Taking exception to violation of pollution norms, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has served closure notice on Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL) in Sambalpur district.
The OSPCB has intimated Sambalpur district Collector to ensure closure of direct reduced iron (DRI) plants 3 and 4, 60 mw FBC boiler and electric arc furnace under Section of 31 A of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and Section 33A of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The BPSL operates integrated steel plant for production of sponge iron through DRI kiln, coal washery, captive power plant, coke oven plant, and cold rolling mill at Thelkoli in Sambalpur district.
The OSPCB had conducted a surprise inspection of the plant on the midnight of May 1, 2013, and verified the operational status and efficacy of pollution control devices. The OSPCB team observed several non-compliances of directions under Section 31 A of Air (P&CP) Act, 1981, and Section 33A of Water (P&CP) Act, 1974.
The board had ordered the plant to rectify lapses subsequently and not to resume operation of DRI 3 and 4, 60 mw FBC boiler and electric arc furnace. The company responded to the board’s direction stating that all action had been taken to comply with the orders.
However, regional officer of Sambalpur again inspected the plant site on July 2 and 3 and found recurring of violation of pollution norms, including heavy air pollution. “Facts and observations lead to the conclusion that the company has grossly failed to manage the problems of environmental pollution within the plant side and also failed to keep commitments made through affidavits,” notes OSPCB’s closure notice.
The notice directs the company to shut down DRI kiln 6, 9 and 10 and 130 mw FBC boiler (unit-II) forthwith and take appropriate actions to remove the defects in electro static precipitators and process equipment to the satisfaction of board and get prior approvals for restart of those units.
Published - September 18, 2013 03:20 pm IST
