Understanding OSPCB Sewage Treatment Guidelines in Odisha

As Odisha’s cities and industries expand, adhering to the OSPCB Sewage Treatment Guidelines has never been more urgent. The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) mandates stringent wastewater management practices to protect the state’s lifelines—rivers like the Mahanadi and Brahmani—from pollution caused by untreated sewage and industrial effluents. With over 50% of urban households dependent on septic tanks and rapid industrialization straining water resources, non-compliance risks irreversible damage to groundwater, ecosystems, and public health.

These guidelines ensure industries, commercial complexes, and residential projects adopt eco-friendly sewage treatment systems that neutralize harmful contaminants, from chemical residues to pathogens. By prioritizing OSPCB-compliant solutions, Odisha can curb groundwater contamination, reduce waterborne diseases like cholera, and meet sustainability goals through practices like treated water recycling for irrigation or industrial reuse.

Failure to comply isn’t just an environmental hazard—it invites heavy penalties, operational shutdowns, and reputational harm. Whether you’re a factory manager, hotel owner, or urban planner, integrating OSPCB-approved technologies is critical to safeguarding Odisha’s water future. Explore how modern wastewater systems align with regulatory standards, protect communities, and foster sustainable growth.

OSPCB Sewage Treatment Guidelines i

Key Challenges in Odisha’s Sewage Management

1. Rising Industrial Effluent: Odisha’s industries contribute 35% of total wastewater, demanding advanced solutions like industrial effluent treatment solutions and integrated ETP STP plant systems.

2. Urban Expansion: With Odisha’s urban population expected to exceed 22 million by 2030, decentralized systems and STP plant designs tailored for scalable treatment are essential.

3. Regulatory Mandates: Non-compliance with OSPCB guidelines 2023 risks penalties of up to ₹1 lakh/day under the Water Act, 1974.

How to Comply with OSPCB Sewage Treatment Guidelines?

  • Consult experienced sewage treatment plant consultants to design a compliant system.
  • Opt for certified ETP STP plant manufacturers to ensure your system meets effluent discharge standards.
  • Explore cost-effective options by comparing STPs plant costs in Odisha to find a solution that aligns with your budget and treatment capacity.

OSPCB  Sewage Treatment Guidelines: Key Regulations for Effluent Discharge and Permitting

      1. Effluent Quality Standards:

  • pH: 6.5–8.5
  • BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand): < 30 mg/L
  • TSS (Total Suspended Solids): < 100 mg/L
  • Oil & Grease: < 10 mg/L
    Non-compliance risks fines up to ₹1 lakh/day under the Water Act, 1974.

    2. STP Plant Approval Process:

  • Submit design plans, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and land ownership documents.
  • Obtain clearance from OSPCB before construction.


    3. Monitoring Requirements:

  • Install IoT sensors for real-time tracking of pH, BOD, and TSS.
  • Submit quarterly reports to OSPCB.

OSPCB STP Norms: Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

      1. Wastewater Assessment:

  • Analyse flow rate, organic load (BOD), and contaminants (e.g., heavy metals).
  • Use data to select OSPCB-approved technologies like MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) or ASP (Activated Sludge Process).

    2. STP Design & Construction:

  • Include components like grit chambers, aeration tanks, and clarifiers (refer to STP plant diagram guidelines).
  • Partner with OSPCB-certified ETP STP plant manufacturers for system integration.

    3. Permitting:

  • Apply via OSPCB’s online portal with technical specifications and ETP/STP integration details.

    4. Operational Compliance:

  • Train staff to monitor parameters and handle sludge disposal as per OSPCB’s solid waste management rules.
OSPCB Sewage Treatment Guidelines

OSPCB-Approved Sewage Treatment Technologies

     1. Activated Sludge Process (ASP) : 

  • Ideal for large municipalities. Process: Aeration → Sedimentation → Chlorination.

     2. Membrane Bioreactor (MBR):

  • Produces reusable water (TSS < 10 mg/L), suitable for hotels and apartments.

    3. Decentralised Systems (DEWATS):

  • Cost-effective for rural areas. Includes HECS Packaged STP for quick installation.

    4. Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR):

Energy-efficient for industries with fluctuating wastewater volumes.

OSPCB STP Norms for Sewage Management

        1. Mandatory Desludging:
  • Septic tanks must be cleaned every 2–3 years (as per Odisha Urban Septage Management Guidelines).

     

    2. Co-Treatment Facilities:
  • Blend septage with sewage in STPs to reduce treatment costs.

    3. Transportation Rules:
  • Use OSPCB-approved tankers with GPS tracking to prevent illegal dumping.

OSPCB STP Compliance: Challenges & Solutions

      1. Infrastructure Gaps:
  • Solution: Invest in decentralised STPs for underserved areas like slums.

    2. Public Awareness:
  • Solution: Promote the reuse of treated water for gardening/construction via OSPCB campaigns.

    3. Funding:
  • Solution: leverage state schemes like AMRUT 2.0 for STP upgrades.

Choosing OSPCB-Certified ETP/STP Plant Manufacturers

  • Certifications: Verify CPCB/OSPCB approvals and ISO certifications.
  • Technology Range: Opt for providers offering SBR, MBR, or constructed wetlands.
  • Post-Installation Support: Ensure sludge disposal assistance and annual audits.

Contact Us for OSPCB-Compliant Sewage Treatment with HECS PSTP

Ensure your facility meets OSPCB guidelines with HECS PSTP. Contact us today for a customised sewage treatment solution that prioritises compliance, sustainability, and efficiency. Let HECS be your trusted partner in responsible wastewater management.

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Frequently Asked Questions​​

The OSPCB (Odisha State Pollution Control Board) mandates that all residential, industrial, and municipal entities treat sewage to meet effluent standards (e.g., BOD ≤ 30 mg/L, pH 6.5–8.5). Systems must comply with the Water Act, 1974, and submit quarterly reports to avoid penalties.

Apply via the OSPCB Online Portal with:

  • Site layout and STP design details (technology, capacity).
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
  • Proof of compliance with effluent discharge standards.
    Approval typically takes 60–90 days.

 

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) approves the following sewage treatment technologies for compliance with effluent standards:

✅ MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor): Compact, low-maintenance, and efficient for residential and commercial use.
✅ SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor): Ideal for municipal sewage treatment with advanced nutrient removal.
✅ MBR (Membrane Bioreactor): Produces high-quality treated water, suitable for reuse in industries and apartments.
✅ Activated Sludge Process (ASP): Common for large-scale wastewater treatment plants.

🔹 Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Mandatory for industries in water-stressed zones like Angul and Jharsuguda, ensuring no wastewater discharge.

Using OSPCB-approved technologies helps businesses and municipalities meet compliance standards and avoid penalties.

✅ Yes. Residential complexes with 50+ units must install OSPCB-compliant Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) as per the Odisha Urban Sanitation Policy, 2017.

🔹 Why? To ensure proper wastewater treatment and prevent pollution.
🔹 What Happens if You Don’t Comply?

  • Water supply disconnection for non-compliant buildings.

  • Fines & legal action from local authorities.

Builders and apartment associations must install and maintain STPs to meet OSPCB effluent standards and avoid penalties.

All sewage and industrial wastewater must meet OSPCB discharge limits to prevent environmental pollution.

✅ Key Parameters:

  • BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand): ≤ 30 mg/L

  • COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): ≤ 250 mg/L

  • TSS (Total Suspended Solids): ≤ 100 mg/L

  • pH Range: 6.5 – 8.5

🔹 Industrial Wastewater: Must meet stricter norms for hazardous pollutants:

  • Arsenic: ≤ 0.2 mg/L

  • Lead: ≤ 0.1 mg/L

  • Oil & Grease: ≤ 10 mg/L

Industries and municipalities must regularly monitor discharge quality to comply with OSPCB standards and avoid penalties.

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) approves the following sewage treatment technologies for residential, commercial, and industrial use:

✅ MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor): Compact, efficient, and suitable for apartments and commercial buildings.
✅ SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor): Ideal for municipal sewage treatment with high organic removal efficiency.
✅ MBR (Membrane Bioreactor): Produces high-quality treated water, suitable for reuse in industries and housing complexes.
✅ ASP (Activated Sludge Process): Common for large-scale wastewater treatment plants, offering effective pollutant removal.

🔹 Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Mandatory for industries in water-stressed regions like Angul and Jharsuguda, ensuring no wastewater is released into the environment.

Using OSPCB-approved sewage treatment technologies helps meet regulatory standards, prevent pollution, and avoid penalties.

✅ Monthly Reports: Industries must submit sewage discharge data every month via the OSPCB online portal, covering:

  • BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

  • COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)

  • TSS (Total Suspended Solids)

✅ Annual Audits: A third-party audit by an OSPCB-approved agency is mandatory once a year to verify compliance.

Regular monitoring and reporting help industries avoid fines, maintain compliance, and prevent environmental violations.

✅ Yes. OSPCB allows the reuse of treated sewage (greywater) for:

  • Gardening & Landscaping 🌱

  • Cooling Towers ❄️

  • Toilet Flushing 🚽

✅ Quality Standards: Treated water must comply with IS 16240:2021 standards for safe reuse.

🔹 Why Reuse?

  • Reduces freshwater consumption 💧

  • Promotes sustainability ♻️

  • Lowers water bills 💰

OSPCB encourages sewage recycling to support eco-friendly wastewater management.

  • Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO).
  • STP performance test reports (from NABL-accredited labs).
  • Environmental Statement (Form V) submitted annually.

In 2025, OSPCB introduced stricter monitoring for industries in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, requiring real-time IoT-based effluent sensors and bi-annual sludge disposal reports.

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OSPCB Sewage Treatment Guidelines in Odisha: Key Standards & Solutions