The Hindu Business Line : PCB mulls common plant to treat Edayar effluents

IN order to reduce the pollution level in the Periyar river and to treat the wastewater flowing into it from various industrial units in the Edayar belt, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board has recommended the setting up of a common effluent treatment plant.

The Pollution Control Board (PCB) had earlier proposed setting up of a common treatment plant in Edayar area, but withdrew the proposal due to protests from environmentalists. According to officials, the Board would now consider proposals for establishment of common treatment plants after conducting a feasibility study.

It suggested to the Government that wastewater pollution of the river could be solved through introduction of a common treatment plant. In its recommendations, the Board found that individual industrial units might find it difficult in establishing their own treatment units due to lack of space. Old industrial units, which lack enough space for operations, would benefit a lot through the setting up of a common treatment plant.

According to Board findings, the neutralisation and equalisation of heterogeneous wastes makes its treatment economically viable. The disposal of treated wastewater and sludge would become more organised once common treatment plants are established in Edayar.

The industrial units located in Eloor-Edayar region are mainly involved in production of fertilisers, pesticides, rare earth, rubber chemical, paper, leather, titanium and distillery.

The Board also clarified that common treatment plants would be allowed only after conducting a detailed survey on its feasibility. It has also suggested that the individual units set up a pre-treatment device and the Board would ensure that the conveyance network is designed properly as to ensure periodic de-sludging.

As per the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board for common effluent treatment plants, care should be taken to minimise on cost of operation by facilitating conveyance through gravity flow instead of multistage pumping.

The location of the common treatment plant at Edayar would be selected only after a careful topographical survey of the drainage area. The Central Board has suggested that the chances of flooding during monsoon and accidental surface run off into the conveyance route should also be analysed properly.

Kitco, a public sector consultancy group, had recently come up with a proposal to set up a common treatment plant for treatment of wastewater flowing into the Periyar from industrial units at Edayar.

It has estimated Rs 17 crore for establishing the plant. The Cochin Special Economic Zone at Kakkanad has established a common treatment plant.

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