Pollution Board For Zinc Ash Import Under Ogl
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recommended the import of zinc ash under the open general list, provided the recoverable zinc content in it is not less than 65 per cent. Currently, its import is banned.
CPCB, under the ministry of environment and forests, prescribes the minimum standards for use of environment unfriendly substances.
Sources said the recommendations have been approved by the Delhi High Court and it has directed the environment and forests ministry to work out the modalities of import regulations. A committee has been set up to go into the issue.
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As per the recommendations, the import should be allowed to only those industries which have the requisite equipment to meet effluent standards and hazardous waste guidelines. The units should also have the consent and authorisation for disposal of the hazardous wastes from the state pollution control board.
It is being said that the import is likely to be allowed, but only on a case-by-case basis, as has already been provisioned under the hazardous waste rules of 1989.
This would mean that the units which have the required facilities would be permitted to import zinc ash/skimmings, having 65 per cent or more recoverable zinc content, if they genuinely need it.
Environmentalists contend the import of hazardous wastes, such as zinc ash and its skimmings, is harmful, but CPCB feels this can be taken care of through adequate safeguards.
CPCB chairman Dilip Biswas feels that if the government allows import on the stipulated condition and takes care of the environmental aspects, then the measure would be useful, since it would help meet the secondary zinc industries demand.
During transportation and processing of zinc and production of zinc oxide/zinc sulphate, specific measures have to be taken as environmental safeguards.
These are: use of properly covered containers, installation of properly designed bag filter (followed by a bag scrubber) in rotary furnaces. The particular matter should not exceed the specified standard. The effluent from the scrubber should be treated to meet the requisite standards.
The recommendations further say that in the refining section, the solid waste generated from the drum filter cake, which contains lead, nickel and copper waste, should be disposed off in a secured landfill as prescribed. The design should be approved by the state pollution control board.
The recommendations also cover aspects like control of emissions during electrolysis and their channelisation through appropriate sacks. Industries have been advised to utilise the solid waste themselves as far as possible and to recycle the waste water after treatment.