The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced the Environment (Protection) Third Amendment Rules, 2023. These rules were notified on 5th June, 2023 and shall come into force on 5th June, 2025.
The Amendment Rules aim to minimize environmental pollution and promote sustainable practices within the CPC industry. They set out more stringent standards for the operation of Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) units.
Under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, Schedule-l has been amended to include a new serial number and entries specifically dedicated to CPC units. The newly inserted provision outlines the industry-specific parameters and emission standards that CPC units must adhere to.
The emission concentration for CPC units has been established to control pollutants measured in milligrams per normal cubic meter (mg/Nm3).
To further regulate emissions, the rules also mandate the installation of continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) by CPC units. These systems will monitor particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions continuously, providing real-time data for better process control. Additionally, CPC units are required to conduct quarterly monitoring of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions using CEMS and undergo Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) testing.
The amendment also addresses stack height requirements for CPC units. The minimum stack height, measured in meters, is determined based on the SO2 or PM emission rate. The formula for calculating the minimum stack height is specified in the rules, ensuring that emissions disperse adequately. However, it is important to note that the stack height must not be less than thirty meters, regardless of the calculated value.
