New Madhya Pradesh Sewage Treatment Plant Regulations

 Design Standards Of Madhya Pradesh Sewage Treatment Plant

The design of sewage treatment plants in Madhya Pradesh must adhere to specific standards to ensure efficient treatment and compliance with environmental regulations. Key design considerations include:

• Capacity Planning: STPs must be designed to handle the projected sewage load based on population growth and industrial activities. The design should account for peak flow rates and seasonal variations.
• Treatment Processes: The treatment process should include primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment stages to remove suspended solids, organic matter, and pathogens effectively.
• Sludge Management: Proper sludge handling and disposal mechanisms must be incorporated into the design to prevent environmental contamination.

Effluent Quality Parameters

The MPPCB has set stringent effluent quality parameters to ensure that treated wastewater does not harm the environment or public health. Key parameters include:

• pH: The pH of the treated effluent should be within the range of 6.5 to 8.5.
• Total Suspended Solids (TSS): The TSS concentration should not exceed 30 mg/L.
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): The BOD level should be less than 30 mg/L.
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): The COD level should be less than 250 mg/L.
• Fecal Coliforms: The fecal coliform count should be less than 1000 MPN/100 mL.

Environmental Clearance Requirements

Before establishing an STP, it is mandatory to obtain environmental clearance from the MPPCB. The clearance process involves:

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Conduct an EIA to assess the potential environmental impacts of the STP.
• Public Consultation: Engaging with stakeholders and the local community to address concerns and gather feedback.
• Compliance with Zoning Regulations: Ensuring that the STP is located in an area designated for such facilities, away from sensitive ecosystems and residential areas.

Inspection and Monitoring Protocols

Regular inspection and monitoring are crucial to ensuring that STPs operate within the prescribed limits. The MPPCB has established the following protocols:

• Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS): All STPs in million-plus cities must install OCEMS to monitor parameters such as pH, TSS, BOD, COD, and flow rate. Data from these systems must be uploaded to the MPPCB’s Environment Surveillance Centre (ESC) in Bhopal.
• Routine Inspections: MPPCB officials conduct routine inspections to verify compliance with effluent standards and operational protocols.
• Self-Monitoring: STP operators are required to implement self-monitoring mechanisms and maintain records of effluent quality and operational parameters.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with STP regulations can result in severe penalties, including:

• Fines: Monetary penalties for exceeding effluent discharge limits or failing to install required monitoring systems.
• Closure Orders: Temporary or permanent closure of the STP for repeated violations or significant environmental harm.
• Legal Action: Criminal charges against responsible individuals or entities for severe violations.

Best Practices for Maintaining STP Efficiency

To ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulations, STP operators should adopt the following best practices:

• Regular Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance of equipment and infrastructure to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficient operation.
• Staff Training: Provide regular training to staff on operational protocols, safety measures, and emergency response.
• Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
• Sludge Management: Properly treat and dispose of sludge to prevent environmental contamination and recover valuable resources such as biogas and fertilisers.
• Public Awareness: Engage with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of wastewater treatment and encourage responsible water use.