Wednesday, May 11 2005
New Indian Press
CHENNAI: Referring to the media reports, which claimed high-level of toxins in the air in SIPCOT Industrial Complex in Cuddalore, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board said that it had formulated a committee to study use of toxic organic compounds by the units.
According to a press release, the study would look into inventorisation, monitoring and assessment of use of toxic materials and method of treatment and management.
The study was initiated as per the Supreme Court Monitoring Committees’ directions.
The court committee had suggested conducting a comprehensive process audit with special emphasis on VOC emissions. The major seven industries in the area were directed to conduct waste audit study and file a report.
The units Shasun Chemicals, SPIC Pharma,Tagros Chemicals and Asian Paints have been asked to submit their waste audit studies to the committee for evaluation.
Based on further recommendations, the TNPCB has commissioned the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Mumbai, to conduct a scientific study on the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the vicinity.
The foul odours complained by residents are attributed to these compounds. In SIPCOT, Cuddalore, there are 55 units out of which only 20 are working. Hence the emissions are kept as minimal as possible.
According to TNPCB, the Board has already directed the industries to create secure landfill facilities, and they are presently storing the waste generated within their premises in a safe place.