| File Note: |
It is submitted that the industry was granted ‘consent to operate’ under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 vide no. CTOW/Fresh/PBIP/SAS/2024/2403313855 dated 15.03.2024 and under Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 vide no. CTOA/Fresh/PBIP/SAS/2024/2403247012 dated 15.03.2024, both having validity upto 30.06.2024 for manufacturing of Cefepime Hydrochloride @ 30 Kgs/day, Cefrozil @ 20 Kgs/day, Cefpodoxime Proxetil @ 100 Kgs/day, Ceftiaxone Sodium @ 100 Kgs/day, Cefixime @ 80 Kgs/day, Cefdinir @10 Kgs/day and Cefuroxime Axetil Amorphous @ 126.67 Kgs/day as product, subject to certain conditions mentioned therein.
Further, the temporary connection of the industry was also lastly restored upto 30.06.2024 vide Boards letter no. 12673 dated 13.03.2024.
Now, the industry has applied for obtaining renewal ‘consent to operate’ under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, alongwith requisite documents.
As per record file of this office, the consent fee already deposited by the industry is adequate upto 31.03.2025, under both the Acts.
In the previous ‘consent to operate’ granted to the industry, certain special conditions were imposed and the compliance status of some of these main conditions is as under:
Sr. no. Conditions Compliance status submitted by the industry Observations made during the visit
1. The industry shall install bag filter house as additional APCD its premises, within 02 months and shall intimate the same to the Board within 07 days, thereafter Additional bag house has been installed and same has been informed to the Board. The acknowledge of same is attached herewith as Anneuxre-VII. The industry has now installed additional bag filter house as APCD and the details are mentioned at point no. 9 of the visit below.
2. The industry shall get the newly installed STP stabilized at site within 01 month and shall intimate to same to the Board within 03 days thereafter, so that monitoring of the same can be carried out by the Board Now STP is operational and information shared with Board for sampling The industry has now stabilized the STP at site and the details are mentioned at point no. 7 of the visit below.
4. The industry shall get the Environmental Audit Study Report from TIET, within one month and submit same to the Board Environmental Audit completed by TIET, report has been submitted to the Boar. Report attached as Annexure-V The industry has submitted Environmental Audit of TIET, Patiala and the details are mentioned in subsequent para below.,
Details of NGT matter:
It is submitted that O.A no. 105/2023 titled as M.L Dhiman v/s State of Punjab was lastly listed in the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal on 05.04.2024. On the said date, PPCB had submitted written reply, a copy of which is attached herewith as Annexure-A. In the hearing held on 05.04.2024, Hon’ble NGT has passed orders, relevant paras of which are reproduced as under:
“5. In the facts and circumstances of the case, we deem it proper to have the report from a Joint Committee. Accordingly, we constitute a Joint Committee comprising of the Regional Officer, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Chandigarh and representative of Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The RO, MoEF&CC will be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance. The Joint Committee will visit the site, collect all the information relating to compliance of requisite norms by Respondent No. 3 and submit the report before the Tribunal within six weeks by e-mail 3 at judicial-ngt@gov.in preferably in the form of searchable PDF/OCR Support PDF and not in the form of Image PDF.”
In this regard, it is submitted that a joint team of MoEF&CC and CPCB has visited the site of the industry on 28.05.2024.
The matter is now listed of hearing on 15.07.2024.
Status of environment audit report submitted by TIET, Thapar Institute, Patiala:
The industry alongwith the online application form has submitted a copy of environment audit report signed by Dr. Anoop Verma, Professor & Head of School of Energy & Environment, Thapar Institute of engineering & technology. A copy of the said report is attached herewith as Annexure-A for perusal, please.
The said report, TIET has made following recommendations:
1. Maximize Wastewater Reuse: Given the high stress and overexploitation of groundwater in the Derabassi tehsil, it is advisable to maximize the reuse of treated wastewater to alleviate groundwater consumption pressure.
2. Optimize Production Capacity: The industry should strive to optimize and regularize its production capacity to align with environmental practices ensuring efficient resource utilization. The quantitative and qualitative assessment is given in the report.
3. Improve Water Management: To address fluctuations in freshwater consumption and enhance water management practices, the industry should implement measures to minimise water wastage and improve overall efficiency. The industry should adopt TWM practices.
4. Upgrade RO System: Considering the discrepancy between actual TDS levels and the designed capacity of the existing RO system, upgrading to a more robust RO system capable of handling higher TDS levels is advised to improve water recycling efficiency.
5. Strengthen Emission Controls: Stringent emission control and monitoring measures should be implemented to mitigate combustion-related emissions, particularly in areas with elevated concentrations of S02 and NOx, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
6. Optimize Hazardous Waste Management: The industry shook,' focus on waste minimization, recycling, and adopting sustainable practices to optimize hazardous waste management, addressing discrepancies in waste generation and disposal.
7. Although water meters have been installed at different consumption sources and for RO permeate generation since July 2023, specialized metering at recycling points is lacking. While verification of water meter data confirms water recycling practices, it's recommended that the industry install separate meters at recycling points to ensure accurate verification and record generation for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) practices.
8. By implementing these recommendations, M/s Akums Lifesciences Ltd. can bolster its environmental management systems, minimize its ecological footprint, and demonstrate a stronger commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Further, in its findings, alongwith other inferences, w.r.t impact of industrial activities on groundwater quality, TIET has submitted following at point no. 07:
7. To assess the impact of industrial activities on groundwater quality comprehensively samples were collected from nine locations, including upstream, downstream, and within the premises. Key findings from onsite groundwater analysis revealed:
a) The pH levels measured at all sampling locations fell within the safe drinking water range of 6.5-8.5, indicating neutral to slightly alkaline conditions conducive to maintaining healthy groundwater quality.
b) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were observed at 259 mg/I in Borewell 1 and 390 mg/I in Borewell 2, which matched with the standard for the area.
c) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) were not detected in any groundwater or surface water samples, suggesting minimal organic pollution.
d) Zinc was detected at 3.96 mg/I in piezometer-1 and 4.09 mg/I in piezometer-2, with all other heavy metals (Copper, Total Chromium, Cobalt, Hexavalent Chromium, Arsenic, Mercury, Lead) not detected, showcasing effective control over potential toxic elements.
Visit:
The industry was visited by the AEE of this office alongwith ASO of the Board on 06.06.2024. During visit, it was observed as under:
1. The unit is engaged in manufacturing of API and bulk drugs & was in operation during visit.
2. The industry has installed 02 no. tubewells near the main entrance and has installed flow meters with both the tubewells. The industry has obtained permission from PWRDA vide letter no. GW/PWRDA/05/2024/L2/156 dated 15.05.2024, which is valid upto 14.05.2027, for abstraction of groundwater @ 10500 per/month (i.e. 338.8 KLD). As per the records maintained by the industry, the details of fresh water consumption is as under:
Sr. No. Month Average Daily abstraction
1 April 2024 110.4 KLD
2 May 2024 89.60 KLD
3. The industry has installed MEE of capacity 130 KLD followed by ATFD of capacity 1300 Kg/hour, for treatment of HTDS being generated from its process. As per the records maintained by the industry, the details are as under:
Meter details Average
(April 2024)
Average
(May 2024)
HTDS tank inlet 36.33 KLD 28.10 KLD
HTDS tank to MEE feed (including ETP RO reject) 58.64 KLD 46.34 KLD
MEE condensate (to ETP) 49.65 KLD 40.56 KLD
4. The industry has installed an ETP followed by RO system for treatment of LTDS and MEE condensate being generated from the unit. ETP installed by the industry was in operation during the visit. As per the records maintained by the industry, the details are as under:
Meter details Average
(April 2024)
Average
(May 2024)
RO Feed 76.98 KLD 66.63 KLD
RO reject 22.31 KLD 18.24 KLD
RO permeate 52.89 KLD 43.86 KLD
5. The industry has installed OCEMS at RO condensate line and the readings of the OCEMS reading were noted as:
BOD-17; COD- 72; TSS- 37, pH- 7.61
6. The industry is reusing RO permeate as cooling tower makeup in its premise and RO reject is being sent to MEE for treatment alongwith HTDS.
7. The industry has now installed and commissioned a skid mounted type STP of 50 KLD capacity for treated of domestic effluent being generated from the unit. STP installed by the industry was in operation during the visit. The industry is using treated domestic effluent after STP onto land for plantation developed within its premises. As per the records maintained by the industry, the details are as under:
Meter details Average
(April 2024)
Average
(May 2024)
STP inlet 10.4 KLD 11.2 KLD
STP outlet (Plantation) 10.3 KLD 11.0 KLD
The pictures of the new STP are as under:
8. During visit, the effluent samples were collected on 06.06.2024 and the analysis results as obtained from Head office Lab, Patiala is tabulated as under:
Sr. no. Parameters RO feed RO Reject RO Permeate STP Outlet Prescribed standards
1. pH 7.7 6.7 7.9 7.5 6.5-9.0
2. TSS mg/l 66 189 24 42 100
3. TDS mg/l 2850 3790 84 566 -
4. COD mg/l 208 598 88 44 250
5. BOD mg/l 80 150 10 13 30
6. Oil & Grease mg/l - - - BDL 10
From above, it is clear that the industry is conforming to the prescribed standards w.r.t. RO Permeate and treated domestic effluent at STP outlet.
9. During visit, it was observed that the industry has now installed a new bag filter house as APCD (in addition to existing multi cyclone separator) with the boiler of capacity 06 TPH, as per the special condition imposed in the ‘consent to operate’ granted by the Board. The pictures of the said bag filter house is as under:
10. During visit, the stack emission sampling of boiler of capacity 06 TPH was carried out on 06.06.2024 and the analysis results are tabulated as under:
Point of sample collection Parameter Results Prescribed Standards
A
Area upto 5 km from the periphery of class I and II town B
Other than “A”
From port hole on stack after APCD (Boiler Furnace at 06 TPH) Particulate Matter (mg/Nm3 12% of CO2) 67 500 1000
From above, it is clear that the industry is conforming to the prescribed standards.
11. The incinerator installed by the industry was not in operation during the visit.
12. The industry has installed one SRP in its premises. The industry has installed VOC and TOC analyzer with the same.
13. The industry has constructed shed for storage of solvent drums and the solvent drums were found to be stored under the shed.
14. The details of the hazardous waste has been sent separately through the online application of the industry for obtaining authorization under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
From above, it is clear that the industry is complying with the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Recommendations:
In view of above, if may approved, following actions may be taken :
1. The industry may be granted renewal of ‘Consent to operate’ under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 for further 6 months, i.e. upto 31.12.2024, subject to suitable conditions and following additional conditions:
a. This consent is being issued to the industry subject to the orders/judgment of Hon’ble NGT in the matter of M.A. No. 70/2023 in O.A no. 105/2023 titled as M.L Dhiman v/s State of Punjab. The industry shall be bound to comply with directions/orders issued by Hon’ble NGT in this matter.
b. The industry shall operate and maintain its STP, ETP, MEE and ATFD properly, at the times.
c. The industry shall comply with the conditions of the Environmental Clearance granted by SEIAA under the EIA notification dated 2006.
d. The industry shall stick to the water balance submitted alongwith the online application form.
e. The industry shall reuse the entire RO Permeate back into its process and shall adhere to ZLD, at all times.
f. The industry shall use only treated domestic effluent after STP, onto land for plantation within its premises.
g. The industry shall ensure that no problem related to air and water pollution is being caused by the unit due to its operation and no public complaints are received by the Board in this regard.
h. The industry shall not discharge any effluent at any unauthorized place by any unauthorized means i.e. shall not discharge any wastewater outside its premises or in any drain / inland surface waters / drain/choe/nallah/ onto land for stagnation or outside its premises, at any time, under any circumstances.
i. The industry has been approved by the Board from pollution angle and the industry shall obtain the statutory clearances / permissions from all other concerned departments.
j. The adequacy/ efficacy of the pollution control arrangements shall be the sole responsibility of the industry and the industry shall be bound to implement/ upgrade its pollution control arrangements as per the discretion of the Board to achieve the prescribed emission/ effluent standards, as amended from time to time.
k. The industry shall ensure the compliance of provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and/or any other environmental law applicable to him and Rules, Circulars & Directions issued by the Board from time to time.
l. The ‘consent to operate’ is being issued to the project proponent based upon the documents/ information submitted by it along with the online application form. The Board would be at liberty to take penal action against the industry/project proponent and its responsible/ concerned person(s) in case information/document is detected as incorrect/false/misleading at any point of time, without any opportunity of Personal Hearing.
m. In case the project proponent fails to comply with the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and/or any other environmental law applicable to the project and Rules, Circulars & Directions issued by the Board from time to time, action as deemed fit shall be taken against the project proponent.
2. PSPCL may be directed to continue the supply electricity connection available to industry for further 6 months upto 31.12.2024.
*Competency: Hon’ble Chairman (Red, Large)
Date of receipt of application: 23.05.2024
Date of visit: 06.06.2024
Date of deemed approval: 08.07.2024 (i.e. 30 working days)
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