On December 19, 2024, the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) issued an important notification addressing the installation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in non-bedded healthcare facilities (HCFs).
The clarification comes in response to guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding the treatment and disposal of effluents in healthcare settings.
As per the notification, non-bedded healthcare facilities, which include establishments like clinics and dental centers, are not required to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs). However, these facilities must adhere to strict guidelines for the disposal of infectious liquid waste. Such waste should be treated through disinfection before being disposed of.
While the need for an ETP has been waived for these non-bedded HCFs, the PCBA has emphasized that these facilities must still obtain necessary clearances under the following regulations:
- Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) as mandated under Section 25 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- Authorization under the Bio Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, for the management and disposal of bio-medical waste.
This clarification is significant for smaller healthcare providers, as it reduces the financial and technical burden of installing a full-scale ETP while ensuring that waste management and disposal protocols are followed in a way that safeguards public health and the environment.
For more details on obtaining the necessary permissions and compliance requirements, healthcare facilities in Assam are encouraged to consult with the PCBA or visit their official website.
