DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

Development of Microbiological Quality Standards for Treated

Sewage

Ministry of Environment, Govt. of India has constituted a Committee in 1999 to

recommend coliform standards for treated sewage discharged into rivers and
lakes. The Committee has recommended limits for fecal coliform along with limit
for BOD. Subsequently a High Powered Committee appointed by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court constituted a sub-committee chaired by Chairman, CPCB to
recommend coliform standards in treated sewage discharged into river Yamuna
in Delhi Stretch. As a follow up of the recommendations of the two expert
committees a project was sponsored by CPCB to study reduction of coliform
during treatment with conventional treatment technologies adopted in the
country. The study was carried out in collaboration with IIT Roorkee and Anna
University, Chennai. This study included various STPs operating with various
treatment technologies in North and South India. It was observed by the two
institutes that up to 99% reduction in coliform could be achieved by the
conventional methods of treatment provided the treatment plants are operated
satisfactorily. However, even after 99% reduction in coliform the effluent does not
meet the quality specified by WHO & USEPA for its use to irrigate food crops
eaten raw or discharged into the rivers having very little or no dilution. The
reports have been finalized and the results are proposed to be presented before
the Peer & Core Committee of CPCB for finalizing environmental standards.

WHO Recommended Microbiological Quality Guidelines

Treatment to
Intestinal Fecal
Exposed achieve the
Category Reuse conditions nematodes coliforms
group microbiological
(eggs/litre) (cells/litre)
quality

Irrigation of crops
Workers Series of
likely to be eaten
A consumers, <1 <1000 stabilization
uncooked, sports
public ponds
fields, public parks

Irrigation of cereal 8-10 day

crops, industrial and No retention in
B Workers <1
fodder crops, standard stabilization
pasture, trees ponds

Localized irrigation
of crops in category Not Not At least primary
C None
B if no human applicable applicable sedimentation
exposure
USEPA Typical Guidelines for Effluent Reuse

Type of reuse Reclaimed water quality

Urban reuse
pH 6-9, BOD <10mg/l, Turbidity < 2NTU;
Landscape irrigation
No fecal coliforms /100ml; 1 mg/l residual
Toilet flushing
chlorine.
Recreational lakes
Agricultural reuse
Food crops, commercially pH 6-9, BOD <30mg/l, SS < 30 mg/l;
processed surface irrigation, Fecal coliforms < 200 /100ml; 1 mg/l residual
orchards, vineyards. Non-food chlorine.
crops.
Ground water recharge pH 6.5-8.5, Turbidity < 2NTU; No fecal coliforms/
Potable aquifers 100ml; 1 mg/l residual chlorine; other parameters
Indirect reuse as potable standards.

Summary of Results

Total Total Fecal Fecal

Coliform Coliform Coliform Coliform
Treatment
MPN/100 mL MPN/100 mL MPN/100 mL MPN/100 mL
Technology
in Influent X in Effluent X in Influent X in Effluent X
106 104 106 104
Anna University
AABF 5 – 500 5 - 380 2.90 - 500 3.7 – 190
ASP 6.8 - 5,000 50 - 6,800 5 - 3,700 37 - 3,800
<2 <2
Tertiary Treated 0.68 – 98 (all but one 1.1 - 68 (all but one
day) day)
OP 3.8 – 680 0.05 - 900 0.7 - 98 0.038 – 500
TF 6.8 –500 2 - 3,000 3.8 - 370 2 – 1,100
IIT, Roorkee
UASB 2.3 – 23 1.9 - 23 0.23 - 15 0.023 – 23
UASB 1.6 - 43 1.1 - 23 0.39 - 23 0.11 – 4.3
OP 4.3 –930 1.5-430 0.023 - 230 0.15-210
ASP 1.5 – 4.3 9.3 - 930 0.21 – 1.5 0.15 – 930
Anaerobic Filter 28 450 6.8 130

Development of Emission Standards for Petrochemical

Industries
Petrochemicals are hydrocarbons obtained from naturally occurring raw materials
viz petroleum, natural gas, coal etc. The emergence of downstream
petrochemical products manufacturing industries (popularly called synthetic
organic chemicals manufacturing industries) like high polymers, synthetic fibres,
plastic and plasticizers, synthetic rubbers, pesticides, carbon black, detergents,
fertilisers and other similar products are outcome of the technological
developments in the field of chemicals based on petroleum feedstock. These
feedstock’s can either be cracked in cracker complexes to produce olefins or
reformed in aromatic complexes to produce aromatics. These olefins and
aromatics are grouped together as basic petrochemicals & form the major
building blocks. Synthetic organic chemicals can also be obtained from other
alternative sources like ethyl alcohol (from molasses), acetylene (from calcium
carbide) and benzene (from coke oven by products). With the application of new
process technology in the field of petrochemicals based on feedstock available
from refineries, there is a positive shift towards petroleum feedstock. In general,
the manufacturing processes of petrochemicals involve raw materials undergoing
one or more chemical reactions followed by different unit operations to separate
the product from side products and co-products.

There is a growing concern on hydrocarbon levels in ambient air due to their

toxic effects, global warming potential and ability to deplete stratospheric ozone.
Considering the high growth rate in the petrochemicals sector and the increasing
global concerns on hydrocarbon levels in ambient air due to release of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Thus it is important to
understand that the air emission from petrochemical complex cannot be
addressed like other chemical production units as it comprises of multiple
processing unit at one specific location producing a wide range of synthetic
products from feed hydrocarbon and equipment and thus resulting into a complex
problem of release of VOCs.

With this objective of protection of health and environment, Central Pollution

Control Board has prepared emission standards for the identified priority
pollutants from the petrochemicals plant. The emission standards have been
approved in 139th Meeting of Central Board meeting.

Development / Review of Effluent & Emission Standards for

Fertilizer Industries

Standards for discharge of effluent and emission from fertilizer industries were
notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in the years 1987. Since
then, various developments with respect of process/pollution control technologies
and waste minimization & better management practices have taken place. In
view of this, revision of the existing standards was taken up. The base work is
completed and the draft recommended standards were discussed in the 19th
Peer & Core Committee meeting. These revised standards are being finalized,
which would be placed before the Board for its approval & subsequent
discussions by the Expert Committee in MoEF for consideration & notification.
Control of Offensive Odour Substances with Specific Reference
to Selected Industrial Processes
A study on ‘Control of Offensive Odour Substances with Specific Reference to
Selected Industrial Processes’ has been taken up by the Central Pollution
Control Board for identification of method of odour detection and control
technology for enlisted offensive odour substances and setting norms for control
of specific offensive odour substances from selected industrial processes. The
study is in progress.

Development of Guidelines for Design, Operation, Tail Gas

Treatment and Emission Standards for Industry Specific
Hazardous Waste Incinerators

The wastewaters generated from the chemical industries pose problems to

biological treatment whereas partial/full chemical treatment is often costlier and
results in generation of large amount of hazardous waste (sludge). Therefore,
there is a paradigm shift from end-of-the-pipe-treatment to cleaner technology,
segregation of streams and corresponding treatment due to public awareness
and constant persuasion of the regulators. This shift led to installation of
chemical waste incinerators for handling the toxic/hazardous wastes such as
process residues, spent solvents, toxic aqueous waste, toxic & odorous gases
etc. The calorific value of the waste is of major significance in operation of the
incinerators as low calorific value wastes may require use of auxiliary fuel. The
designs of incineration facilities also vary from industry to industry depending on
type of waste feed. The various types of incinerators operating in the field are
fluidised bed; drum pyrolyser, liquid injection or rotary type.

One of the issues that are of concern to the chemical industries is the waste gas
cleaning from the chemical waste incinerators. Central Pollution Control Board
has taken up study to develop emission regulations for chemical waste
incinerators for framing guidelines / norms for control. The objective of the study
is to assess the indigenous existing chemical waste incinerators in respect of
design adequacy, operation conditions and tail gas treatment facilities, choice of
better practices, improvement in all the concerned aspects and suggesting
techno-economically feasible regulatory mechanism. For this the chemical
industries such as pesticides, bulk-drugs, basic organic chemicals and dye and
dye intermediate have been selected initially. The draft emission standards for
pesticide sector have been prepared and the emission standards for bulk drug
sector is in progress.

Development of Technologies for Pollution Control in

Paracetamol Units
Paracetamol is an important analgesic and antipyretic drug. A large amount of
waste is generated during iron based chemical reduction process in Paracetamol
manufacturing. Since, the scale of operation is small and it will be very difficult for
small-scale units to dispose even in common hazardous waste disposal site. It
will be worthwhile for industrial units to employ catalytic hydrogenation or any
other cleaner technology options so that the effluent/emission/hazardous waste
generation can be eliminated.

Central Pollution Control Board carried out a study in association with the
National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, to develop cleaner technology i.e.
replacement of the present chemical reduction involving use of iron. Out of four
processes used for production of paracetamol - Phenol Route, p-
nitrochlorobenzene route, 4-hydroxyacetophenone route and Nitrobenzene route
– the Nitrobenzene route is more popular since it is less costly and technology is
well accustomed in the country. Therefore, NCL decided to upgrade this
technology. The study has highlighted the modifications required in the existing
process route during upgradation of technology.

Study on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Unintentionally

Formed in Certain Chemical Processes
India is a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
(POPs), which has been ratified after signing by 50 industries and is going to be
in force. CPCB has under taken a study to inventories and determining emission
factors for unintentionally formed POPs. Viz. Hexachlorocyclohexane,
Chlorophenols, Chlorobenzens, Chlorinated diphenyl ethers resulting from the
manufacture of selected products and to develop strategies / technique for
minimisation of unintentionally formed POPs.

The product / processes identified for this study are Chlorinated copper
phthalocyanies, Aromatic chlorophenols, Endosulphan, Hexachloro cyclohexane
(Lindane), Pigment Violet 23, including manufacture of Chloranil, Pigment 1 Red
2, Chlorobenzenes and Cyanuric chloride.

Preparation of National Chemical Management Profile (NCMP)

National Chemicals Management Profile (NCMP) is being prepared under the
Canada-India Environmental Institutional Strengthening Project (CI-EISP). It will
help assess the national infrastructure for the management of chemicals in the
country to identify the gaps for capacity building and priority areas of concern to
improve chemicals management. The final document is under preparation.

Development of Environmental Guidelines for Control of

Fugitive Emissions in Cement Manufacturing

Fugitive emissions are generated at various stages of cement manufacturing.

The degree of fugitive emissions and the type of controls adopted varies from
industry to industry. It is generally observed that in most cement industries the
control measures adopted for these fugitive emissions are not always satisfactory
and as a result substantial quantity of fugitive emissions are generated which
spread within and out side the industry premises and causes adverse impacts on
human health and environment. Keeping in view the problem of fugitive
emissions, a study on “Assessment of fugitive emissions and development of
environmental guidelines for control of fugitive emissions during cement
manufacturing” was undertaken in association with National Productivity Council,
New Delhi and IIT, Kanpur.

The study includes identification of all fugitive emission sources, monitoring of

fugitive emission, quantification of fugitive emission, characterization of dust and
analysis of the samples for heavy metals. The draft report has been prepared
and environmental guidelines to control fugitive emissions from cement industries
are being finalized in consultation with the stakeholders.

Development of Standards for New Cement Kilns and Cement

Kilns within Urban Areas
The following emission standards have been notified under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 in addition to the emission standards notified earlier for the
Cement Industry.
(i) For cement kilns including grinding units located in critically polluted areas
with a population of one lakh and above (including 5 km distance out side
urban boundary) the particulate matter emission standard shall be100 mg/ Nm3.
(ii) For new cement kilns including grinding units the particulate matter
emission standard shall be 50 mg/Nm3.

Revision of Standards for Asbestos based Industries

The following revised emission standards for asbestos based industries have
been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Industrial Sector Pollutants Emission limit

All types of Pure asbestos 0.5 fibre* /cc with effect from 3rd
asbestos material Feb 2006 for one year
manufacturing units
(including all Pure asbestos 0.2 fibre* /cc with effect from 3rd
processes involving material Feb 2007
the use of
asbestos)
* Fibre of length more than 5 micrometer and diameter less than 3 micrometre
with an aspect ratio of 3 or more.
Comprehensive Industry Document for Iron Ore Mining
A project “Description of Clean Technology for iron ore mining and development
of Environmental Standard and preparation of comprehensive document” was in
progress at Central Pollution Control Board in consultation with Steel Authority of
India Limited, (EMD), Kolkata. Draft Environmental Standards and Guidelines /
Code of Practice for Iron Ore Mines have been finalized after series of
discussions / meeting with all concerns. Draft Environmental Standards and
Guidelines / Code of Practice for Iron Ore Mines have been approved by the
Central Pollution Control Board in its meeting held on November 17, 2006.

Development of Environmental Standards for Sponge Iron

Plants

Environmental Standards and Guidelines / Code of Practice for Pollution

Prevention for Sponge Iron Industry have been finalized after a series of
meetings / discussions at Central Pollution Control Board and MoEF. The
guidelines for setting standards provided in National Environment Policy–2006 of
Ministry of Environment & Forests were also taken into consideration while
finalizing the Environmental Standards. The comprehensive industry document
on Sponge Iron Industry is under publication under series Comprehensive
Industry Document Series (COINDS).

Standards for Steel Melting Shop (BOF) and Blast Furnace of

Steel Industry
The Central Pollution Control Board has finalized the Environmental Standards
for Steel Melting Shop (BOF) and Blast Furnace of Steel Industry and Guidelines
/ Code of Practice for Pollution Prevention after a series of meeting with the
industry, Ministry of Steel, State Pollution Control Board and all concerns. The
findings have been placed in the Peer & Core Group Committee for approval of
standards and finally approved by the Committee.

Environmental Standards, Stack Height Regulations and Good Practices for

Producer Gas Plants and Biomass Gasifiers

Producer gas is a derived gaseous fuel by gasification of various primary fuels

like coal, lignite, wood, agriculture residue and other biomass. Though, the bio-
resource base of India is substantial, its contribution to useful energy is low.
Producer gas can be employed in thermal application or for power generation.
Like any other gaseous fuel, producer gas facilitates much better control over
power levels when compared to solid fuel. This also paves the way for more
efficient and cleaner operation. However, producer gas can’t be stored.

Coal is the major primary fuel and is also processed and converted into other
forms. The producer gas derived from gasification of coal continues to be the
main fuel for the refractory industries particularly in the eastern parts of the
country because coal is available in the eastern parts at a cheaper cost. In the
western part of the country the refractory industries are using charcoal-derived
producer gas for kiln and furnace heating due to availability of charcoal.

In a single location, Morbi (Rajkot district, Gujrat) approximately 80 charcoal

based producer gas units are in operation. In Himachal Pradesh, Limekilns are
operated using charcoal based producer gas to manufacture lime for
pharmaceutical industry. A few rolling mills are being operated with coal-based
producer gas in Raipur (Chatisgarh). Producer gas finds application in glass
industry, retort heating and boiler heating.

Realizing the relevance of gasification process, Government of India has taken

various initiatives to promote the technology in the country. Biomass gasifiers
have now found utility in range of industries and power applications across the
country through numerous demonstration projects and commercialization
activities. Over 1200 gasifiers have been reportedly installed under the Ministry
of Non Conventional Energy Sources(MNES), Government of India, subsidy
programs, and an estimated number of 400 additional gasifiers have been
installed outside the subsidy regime. Few small-scale entrepreneurs are also
trying to manufacture and install gasifiers on a commercial basis.

In a view of a large potential of producer gas based applications in the country,

there is a need to examine the performance of gasifier-based applications in
terms of efficiency and environment performance. At present there are no
pollution control norms and no specific standards in place for producer gas
plants. Some important industrial safety issues pertaining to exposure to high
temperature surfaces, exposure to CO emissions, and prevention (and control) of
explosions and backfires. It calls for good design of the insulating system, good
instrumentation and control.

The Central Pollution Control Board has taken up this study for formulation of
environmental standards for these units in association with The Energy and
Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi. Monitoring of biogasifiers was done for
the units utilizing gas for Ceramic industry at Morbi, Gujrat Industrial Carbon
Dioxide production at Porbandar, Gujrat demo biogasifier at Savli, Gujarat and
rice mill at Burdhwan, West Bengal. Monitoring for producer gas units was
carried in re-rolling mills at Raipur, Chattisgarh, refractory industry at
Jharasguda, Orissa. limekilns unit at Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh and
Dankuni Coal complex in Kolkatta. West Bengal. Producer & biogasifier gas units
were monitored for stack emissions (PM, SO2 & CO); ambient air quality (SPM,
RSPM, SO2, & NOX); Work station air quality (Dust level, CO); Liquid effluents
(pH, temperature, TS,SS,TDS, Oil & Grease, COD, BOD, phenols & Total
Cyanide); solid waste (ash & tar) and energy performance. The study has been
completed and report is under finalization.

Revision of Comprehensive Industry Document (COINDS) on

Tanneries
The Central Pollution Control Board published “Minimal National Standards
(MINAS) for Tanneries, COINDS/35/1991-92” based upon the document
“Comprehensive Document on Pollution Control in Tanneries” prepared by CLRI.
The objective was to evolve standards for disposal of effluents considering the
techno-economic feasibility of the treatment systems. Over a period of time these
treatment technologies have changed and better technologies are now available
which are either modified version of old technologies or altogether new. In view
of above, the revised Comprehensive Industry Document on Tanneries is being
prepared with the help of Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai.
The work has been initiated and likely to be completed in two year time. The
objectives for revising and upgrading the Comprehensive Industry Document are

• to provide the information on the status of Tannery industry

• to study the environmental problems

• to assess all four types of pollution viz air, water, soil & noise

• to develop minimal national standards which could be achieved by the

industry techno-economically, and

• to identify appropriate pollution control system duly considering the capital

and operating costs

Chemical industries create a high risk to environment due to the nature of

pollutants released from chemical Industries. Pesticides industry in particular is
identified as one of the highly polluting industry in which pollution control needs
priority. Over a period of time, treatment technologies have changed and better
technologies are now available which are either modified version of old
technologies or altogether new. The existing Comprehensive Industrial
Document on Pesticide Industry needed upgradation to include new and
developing technologies so that pesticide industry could achieve disposal
standards for pollutants in liquid effluents, and gaseous emission and also
management of solid wastes. The study has been taken up for revision of
COINDS, which include production technologies, effluent generation, reduction &
recycling of effluents, treatment technologies, by- product recovery/ utilization
etc.

Emission Standards and Stack Height Regulation for Vertical

Shaft Brick Kiln
Bull’s Trench Kiln (BTK), Clamp Kilns and Down Draught Kilns are primarily
used for brick making in the country. Clamp kilns of various designs are used for
brick manufacturing in Peninsular India. BTKs are used mainly in Indo- Gangetic
plains and down –draught Kiln are being used for brick manufacturing in
Karnataka. Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK), a Chinese technology has been
introduced in India in 1996. Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln, a clean technology is an
energy efficient technology and can be an alternate technology for replacement
of clamp kilns.

The standards for Bull’s Trench Brick Kiln are already notified vide notification
GSR No. 176 (E); April, 1996 under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. A
study entitled “Development of Emission standards and stack Height Regulation
for Vertical Shaft Brick Kilns vis-à-vis Pollution Contol Measures” has been
undertaken by CPCB in association with The Energy & Resources Institute
(TERI), New Delhi. Guidelines covering siting criteria and good practices have
been prepared under the study and are being considered for publication.

Review of Emission Standards for Bull’s Trench Brick Kilns:

There are around 1,50,000 kilns engaged in brick production in the country.
Different types of kilns i.e. clamp, down draught kilns and bull’s trench brick kilns
are employed in brick making. However, Bull’s trench kilns (BTKs) are prevalent
all over the country. Brick making is highly energy intensive process and results
in stack and fugitive dust emissions due to inefficient combustion and ash
covering and handling of clay. Some of technological developments such as fixed
chimney, gravity settling chambers, introduction of vertical shaft brick kilns have
resulted in some reduction in pollution and increase in energy efficiency. Ministry
of Environment & Forest (MoEF), GOI issued a notification, S.No. 74 GSR No.
176 (E) in 1996 on emission standards for brick kilns. The notification presents
maximum concentration limit of SPM and stack height regulation for brick kilns.
These emission standards also banned use of moving chimney. Brick kilns are
required to switch over to fixed chimney with stipulated height, individual units
need to install gravity settling chamber (GSC), a pollution control system to keep
the SPM level below the prescribed standard.

The Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCS&T), Chandigarh;
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh; and the Central Building Research
Institute (CBRI), Roorkee; have developed their technology and are providing
consultancy services to the brick kiln owners to prevent, abate and control air
pollution. They have claimed to bring down SPM level below the prescribed
limits. Another private firm M/s Sri Malli Hi-Tech Chimney Construction, Chennai
has build number of BTKs on turn key basis or provided consultancy in and
around Chennai.

The Central Pollution Control Board in association with the Energy & Resources
Institute, New Delhi has undertaken performance evaluation of these designs
adopted in different regions of the country. The objectives of the project are to
study the performance evaluation of modified BTKs (equipped with air pollution
control systems); recommendation if required for suitable low cost modifications
for better performance; review the existing emission standards; monitor smoke,
fluoride and mercury from stack; and monitor fluoride, mercury in groundwater
and surface water. The study has been completed and final draft report is under
evaluation.

Environmental Standards and Good Practices for Cashew Seed

Processing Industry:
Cashew seeds processing industries exist in few coastal states in India. Even
though there is cashew seed cultivation in the country, most of the product
demand is met by importing raw cashew seeds from South Africa. The processed
cashew kernels are exported to Gulf and European countries. There are about
1500 units, categorised under SSI category, scattered in Nagercoil (Tamilnadu),
Cheerla & Palasa (Andhra Pradesh), Kollam, Pathanamthitta & Trivandrum
(Kerala) and in Goa. It is a labour intensive industry. Female workers constitute
90% of the work force.

Cashew seeds are processed by two methods viz roasting and cooking process,
however, roasting process is preferred by the manufacturers. The cashew seeds
roasting process releases thick black smoke from roasting drum through the
stack. The smoke has irritating odour and causes nuisance in the
neighbourhood. The process also generates wastewater from the quenching
operation of the roasted seeds. Though pollution load from individual unit is
relatively low but the magnitude of pollution problem from the cluster of units is
very high. Keeping in view that industry is mostly in small scale and cottage
sector, the Central Pollution Control Board took up a study to develop techno-
economically viable environmental standards for cashew seed processing
industry in association with Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Productivity- National
Productivity Council, (AIP-NPC) Chennai.
The study has been completed and revised draft report have been submitted.
The revised draft report were also discussed followed by a technical
presentation, made by the AIP-NPC official on 21.9.2006 at Central Pollution
Control Board. It was discussed & agreed during technical presentation on
revised draft report at CPCB that few of cashew seed processing industry will be
monitored by the official of CPCB & AIP-NPC for finalization of the standards for
cashew seed industry.
Emission Standards, Siting Criteria and Good Practices for Hot
Mix Plants
There are more than 1000 hot mix plants (HMPs) of different categories
operating in different parts of the country. Only a few of them are based on state
of-art technology. Most of the plants are of stationary and drum-continuous type.
The rated production capacity varies from 6-10 t/hr to 100-120 t/hr. Burning of
fuel, feeding of aggregate and heating of bitumen from large number of plants
results in `air pollution' i.e. emission of dust, SO2, Nox, CO2 CO and volatile
organic compounds (VOC) like BTX and PAH.

The Central Pollution Control Board with the active assistance of CBRI, Roorkee
decided to prepare a National Comprehensive Industry Document on hot mix
plants in an effort to minimize the adverse environmental impacts by regulating
emissions from these plants. Stack monitoring for 10 hot mix plants of various
capacities has been carried out for - particulate matter, SO2, NOx, CO2, CO,
Hydrocarbon methane group (Aliphatic C1-C5) and benzene soluble hydrocarbon.
(Aromatic PAH & BTX). Analysis has been carried out for metal emissions i.e.
arsenic, barium, cadmium, total chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury,
nickel, selenium, zinc, etc. Organic compounds analysis includes: hydrocarbon
(non- methane group); and Benzene soluble hydrocarbon (Benzene, Toluene,
Xylene + Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon). Wherever air pollution control devices
(APCD) are installed, the above monitoring was carried out at inlet and outlet
(both) to assess the performance of pollution control device. Monitoring of work
environment has been carried out for SPM, total aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH),
SO2, NOx, CO & CO2 near fugitive sources. Ambient air quality monitoring has
also been carried out for particulate matter, SO2 and NOx.

The Central Pollution Control Board interacted with three leading manufacturers
of Hot Mix Plants at international level namely:- M/s Speedcrafts Ltd., M/s Telco
Construction Ltd. and M/s Linhoff Technological Pte Ltd., offering state-of –art
technology with a claim of particulate matter level as low as 25 mg/Nm3 . The
National Highway Authority of India, Delhi PWD, CPWD, Air Port Authority of
India, Delhi Municipal Corporation, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Central Road
Research Institute and Central Building Research Institute have been contacted
to take part in discussion with these technology providers.

Emission standards, siting criteria and good practices for Hot Mix Plants have
been drawn and discussed in the Peer and Core Committee Meeting. Since,
monitoring data for new generation state-of-art hot mix plant are not available,
Peer and Core committee resolved to constitute a sub-committee comprising
representative from IIT Kanpur, NPC New Delhi and the Central Board to look
into proposals. Further, committee desired to collect data on hydrocarbons in
emission for new generation HMPs. Leading private and Govt. laboratories have
been contacted. Facilities to monitor hydrocarbon in stack are not available with
them. Meanwhile, Central Pollution Control Board has upgraded monitoring
facilities for hydrocarbon monitoring in stack emission.

Development of Environmental Standards for Wheat Processing

and Flour Mills, Pulse Grinding and Milling, Dry Rice Grinding
and Rice Mills

The widely used food grains i.e. whole pulses, wheat and paddy are processed in
industries / mills to make desired final products. Number of these mills has grown
manifold over last few decades and a great deal of technological advances has
taken place, however the environmental management scenario is far from
satisfactory in large numbers of these mills. The main pollutant of concern in
pulse, wheat & rice milling facilities is particulate matter emission generated from
material handling, cleaning, milling or packing operations. The environmental
aspects associated with the pulse, wheat and rice mills are air pollution, water
pollution and noise etc. The main pollutant of concern in grain storage & handling
in grain processing facilities is particulate matter. In grain milling and processing
units, the primary pollutants of concern for dry grain milling operations are
particulate matter, and PM -10.

The Central Board has taken up a project to evolve environmental standards for
these mills with the help of the National Productivity Council, New Delhi. The
study has been completed and final report has been received. Environmental
Standards adopted in developed countries have been studied and analysed for
its suitability to Indian conditions. Environmental standards for Wheat / Rice &
Pulse processing industries were evolved keeping in view the information
gathered and field study data. Technically and economically viable scheme of
pollution control system have been recommended to enable to meet the
proposed environmental standards.

Compilation of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the 708

Hazardous Chemicals
Certain chemicals, because of their physico-chemical nature and toxicity, may
pose significant effects to anyone not cautious in handling them. Hence, handling
emerges as one of the major concern to dwell into when considering the overall
safety aspect of the chemicals. Different countries have identified such
hazardous/toxic chemicals and prepared safety database. It is necessary to
complete a similar database in India to provide first-hand information about
handling chemicals with safety.
Material safety data sheet contains information on the potential health effects of
exposure and how to work safely with the chemical product. These data sheet
include the information about the physical, chemical and toxic properties of the
chemical (s). MSDS is widely used by manufacturers, dealers, universities,
indenters, laboratories, etc. using various types of hazardous, inflammable
and/or even corrosive chemicals.

There is a list of 684 hazardous & toxic Chemicals in Schedule I (Part II) and
other list of 30 and 179 chemicals under Schedule 2 and 3 (Part I) respectively
under the MHISC Rules,1989. However, another list for 179 chemicals notified as
part of the Public Liability Insurance Rules,1991 also exists. So a list of 708
chemicals were prepared to put all the chemicals at one place, and chemicals
mentioned in the above schedules were not repeated to avoid the duplication. In
total list of 708 chemicals were emerged for which MSDS is being prepared. The
aforesaid Project has been taken up by CPCB in association with the National
Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune. This exercise will result in a base document
for the manufacturers, industry, universities etc. The draft final report has been
submitted by NCL and has been reviewed by CPCB.

Performance Evaluation of Turbo Mist Evaporator Technology

With the insistence on achieving zero discharge of distillery spent wash in
surface waters by regulatory bodies, a large number of distilleries have resorted
to the recommended bio-composting process wherein spent wash is utilized
along with sugar mill press mud to make compost. The large area requirement in
the compost process has further lead to evolution of a number of concentration
techniques such as re-boilers and reverse osmosis process, so that more and
more spent wash can be utilized in lesser area. However, some distilleries have
recently resorted to adopting another low cost evaporation technique called mist
evaporators for concentration of spent wash.

This evaporation technique involves spraying spent wash in the form of mist into
atmosphere over large lagoons through a mist evaporator so about 25-30%
moisture is evaporated and the rest, along with its salts, falls back into the
lagoons. This results in concentration of salts and sludge to levels neither pre-
decided nor controllable. Several distilleries intended to adopt this technique
even without having bio-compost process or any alternate solution for utilization
of concentrated spent wash and accumulated salt and sludge. Evaporation alone
by any means, natural or mechanical, cannot be a complete and acceptable
solution for utilization of distillery spent wash. Moreover, fall out of this
evaporation technique over a very large area was also suspected. Therefore
CPCB carried out a performance evaluation study of this evaporation technique
at M/s Vindhyachal Distilleries, Pilukhedi, MP during Jan-March 2006 to assess
the extent of fallout of the sprayed mist on the surrounding area. Observation
made are summarized and concluded below:
 • Three numbers of turbo mist evaporators (TME) of 40 HP capacity each
were installed during October 2005.
• Effect of the TME on vegetation in the surroundings was assessed by
visual observations and by analyzing Chlorophyll-A contents of fresh
leaves collected at various distances. The effects were quit prominent at
400 m and 200 m distances from the TME in South and North directions.
• SPM concentrations were remarkably high at 100 m distances from
curtains on South and West directions as compared to those at 100 m
distances from curtains on North and East direction.
• Comparison of TDS, Potassium, Sodium and Chlorides concentrations of
bi-methanated spent wash with those of effluent filled in lagoons indicates
that these parameters were concentrated to twice the initial values.
However, it is quit obvious that more concentration is possible as neither
there is any predetermined maximum level nor any operational procedure
is prescribed to control the maximum concentration.
• Considering the extent of fallout of the process, turbo mist evaporator
does not appear a suitable concentration technique for distillery effluent.
The observations have been discussed in 139th Board Meeting and State
Boards were requested not to allow turbo mist evaporator technology in
distilleries.

Results of ambient air monitoring around spent wash lagoons of

Vindhyachal Distilleries Ltd

Location SPM, Colour Conductivity COD, Potassium

µg/m , µS mg/l , mg/l
3

North -100 m from 247 Turbid 367 52 54

curtain yellow
East -100 m from curtain 156 Turbid 251 32 22
yellow
South -100 m from 562 Light 784 108 133
curtain brown
West -100 m from 582 Light 514 140 174
curtain brown
Note: SPM collected on filter paper was dissolved in one litre DW for analysis of
conductivity COD and K

Revision of Protocol under CREP for Utilization of Distillery Effluent in

Irrigation and Compost Making

The sugarcane molasses based distilleries are among the most polluting
industries and their effluent requires several stages of treatment and dilution
before disposal. Some amount of colour still remains after treatment and dilution.
Discharge of distillery effluent into surface water, therefore, leads to depletion of
oxygen and water becomes coloured. The effluent of distillery also contains
nutrients (Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorous) required for the crops.

Keeping above in view, ‘Protocol for use of distillery effluent for crop irrigation’
was developed in 1997 based on a study by Indian Agricultural Research
Institute (a project sponsored by MoEF). Utilization of spent wash in compost
making with press mud is another method accepted by CPCB / MoEF for
utilization of spent wash. Based on experts’ advise, “Requirements for compost
making with press mud & spent wash” was adopted in the year 2002. Further, to
tackle the pollution problem from distilleries, it was decided under the charter for
“Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection” (CREP) in 2003 to utilize
total spent wash generated by distilleries by December 2005. One-time
controlled application on fallow land was also recognized as a method to utilize
the spent wash. Based on a study conducted by Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, “Protocol for one time controlled land application of biomethanated
spent wash on fallow land “ was adopted in 2003.

There are various issues raised from time to time by industries regarding use of
treated/ untreated effluent from distilleries for irrigation, compost making,
concentration and drying etc. Dr. R. H. Siddiqi, retired professor, Aligarh Muslim
University, Aligarh was engaged as a consultant under the GTZ project to review
the current practices for achieving zero discharge in surface waters by the
distilleries and to revise the protocols formulated for irrigation and compost
making as stated above. A report titled “Treatment and Utilization of Spent Wash
from Distilleries- A review of current practices for achieving zero discharge in
surface waters” was prepared in November 2005. Various concentration
techniques (Re-boiler, Reverse Osmosis, Multiple Effect Evaporator, Turbo-mist
Evaporator) being adopted were also reviewed during the studies. The
conclusions and recommendations of study are presented ahead:

• In order to meet the CREP requirements distilleries are taking action to

reduce the SW production by concentrating the SW. Adoption of
continuous fermentation process for the production of alcohol also
generates a more concentrated SW. In future, continuous fermentation
process, which produces a more concentrated SW compared to batch
fermentation process, should be adopted for the new distilleries and in the
expansion of the existing distilleries.
• The concentration methods, which have been adopted for the first time,
are RO, multiple effect evaporator and mist evaporator. More operational
data for the mist evaporator is required to establish its efficacy.
• Use of raw SW as feed to RO systems produces permeate or the
recovered water of inferior quality, thus restricting options for it reuse.
Further it may adversely affect the operation and life of the RO plant.
• Where the traditional methods of utilisation of SW, through irrigation and
composting, are restricted due to site-specific constraints, concentration
and combustion appears to be an alternative.
 • Though planned irrigation has been used with apparent success, the soils
are being subjected to extreme conditions of loading of salts. There is an
urgent need to evaluate the salt balance from one year to the next or from
one crop rotation cycle to the next. Concentration of SW, which is being
advocated, may put additional strain on the soil system.
• Studies need to be taken up to evaluate the effect of seasonal
temperature variation and concentration of SW on the duration of the
composting cycle and the quality of the co The protocols for irrigation and
composting issued by CPCB need to be reviewed, taking into account the
regional variations in the natural environmental conditions in the country
and to remove some anomalies. Monitoring programme of the soil and
water environment also need to be modified.
• The protocols for irrigation and composting issued by CPCB need to be
reviewed, taking into account the regional variations in the natural
environmental conditions in the country and to remove some anomalies.
Monitoring programme of the soil and water environment also need to be
modified.
• Distilleries install pollution control equipment but have a lackadaisical
approach towards its operation and maintenance. In future, expansion
proposals of the existing units should not be considered till they have
achieved CREP requirements for their present capacity.

The Central Board has taken following action based on the above
recommendations:

• Detailed study has been carried out to evaluate the mist evaporation
technology and it has been concluded that considering the spatial extent
of fallout of the process, mist evaporation is not an acceptable
concentration technology.
• Detailed study has been planned covering six agro climatic zones to study
effects on soil salinity and alkalinity due to utilization of distillery effluent in
irrigation. The study will be carried out in association with IARI, New Delhi
through four distinguished agricultural institutes.
• Study is being carried out through Vasandada Sugar Institute, Pune for
evaluation of various aspects of composting process and options of mixing
other agricultural wastes with press mud.

The prominent features of the revised protocols are:

i) Total application of the effluent for irrigation during a crop/year to be

decided by nitrogen content of the effluent and nitrogen requirement of the
crop. (This provision did not exist for ferti-irrigation in the present protocol)
 ii) Effluent shall be sufficiently diluted before application for ferti-irrigation to
ensure EC, FDS, Chloride, Sulphate, BOD, and SAR with specified limit.
(Earlier only BOD and TDS were deciding factors for dilution)
iii) Secondary treatment should ensure BOD reduction to <800 mg/L. (The
limit was <500 mg/L in the present protocol)
iv) Maximum storage allowed for ferti-irrigation is one fourth of the average
yearly requirement for ferti-irrigation. (Minimum retention time of one
month for treated and diluted effluent was prescribed in the present
protocol)
v) Maximum one third of the spent wash generated can be utilized for pre-
sown irrigation. (No such restriction existed in the present protocol)
vi) Maximum storage allowed for pre-irrigation is one fourth of the average
yearly requirement for pre-sown irrigation. (Maximum storage allowed was
30 days in the present protocol)
vii) EC of the saturation extract of the soil sample shall not be allowed to
increase beyond 4 mmhos/ cm. EC of the extract of a mixture, by weight,
of 2 parts of soil and 5 parts of water shall be analyzed regularly The EC
of the saturation extract shall be estimated by multiplying EC of 2:5 extract
by 2.5/ratio of water to dry soil in a soil saturated with water.
(The present protocol prescribed that EC of the extract of a mixture of 2
parts of soil with 5 parts of water shall not exceed 4 mmhos/ cm)
viii) The values of BOD and Nitrate-N in groundwater as a result of irrigation
with SW shall not exceed maximum limits of 3 mg/L and 10 mg/L and the
value of FDS shall not increase by 20% of the background value subject to
a maximum increase of 150 mg/L.
(The present protocol prescribed that increase in BOD, TDS and NO3 shall
not exceed 3 mg/L, 200 mg/L and 10 mg/L over the initial results)
ix) The maximum 5 composting cycles during a year of 45 to 50 day duration
and a 1:2.5 press mud to spent wash ratio are prescribed.
(The present protocol prescribed 5 cycles of 45 day duration with 1:2.5 press
mud to spent wash ratio or 4 cycles of 60 day duration with 1:3.5 press mud to
spent wash ratio)

The recommendations of the November 2005 report of the observations of

Central Pollution Control Board on Mist Evaporator Technology and the revised
protocols as above have been approved by the Board in 139th Bard Meeting held
on November 17, 2006