A new set of Draft Environmental Guidelines has been proposed for charcoal manufacturing units, aiming to address the significant environmental challenges associated with the production process. The guidelines, which apply to both traditional and modern production methods, seek to mitigate air and water pollution by mandating cleaner technologies and improved waste management.
Charcoal production, which uses wood and agricultural waste, is used in industries ranging from cooking and metal-working to pharmaceuticals. While modern techniques like rotary kilns, used in places like Tamil Nadu, offer lower emissions, traditional earth kilns often result in high pollution. These new guidelines aim to bring all methods up to a higher environmental standard.
Kiln-Specific and Common Guidelines
The draft outlines specific measures tailored to different production technologies:
- For Earth Mound Kilns (Traditional):
- Units must install a well-ventilated covered shed with a suction hood to capture emissions.
- Emissions must be vented out at a minimum height of 12 meters to ensure proper dispersion.
- An inter-distance of at least 500 meters between units is required to prevent clustering.
- Water used for cooling must be stored in an impervious tank and reused to prevent seepage.
- For Elevated/Rotary Kilns (Modern):
- Units must be equipped with a hood and suction system, a water scrubber for emission control, and a stack with a minimum height of 30 meters.
- A key provision is that emissions should either be used for heat energy recovery or be directed to the firing chamber for incineration before being discharged.
- Dust collectors are to be installed at all key points where dust is generated, such as at crushing and screening areas.
Regulatory and Waste Management Framework
The draft guidelines also include a set of common practices and a new regulatory mechanism for all units:
- Raw Material Sourcing: Raw materials, such as wood, must be sourced from agroforestry or agricultural residues.
- Waste Disposal: Ash and dust must be stored in enclosed containers for beneficial reuse, such as a soil conditioner or in brick kilns.
- Worker Safety: All workers must be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and safety shoes.
- Regulatory Compliance: All charcoal manufacturing units are required to obtain a Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from their respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). They must also adhere to the specific emission standards laid down in their consent conditions.