience, fuel efficiency and 'green product' management. In West Bengal most of the kilns have abandoned coal as the fuel. As of now the burners of the kilns use light diesel oil (LDO) as the fuel. The emission norms are not stipulated for SOx except for stack height. However, the stack monitoring results indicate that with respect to other parameters the emission norms have been complied.

Status of Disaster Management Plan at Haldia, West Bengal

There has always been an anxiety of the safety measures taken particularly at isolated storage sites of hazardous chemicals particularly fuels. The important statutes that cover these critical areas issued under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 are:

· Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and responses) Rule 1996
· Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals (MSIHC) Rules 1989
· Hazardous Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules 1989.

Questionnaires were circulated to the three major oil companies located in the Eastern region namely Indian Oil Corporation, IBP and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. It was observed that the major fuels stored are : superior kerosene oil (KO), Motor spirit (MS), ultra low sulphur high speed diesel (ULSHDS), mineral turpentine oil (MTO), aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and gases (like LPG, propane and butane). In this context major fuel storage sites were visited including Haldia in West Bengal. The plants have a detailed on-site emergency plan. In West Bengal, Haldia has been developed as major industrial estate dealing predominantly with hazardous chemicals. It was observed from the available reports that the District Administrator prepares the calendar of mock drill particularly by each units in the Haldia region. As per schedule, all the industries participate in the mock drill along with the unit which is demonstrating its on-site safety precautions. The outcome of these exercises is widely publicized. At Haldia, ships which anchor at the jetties - the precautions for the pipelines emanating from the jetty areas are also been taken during movement of chemicals through pipes. At the bay stations i.e. lorry (tank) fuel filling yards, the filling was automated leaving barely any scope for manual handling. The effluent (if any) is being skimmed for oil before discharge into the municipal drains. The units are participating in the eco-development of regions in the vicinity and there are adequate provisions for the green belt has been established.

Status of waste utilisation by industries

A project was initiated to identify industries among the 17 categories of industries which used to generate such 'waste / wastes' having potential usage in other industries. To begin with, the following industry categories have been considered, as the waste generated from these categories not only have the potential to be used by other industries but their quantity is also quite enormous creating 'waste management problems'. Questionnaires have been circulated to ascertain the waste load and the potential users.

Pollution Control in Tanneries

Kanpur city has one of the biggest tannery clusters in the country. With 354 tanneries, the environmental problem have also been equally alarming like pollution of surface and groundwater. Further, high content of chromium in the tannery wastewater has rendered the sludge from treatment plant, as hazardous. The regular surveillance and follow up suggest following status:

» Number of individual chrome recovery plant established by tanneries has increased from 8 in 1996 to over 80 in 2003.
» Feasibility study for Common Chrome Recovery Plant have been completed.
» After a series of meetings with local authorities, Tannery association and other apex agencies a proposal for cost mobilization for the plant prepared for Kanpur Nagar Nigam. The proposal is under active consideration of Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt of India. If approved the Kanpur Nagar Nigam and tanneries will contribute 15% each, whereas MoEF will provide the balance 70%.
» The defaulting tanneries have been issued with closure orders

Individual Chrome Recovery Unit (CRU) established

Solid Waste Management at Slaughter House

Waste management in slaughter houses has special significance because their wastes tend to form breeding ground for pathogenic micro-organisms. Burning or burying of wastes lead to the total loss of potential by-products. The waste processing and disposal has to be economical and environmentally acceptable. With a view to suggest proper waste management practices in slaughter houses, a study was undertaken. Recommendations on best practicable methods currently available for processing and disposal of different wastes and classes of slaughter houses have been identified and presented ahead. Incineration can also be used, which is one of the effective means for treatment of many wastes.

Environmental Guidelines for Control of Fugitive Emissions during Cement Manufacturing

During cement manufacturing, fugitive emissions are generated at various stages. The degree of fugitive emission and the type of controls adopted varies from industry to industry. A study on "Assessment of fugitive emissions and development of environmental guidelines for control of fugitive emissions from cement manufacturing units" has been undertaken in association with National Productivity Council, New Delhi and IIT Kanpur. The study includes identification of all figitive emission sources, monitoring and quantification of fugitive emission, characterization of dust and analysis of metals. Based on the study, the standards for fugitive emissions and environmental guidelines to control fugitive emission will be finalized.

Use of High Calorific Value Hazardous Waste as fuel in Cement Industries

There are a large number of hazardous waste generating units located in 373 districts of 21 states in the country. So far 11,138 units have been given authorization by State Pollution Control Boards under Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2003 mostly for temporary storage of hazardous waste, within the plant premises. It is estimated that about 4.43 million tonnes of hazardous waste is generated annually, out of which 71,833 tonnes of hazardous waste are incinerable. The benefits of using hazardous waste as a fuel in cement kiln are as follows:

· High temperature and residence time of 4-5 seconds in an oxygen rich environment, ensure the destruction of organic compounds found in the waste.
· Any acid gases formed during combustion are neutralised by the raw material being alkaline in nature and are incorporated into the cement clinker.
· Interaction of the flue gases and the raw material present in the kiln ensures that the non-combusible part of the residue is held back in the process and is incorporated into the clinker in a practically irreversible manner.
· No waste is generated that requires subsequent processing.

There is the need to promote utilization of hazardous combustible waste having higher calorific value in cement kiln as fuel. This will not only solve the disposal problem associated with hazardous waste but also conserve natural fuel resources. There is possibility of emissions of toxic metals, volatile organic carbon compounds and other toxic gases, which needs to be controlled. As a policy measure, several procedures and guidelines for utilization of hazardous waste in cement kiln as fuel has been suggested.

Pollution Control in Iron & Steel Sector

Iron and steel is one of the largest sector of industries in the country. Production of steel is the key factor denoting development, but is also a major source of water, air and solid waste pollution. Following major achievements have been made in the field of environmental management and pollution control from the integrated iron and steel industry:

· About 98% stacks are complying with emission standards;
· Ambient air quality is within the statutory norms;
· Discharge effluent quality for the plant/units are generally within effluent norms, except BOD plant for the parameter, cyanide;
· 62.5% of the solid waste generated in steel plants are being utilized either through recycling/reuse or commercial disposal; and,
· Tree plantation has been undertaken in and around steel plants with a target of plantation of one tree for the production of one tonne of steel.

The report on "Description of Clean Technology during steel making in Integrated Iron & Steel Industry, Development of Environmental Standards and Preparation of Comprehensive Document" has been prepared. National Environmental Standards and clean technology developed for blast furnace and steel melting shop will be placed for notification after finalisation.

Environmental Management in Mining Sector

Draft report on "Description of Clean Technology for iron ore mining, development of Environmental Standards and Comprehensive Industry Document" has been prepared. The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, vide its notification on 7th May 1992 has restricted certain activities in specified area of Aravalli Range. A document on "Study of Environmental Problems of Aravalli Hills & Preparation of Action Plan for Restoration of Environmental Quality (Gurgaon and Alwar Districts)" has been prepared. Based on the data generated, the impact on environment due to the industrial activities and mining will be assessed. The environmental impacts of cluster of the proposed mines and processing units under the present environmental scenario will be addressed separately. The Central Pollution Control Board has decided to include two other districts of Rajasthan - Chittorgarh and Udaipur - in the study.

Pollution Control in Copper Industry

The copper industries have agreed upon the following action points for protection of environment within the specified time bound targets:

· To meet the SO2 emission limits by Dec, 2005
· Installation of continuous SO2 monitoring system
· Proper operation and maintenance of tailing dams
· To achieve zero discharge through 100% recycle/reuse of treated wastewater
· To reduce fugitive emissions and overall housekeeping
· To develop canopy based greenbelt around the periphery of manufacturing unit and township

Pollution Control in Zinc Industry

The zinc industries have agreed upon the following action points for protection of environment within the specified time bound targets:

· To meet the SO2 emission limits by Dec, 2006
· Installation, proper operation, maintenance and calibration of continuous SO2 monitoring system
· Construction of secured landfill for disposal of hazardous waste such as jerosite cake, ETP cake and spent catalyst as per CPCB guidelines
· To achieve zero discharge through 100% recycle/reuse of the treated wastewater by Dec, 2004
· To reduce the generation of fugitive dust from vehicle movement and improve overall housekeeping
· To develop canopy based greenbelt around the periphery of plant and township

Pollution Control in Aluminium Industry

First meeting of the National Task Force constituted for implementation of the CREP recommendations deliberated on following important action points:

· Phase II Fluoride emission limits for soderberg process as agreed in CREP shall be finalised after Phase I is implemented
· More information on fluoride needs to be collected before environmental standards are finalised
· Pot life of 2000 days for Soderberg technology was felt more practical and the same was recommended

Pollution Control in Thermal Power Plants

There are 83 coal-based thermal power plants in the country, of which 5 thermal power plants are closed. A total number of 56 plants comply with the prescribed emission standards while 22 thermal power plants are yet to comply with the emission standards. As many as 63 plants comply with effluent standards while 15 plants are not complying with the effluent standards.

A Task Force (TF) for implementation of recommendations of the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection (CREP) in thermal power plants was constituted. The Task Force met twice in the year and reviewed the status of non-compliant power plants. The Task Force decided that non-compliant thermal power plants shall prepare an action plan for installation/augmentation of pollution control systems in time-bound manner as per recommendations of CREP.

Preparation of Comprehensive Industry Document (COINDS) on Bullion industry

Bullion refining is an important industry from economic view point. Importance of this industry is very well illustrated by the fact that India invests huge amounts in purchase of gold and silver as the demand for these metals is increasing. The operations and process involved in bullion refining industry are energy and water intensive, also generate emissions, effluents and solid waste in the environment. Environmental standards need to be developed to regulate these discharges. Also to suggest in-plant pollution control & resource conservation measures and other alternative pollution control, waste-handling measures including that of the treatment plants so as to meet the discharge standards. Services of M/s ENC Consulting Engineers have been hired to undertaken preparation of 'Comprehensive Industry Document for Bullion Industry'.

Development of Technologies for Pollution Control from Selected Drugs Manufacturing Units - Paracetamol, A Case Study

Paracetamol is an important drug manufactured in India and is being used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug in a number of drug formulations. Its production is reserved for small-scale sector in India and present production capacity is estimated as 17,000 tonnes per year.

The Central Board took up a study with the association of the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and in-depth studies are under way to arrive at affordable cleaner options in production of paracetamol bulk-drug.

Review of Effluent Standards and Development of Emission Standards for Basic Organic Chemicals Manufacturing Industry

With respect to basic organic chemicals, the effluent standards have been developed and there is a need to develop emission standards and guidelines for hazardous waste management. It is also required to review the effluent standards in view of change in BPT. Therefore, the Central Board took up a study to review the existing effluent standards considering best practicable technology including waste minimisation techniques; to develop emission standards considering techno-economic feasibility within the domain of health and environment and also to develop guidelines for hazardous waste management.

Determination of Optimum Water Consumption Limit for the Bulk Drug Manufacturing Industry

A study has been taken up by the Central Board to review the existing patterns of the water use by the bulk drug industry, options for optimisation and to arrive at optimum water consumption limit. Based on this study, optimum water consumption limit for selected 84 drugs has been arrived, which are being further reviewed to explore the feasibility to have common value.

Risk Assessment in Oil Refineries and Petrochemical Complexes

Safety, health and environment protection are the key concerns for the oil refineries and petrochemical industries. The Central Board took up a project to study some oil refineries and petrochemical complexes in detail and to establish and train the regulatory officers on the procedures and techniques for carrying out risk assessment in these industries.