Performance Review of Thermal Power Stations 2001-02 Section 14 Page no. 14.

SECTION-14
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS IN POWER SECTOR 14.1. INTRODUCTION The implementation of power projects requires clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests from the following aspects : a) b) Environmental aspects Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 angle

The above clearances are communicated separately and a Project requiring both clearance is deemed to be cleared by MOEF only after the clearance from both aspects is given. 14.2. ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification `1994, inter-alia, provides that expansion or modernisation or a new power project shall not be undertaken in the country unless accorded environment clearance by the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF). This however, does not apply to projects with investment costs less than 50 crores. The above EIA Notification, sets out procedure for clearance of projects. For site specific projects, such as hydro electric and pit head thermal power stations, the site clearance is to be obtained first from MOEF for initiation of any surveys and investigations. The MOEF would convey a decision regarding suitability of otherwise of the site within 30 days. Thereafter, for such site specific projects are to be submitted by the proponents to MOEF for clearance. The reports shall be evaluated and assessed by the Impact Assessment Agency which may consult a Committee of Experts. If required, comments of the public may be solicited and public hearing arranged. The Notification stipulates that the assessment shall be completed within a period of ninety days from the receipt of the requisite documents and data hearing, where required, and decision conveyed within thirty days thereafter. The clearance granted is valid for a period of five years for commencement of the construction/operation.

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14.3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

APPRAISAL

OF

THERMAL

POWER

The proponents of thermal power projects including coal/lignite fired thermal, gas, combined cycle gas based and co-generation projects submit 20 copies of the application to MOEF in the specified Performa along with the Environmental Impact Report/Environment Management Plan. The impact Assessment Agency examines the reports and calls for additional data, documents. on receipt of complete information, the projects are placed before the committee of Experts for thermal power stations. If needed, visits to recommendations of the Committee of Experts, MOEF further process the projects for clearance/rejection of the proposals. The cases rejected for non furnishing of complete information may be reopened on the receipt of complete information. The expert committee Constituted by MOEF and represented by Chief Engineer (C&E) CEA, had considered 31 schemes with 17498.55 MW installed capacity during 1998-99. Out of these, 24 schemes with 10786.55 MW installed capacity had been given clearance from environmental angle. 14.4.0 ENVIRONMENT STATIONS CONCERNS OF THERMAL POWER

The products of combustion in thermal power plants using coal/lignite LDO/Naphtha are gaseous emissions containing carbon dioxide, oxides of sulfur and Nitrogen as also solid particulate matter (ash) where coal/lignite is used. Beside these, the waste water from the process contains pollutants. 14.4.1 AIR POLLUTION Initially, perceptions of objectionable effects of air pollutants were limited to those easily detected like odour and smoke stacks. Later, it was the concern over long term/chronic effects that led to the identification of six criteria pollutants. These six criteria pollutants are sulfur DI-oxide (S02), Carbon Mono-oxide (CO), Nitrogen oxide (NO2), Dzone (D#), suspended particulate and non methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) Ozone referred to as volatile organic compounds (VDC). There is substantial evidence linking them to health effects at high concentrations. Three of

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whom namely O3,SO2 and NO2 are also known phytotoxicants (toxic to vegetation). In the later part Lead (Pb) was added to that list. Green House Gases which are responsible for temprature enhancement cause global warming. These Green House Gases are CO2. (Carbon dioxide), CH4 (Methane), N20 (Nitous Oxide) & CO (Carbon Monoxide) 14.4.1.1. OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NOX )

All combustion processes are sources of NOx at the high temperature generated in the combustion process. Formation of NOx may be due to thermal NOx which is the result of oxidation of nitrogen in the air and due to fuel NOX which is due to nitrogen present in the fuel. In general, higher the combustion temperature the higher NOx is produced. 14.4.1.2 OXIDES OF SULPHUR

The combustion of sulfur containing fossil fuels, especially coal is the primary source of SOX. About 97 to 99% of SOX emitted from combustion sources is in the form of sulfur dioxide which is a criteria pollutant, the reminder is mostly SO3, which in the presence of atmosphere water is transformed into Sulfuric Acid at higher concentrations, produce deleterious effects on the respiratory system. 14.4.1.3. PARTICULATE MATTER

The terms particulate matter, particulate, particles are used interchangeably and all refer to finely divided solids and liquids dispersed in the air. 14.4.2 WATER POLLUTION Water pollution refers to any change in natural waters that may impair further use of the water, caused by the introduction of organic or inorganic substances or a change in temperature of the water. In thermal power stations the source of water is either river, lake, pond or sea where from water is usually taken. There is possibility of water being contaminated from the source itself. Further contamination or pollution could be added by the pollutants of thermal power plant waste as inorganic or organic compounds.

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14.4.3 LAND DEGRADATION The thermal power stations are generally located on the non-forest land and do not involve much Resettlement and Rehabilitation problems. However it`s effects due to stack emission etc, on flora and fauna, wild life sanctuaries and human life etc. have to be studied for any adverse effects. One of the serious effects of thermal power stations land requirement for ash disposal and hazardous elements percolation to ground water through ash disposal in ash ponds. Due to enormous quantity of ash content in Indian coal, approximately 1 Acre per MW of installed thermal capacity is required for ash disposal. 14.4.4 NOISE POLLUTION Some areas inside the plant will have noisy equipments such as crushers, belt conveyors, fans, pumps, milling plant, compressors, boiler, turbine etc. Various measures taken to reduce the noise generation and exposure of workers to high noise levels in the plant area will generally include :
i)

ii) iii) iv) v)

Silencers of fans, compressors, steam safety valves etc. Using noise absorbent materials. Providing noise barriers for various areas. Noise proof control rooms. Provision of green belt around the plat will further reduce noise levels.

14.5.0 REGULATORY MEASURES 14.5.1 AIR (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981. In India, 1st Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981 with amendments in 1987 for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution and it came into force with effect from May 91. The act provides for Central as well as State Boards with such powers and functions as necessary to provide and control the quality of Air. National ambient air quality standards by Central Pollution Control Board have been issued vide Gazette Notification of April 94. For wider dispersal of SO2, stack height of different capacity units have been stipulated. For units less than 500 MW the stack height has been stipulated as 220 meters whereas 500 MW units it is 275 meters.

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14.5.2 ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT 1986 Environment (Protection) Act 1986 came into force w.e.f. 19.11.86 and provides for protection, improvement of environment and for matters connected therewith. It empowers the Central Govt. to take all such measures as deemed necessary for protecting and meeting quality of environment and preventing, controlling and abating environmental pollution. Standards for liquid effluents have been issued under PEA Notification, dated 19th November, 1986 1986 Environment Protection Act has much sharper teeth and provides for stringent punishment for any violation of Act. As per Sec. 15 of the Act, whosoever fails to comply or contravenes any of the provisions of this Act, may be punished with imprisonment which may extend unto five years or with fine extending unto Rs. one lake or both. In case the failure continues for more than one year, the imprisonment may be extended to seven years. 14..5.3 EMISSION/EFFLUENTS STANDARDS The standards for emissions/effluent have been notified by the CPCB/MOEF as under : 14.5.3.1 SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER (SPUME)

The bulk of the ash produced from the combustion of coal / lights in the thermal power station and carried by the flue gases is trapped by the Espies or bag filters and only a small quantity escapes through stacks. The Espies of such designs and efficiency are provided that limits the SPUME in the stack emissions below the prescribed norms. The standards for SPUME levels as notified by MEd are given at Annex 14.1

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14.5.3.2

SULPHUR DIOXIDE EMISSIONS

The non-cooking coal available in the country earmarked for power generation generally contains low level of sulphur unto 0.50% except for the coal available in the North Eastern region of the country. There are no prescribed sulphur dioxide is sought to be achieved by prescribing minimum sac k height limits for power stations which are given at Annex 14.2. The Indian Air quality Standards prescribed by CPCB stipulates the limits of SPUME, SOx, NOx, Respriable particulate matter (RPM) CO & Pb in the ambient air. These standards are given at Annex 14.3 Even using high sulphur coal, the sulphur dioxide emission can be reduced in the boilers using fluidised bed combustion technology. The sulphur dioxide produced in the combustion is mixed in the boiler with the lime fed alongwith the coal. 14.5.3.3 NITROGEN OXIDE EMISSIONS

The formation of Nitrogen oxide depends on the temperature and residence time of gases in the combustion chamber at that temperature. The formation of Nitrogen oxide can be reduced by providing low nitrogen oxide burners. No norms for the nitrogen oxide emission at stack have been notified by MOEF for coal/lignite fired thermal power stations. The levels of Nitrogen dioxide in the ambient air are prescribed by the AAQ standards which would limit the concentration of nitrogen oxide producing industries in an area. 145.3.4 EFFLUENT DISCHARGE The process of power generation produces liquid effluents. The standards for liquid effluents from power stations have been prescribed in the EPA Notification dated 19th Nov. 1986 which are reproduced at Annex 14.4.

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14.6.0 OTHER ISSUES 14.6.1 COAL WASHING/BENEFICIATION. Number of studies have been conducted in the past to quantify the economics of using beneficiated coal in Indian power stations. These studies have indicated in quantitative terms the benefits of using washed coal both in terms of O&M as well as capital cost of the project. Vide MOEF Notification dated 19th September, 1997, (Annexure vi) certain categories of thermal plants are required to use washed coal containing ash not more than 34 % by June 2001. These plants include the thermal plants located beyond one thousand Km. from pit heads and thermal plants located in urban areas or sensitive areas. Subsequently a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Member (Thermal), CEA to examine the ways and means of implementation MOEF Notification vide MOP Office Order No. dated. The committee was submitted its report in February 2000. Subsequently MOP has set up two more committee for implementing the recommendations of the main committee. 14.6.2 FLY ASH UTILISATION The Coal/Lignite fired thermal power stations produce enormous quantities of ash. The ash has traditionally been disposed off in the ash ponds which has the potential of polluting the surface and ground water unless adequate care is taken. In order to check the percolation of ash effluents to the ground water, ash pond lining is being provided wherever necessary. The fly ash collected in the dry form, could however, be beneficially used for brick making and cement manufacturing. Incentives have been issued by the ministry of Power letter of 27th May 1996. Which are reproduced at Annexure 14.5. Inspite of all out efforts only 5 % of ash is being utilised for gainful purpose at present. The notification dated 14-9-99 issued by MOEF in respect of Fly ash is reproduced at Annexure 14.6. 14.6.3 FLUE GAS DESULPHRISATION (FGD) PLANT The MOEF insists on making space provision for FGD Plant in the designs of thermal power units of 500 MW and above capacity as also at stations with capacity of 1500 to 2000 MW to facilitate their addition at a

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later date in case of the need for such plant is established. In case of sensitive areas the installation of FGD is insisted upon even for stations with smaller installation. 14.6.4 MONITORING OF ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS OF THERMAL POWER STATIONS IN INDIA CEA has also been actively engaged in the monitoring of environmental status of thermal power stations in the country. Monthly environmental status reports in respect of Stack emission, AAQ and effluent discharges are received from the thermal power stations, analysed and remedial measures suggested where ever required. Some of thermal units being operated do not have requisite infrastructure for environmental monitoring. Where-ever the units are not meeting statutory environmental requirements, are unable to install/replace existing ESP`s etc. due to paucity of funds. Though provisions exist in the law for closing down of the thermal power stations for not meeting environmental standards, we can hardly afford to close any unit in the power starved situation. Though, at present emphasis is laid on meeting particulate matter from stack emission, even for that regularly data is not being received from some of thermal power stations.

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Annexure 14.1 THERMAL POWER PLANTS : EMISSION STANDARDS

NOTIFICATION MOEF vide Notification of 19th May 1993 issued as amendment rules to environment (Protection) Act 1986. The particulate matter emission limits for thermal power stations are as follows :(i) (ii) (iii) Generation capacity 62.5 MW or more Generation capacity less than 62.5 MW and plant Commissioned prior to 1.1.82 Units located in protected area irrespective of generation capacity. 150 mg/Nm3 350 mg/Nm3 150 mg/Nm3 Annexure 14.2 THERMAL POWER PLANTS : STACK HEIGHT/LIMITS Generation Capacity 500 MW and above 200 MW/210 MW and above to less than 500 MW Less than 200 MW/210 MW Stack Height (Metres) 275 220 H=14 (Q) 0.3 where Q is emission rate of SO2, in Kg/h, and H is Stack height in metres Source : EPA Notification (G.S.R. 742 (E), dt. 30th Aug, 1990.

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Annexure-14.3 ENVIROMENT & FORESTS CENTRAL POLLUTION BOARD NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS, NOTFN. 11.4.94 S.O. 384(E) The central pollution Control Board in exercise of its power conferred under section 16 (2) (n) of the Air (Prevention and Control of pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) hereby notify the National Ambient Air Quality standards with immediate effect. As per CPCB notification dt. 11.4.94,A.A.Q standard has been given below in brackets. SCHEDULE I Concentration in Ambient Air Pollutant Time Indl. Res. Rural Sensitive Method of weighted Area Other Area measure average (ug/m3) areas (ug/m3) (ug/m3) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) * Annual average ** 24 hours 80 120 60 80 15 30 1. Improve West & Gacke method 2. Ultraviolet flourescence 1. Jacob and Hochheiser modified (Na Arsenite 2. Gas Phase Chemilumin scene High Volume sampling, (Avg. flow rate not less than 1.1m3/min

Oxides of Nitrogen

* Annual Average ** 24 hour

80 120

60 80

15 30

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) Respirable particulate matter (size less than 10

* Annual Average ** 24 hour Annual Average

360 500 120 150

140 200 60 100

70 100 50 75

** 24 hours

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Pollutant

Concentration in Ambient Air Time Indl. Res. Rural Sensitive Method of weighted Area Other Area measure 3 3 average (ug/m ) areas (ug/m ) (ug/m3) Annual Average 1.0 1.5 0.75 1.0 0.50 0.75 AAS method after sampling. Using ERM 2000 of equiv. Filter paper.

um)(RPM) Lead (Pb)

** 24 hours

Non dispersive 1.0 2.0 5.0 ** 8 hour infrared mg/m3 2.0 spectroscopy 4.0 10.0 1 hour mg/m3 * Annual Arithmetic Mean of minimum 104 measurements in a year taken twice a week 24 hours at uniform intervals. Carbon monooxide (CO) ** 24 hours/8 hours values should be met 98% of the time in a year. However, 2% of time, it may exceed but not on two consecutive days.

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ANNEXURE 14.4 THERMAL POWER PLANT : STANDARDS FOR LIQUID EFFLUENT PARAMETERS SOURCE STANDARDS MAX. LIMITING CONCENTRATION mg/1 (EXECPT FOR pH & TEMP.) 6.5 to 8.5 Not more than 7deg. C higher than the intake 0.5

Condenser Cooling Water (once through cooling system)

PH Temperature

Free available chlorine 100 Boiler Blowdown Suspended Soilds 20 Oil & Grease 1.0 Copper (Total) 1.0 Iron (Total) 0.5 Cooling Tower Blowdown Free available Chlorine 1.0 Zinc 0.2 Chromium (Total) 5.0 Phosphate Other corrosion Limit to be inhibiting material established on case by case basis by Central Board in case of Union Territories and state Boards in case of states. 6.5 to 8.5 Ash Pond Effluent PH 100 Suspended Solids 20 Oil & Greases Source EPA Notification (S.O., 844 (E), dt. 19.11.86) as amended by --------------notification no.-------------dt.----

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ANNEXURE 14.5 COPY OF COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES FOR FLY ASH UTILISATION AND DISPOSAL ISSUED BY SECRETARY, MOP VIDE DO NO.11/16/93-RO(K)/E.II DATED 27.5.1996 COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES FOR FLY ASH UTILISATION AND DISPOSAL (i) Dry fly ash should be supplied by the power stations, free of cost, to the entrepreneurs for a period of 10 years from the day a unit goes into fly ash based production. The terms of the supply of ash after the initial period of 10 years, should be settled annually by the Power Station Authorities and the concerned entrepreneurs; in case of disagreement, the matter could be decided by CEA or Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTC) for which a suitable provision should be incorporated in the contracts. Where ever Power Stations do not have dry fly ash collection facilities, they may be required to set up this facility. All new power stations should provide arrangements for collection and supply of dry fly ash. This would be ensured by CEA while appraising projects for technoeconomic clearance. If any of the State Electricity Boards (SEBs) dry ash collection, this would considered by the Ministry of Power as a part of R&D Scheme. All proposals formulated and sponsored by the concerned Boards/Corporations and Utilities for setting up of the Thermal Power Plants should, in future, invariably incorporate specific provisions for promoting the maximum utilisation of fly ash generated by the plants. Central Electricity Authority would examine such proposals for technoeconomic clearance as are found to comply with these requirements. The transportation of fly ash from thermal Power Plant should be the responsibility of entrepreneurs. No subsidy for transport of fly ash or its end products would be advisable. Power utilities should be advised to make arrangements, wherever possible, for giving land to the prospective entrepreneurs on concessional terms contiguous to the power stations. However, supply of power should be settled on case to case basis. The Bureau of Indian Standards should formulate Indian Standards on building materials produced from fly ash or incorporate suitable amendments in the existing standards to cover these materials. Financial assistance from Governmental financial institutions at subsidised rates of interest should be made available to prospective

(ii)

(iii)

(iv) (v)

(vi) (vii)

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entrepreneurs for setting up fly ash based unit for manufacturing building materials. (viii) Indigenous equipment required for setting up fly ash based industry should be exempted from excise duty/sales tax. In case of imported equipment required for manufacture of building materials utilising fly ash should be 50 % of the normal rates. (ix) The end products of coal ash should be exempted for the first 5 years from excise duty, sales tax etc. where atleast 50% of coal ash is utilised as raw materials for coal ash utilisation between 25 % to 50 % such exemption should be 50 % of the normal rates. (x) All incentives and according the same preferential treatment should be provided to all coal ash using industries as are given to small scale industries. (xi) The technologies developed in R&D institutions should be made available at low price to the manufacturers. (xii) Local authorities, including States Govts. need also to liberalise their industrial policy for establishing ash utilisation industries.

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ANNEXURE 14.6 Notification of MOEF dated 14.9.1999, in respect of Fly Ash. 1. (i) Use of Fly ash bottom ash or pond ash in the manufacture of bricks and other construction activities: No person shall within a radios of fifty kilometers from coal or lignite based thermal power plants, manufacture clay bricks or tiles or blocks for use in construction activities without mixing of least 25% of ash (fly ash, bottom ash or pond ash) with soil on weight to weight basis. The authority for ensuring the use of specified quantity of ash as per para (I) above shall be the concerned Regional Officers of the State pollution Control Board or the Pollution Control Committee as the case may be. In case of non-compliance, the said authority, in addition to cancellation of consent order issued to establish the brick kiln, shall move the district administration for cancellation of mining lease. The cancellation of mining lease shall be decided after due hearing. To enable the said authority to verify the actual use of ash, the thermal power plant shall maintain month-wise records of ash made available to each brick kiln. In case of non-availability of ash from thermal power plant in sufficient quantities as certified by the said power plant, the stipulation under para (1) shall be suitably modified (waived/relaxed) by the concerned State/Union Territory Government. Each coal or lignite based thermal power plant shall constitute a dispute settlement committee which shall include at the General Manager of the thermal power plant and a representative of All India Brick and Tile Manufacture`s Federation (AIBTMF). Such a committee shall ensure unhindered loading and transport of ash without any undue loss of time. Any unresolved dispute shall be dealt with by State/Union Territory level committee to be set up by State/Union Territory Government comprising Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board/Pollution Control Committee, representatives of Ministry of Power in the State/Union Territory Government and a representative AIBTMF. Utilisation of ash by Thermal Power Plants : All coal or lignite based thermal power plants shall utilise the ash generated in he power plants as follows :

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

2.

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Every coal or lignite based thermal power plant shall make available ash, for a least 10 years from the date of publication of this notification without any payment or any other consideration, for the purpose of manufacturing ash based products such as cement, concrete based, bricks, panels or any other material or for construction of roads, embankment, dams, dykes or for any other construction activity. (i) Every coal or lignite based thermal power plant commissioned subject to environmentally clearance conditions stipulating the submission of an action plant for full utilisation of fly ash shall, within a period a of nine years from the publication of this notification, phase out the dumping and disposal of fly ash on land in accordance with the plan. Such an action plant shall provide for thirty percent of the fly ash utilisation, within three years from the publication of this notification with further increase in utilisation by at least 10% points every year progressively for the next six years to enable utilisation of the entire fly ash generated in the power plant at least by the end of ninth year Progress in this regard shall be reviewed after five years.

(ii)

(iii)Every coal or lignite based thermal power plant not covered by para (ii) above shall, within a period of 15 years from the date of publication of this notification, phase out the utilisation of fly ash in accordance with the action plan to be drawn up by the power plants. Such action plan shall provide for 20% of fly ash utilisation within three years from the date of publication of this notification, with further increase in utilisation every year progressively for next 12 years to enable utilisation of the entire ash generated in the power plan. (iii) All action plan prepared by coal or lignite thermal power plants in accordance with sub para (ii) and (iii) of para 2 of this notification, shall be submitted to the Central Control Board, concerned State Pollution Control Boards/Committee and concerned regional office of the Ministry of Environment and Forest within a period of six months from the date of publication of this notification. (iv) The Central and State Government Agencies, the State Electricity Boards, the National Thermal Power Corporation and the management of the thermal power plant shall facilitate in making available land, electricity and water for manufacturing activities and provide access to the ash lifting area for promoting and setting up of ash-based production units in the proximity of the area where ash is generate by power plant.

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(v)

Annual implementation report providing information about the compliance of provision in this notification shall be submitted by the 30th day of April every year to the Central Pollution Control Board, concerned State Pollution Control Boards/Committee and concerned regional office of the Ministry of Environment and Forests by the Coal or lignite based thermal power plants.

3.

Specification for use of ash-based products : (i) Manufacture of ash-based products such as cement, concrete blocks, bricks, panels or any other material for the use of ash in construction activity such as in road laying, embankments or use as landfill to reclaim low lying areas including back filling in abandoned mines or pitheads or for any other use shall be carried out in accordance with certification and guidelines laid-down by the Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Bureau of Mines, Indian Roads Congress, Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, Central Road Research Institute, in New Delhi, Building Material and Technology Promotion Council, New Delhi, Central Public Works Department, State Public Works Departments and other Central and State Government Agencies. (ii) The Central Public Works Departments, Public Works Departments in the State/Union Territory Government, Development Authority, Housing Boards, National Highway Authority of India and other construction agencies including those in the private sector shall also prescribe the use of ash and ash based products in their respective schedules of specifications and construction applications, including appropriate standards and codes of factors, within a period of four months from the publication of this notification. (iii) All local authorities shall specify in their respective building bye-laws and regulations the use of ash and ash based products and construction techniques in building materials, roads, embankments or for any other use within a period of four months from the date of publication of this notification.