The Indian government has proposed stricter emission standards for aluminum plants in a draft amendment to the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. This move aims to curb air pollution caused by the aluminum industry and protect public health. This notification was published on November 1, 2024.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released a draft notification proposing amendments to Schedule I of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. These amendments focus on stricter emission limits for Particulate Matter (PM), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Total Fluoride (F) for various processes within aluminum production facilities.
The proposed standards are more stringent than existing ones.
Changes Proposed
The draft notification proposes lower PM emission limits for alumina refinery, calcination plants, pot rooms, and casting furnaces.
The use of cleaner fuels like Low Sulfur Diesel Oil (LDO) and Low Sulfur Heavy Stock (LSHS) is mandated to reduce SO2 emissions.
New standards for Aluminum Fluoride (AlF3) consumption are proposed, aiming to minimize fluoride emissions impacting surrounding vegetation.
The MoEFCC invites public feedback on the proposed amendments. Individuals can submit their comments in writing by December 31, 2024. Such feedback shall be sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New
Delhi-110003. Alternatively, feedback can also be sent by email to mscb.cpcb@nic.in and sonu.singh@gov.in.
Expected Impact
The implementation of these stricter standards is expected to:
- Improve air quality around aluminum production facilities.
- Reduce health risks associated with air pollution.
- Encourage the industry to adopt cleaner technologies.
