Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB)
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), established under The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), created under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, is a key player in environmental pollution control in Tamil Nadu. As a vital State Pollution Control Board, the TNPCB guarantees that industry, cities, and municipalities strictly adhere to environmental legislation.
The TNPCB’s principal goal is to safeguard the environment by regulating pollutant emissions into air, water, and soil. It sets criteria for industrial waste management, sewage treatment, and air quality control to protect public health and conserve natural resources. To ensure ecological balance, the board supervises solid waste disposal, hazardous material management, and noise pollution levels. Working closely with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), TNPCB aligns its environmental policies with national standards. It conducts environmental impact assessments (EIA), promotes pollution prevention techniques, and integrates the latest scientific advancements into its regulatory framework. The board’s initiatives are vital for balancing Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth with sustainable environmental conservation.
TNPCB’s coordinated efforts with the Central Pollution Board and other regulatory bodies strengthen environmental governance in Tamil Nadu, making it a pivotal institution for pollution control and resource management. To support Tamil Nadu’s environmental goals, the HECS Sewage Treatment Plant offers advanced solutions for effective wastewater management. Designed to meet stringent TNPCB standards, our treatment systems ensure efficient purification, reducing environmental impact while conserving water resources. Explore our innovative sewage treatment technologies to enhance sustainability in industrial, municipal, and residential sectors.
TNPCB Guidelines for Sewage Treatment Plants
In this regard, it is informed that all the relevant departments are requested to follow the standards prescribed for the discharge of treated sewage into water bodies at
Mega & Metropolitan Cities by the Hon’ble NGT order dated 30.04.2019 in O.A.No.1069/2018 .
No | Industry | Parameters | Desirable Limits |
1 | Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | pH | 5.5 – 9.0 |
2 | Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | 10 mg/l |
3 | Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | Total Suspended Solids (TSS) | 10 mg/l |
4 | Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) | 20 mg/l |
5 | Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | Nitrogen – Total | 10 mg/l |
6 | Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) | Phosphorus Total (For Discharge into Ponds, Lakes) | 1.0 mg/l |
The establishment of sewage treatment plants must follow these essential guidelines:
1. Sewage Treatment Plant Design and Capacity Norms of TNPCB
Design Parameters: The facility planning should incorporate projected sewage volumes, factoring in daily per capita generation rates and servicing the total population.
Per Capita Sewage Flow: The standard volume ranges between 135 -150 litres per individual daily.
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand): The facility must effectively reduce BOD concentrations to comply with discharge requirements (generally maintaining levels under 30 mg/l in processed sewage).
COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): Post-treatment effluent must maintain COD readings below 250 mg/l.
Treatment Process: Facilities should implement recognized methods such as activated sludge processes (ASP), Sequential Batch Reactors (SBR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), or comparable advanced solutions meeting TNPCB effluent quality requirements.
2. Effluent Quality Standards of TNPCB
Processed sewage must satisfy these quality parameters for either surface water discharge or reuse purposes:
- BOD: Must remain under 30 mg/l.
- COD: Should not surpass 250 mg/l.
- TSS (Total Suspended Solids): Required to stay below 100 mg/l.
- pH: Must fall within 6.5 to 8.5.
- Fecal Coliform: Cannot exceed 1000 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 ml.
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): Generally maintained below 2100 mg/l for discharge, though specifications may vary based on facility type and regional regulations.
3. Sludge Management Norms for Effective Sludge Treatment
Treatment facilities must handle generated sludge in a manner that ensures safe and environmentally compliant sludge treatment. To achieve this, facilities must adhere to the following protocols:
- Sludge Disposal: All sludge byproducts from treatment operations must undergo proper processing and disposal. This step is critical for preventing environmental contamination and ensuring that waste materials are managed per regulatory standards.
- Dewatering: Reducing the moisture content of sludge is essential for efficient sludge treatment. Facilities typically employ mechanical dewatering methods—such as centrifugation, belt presses, or natural techniques like drying beds—to achieve optimal moisture reduction.
- Disposal Methods: Once processed, the sludge may be repurposed for beneficial uses. Options include:
Utilizing the treated sludge as fertilizer in agriculture contributes to nutrient recycling.
Disposing of the sludge in designated landfills that meet strict environmental protection standards.
- Sludge Management Plans: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) mandates comprehensive management strategies to ensure that all aspects of waste handling—including the entire sludge treatment process—comply with environmental standards. These plans must detail procedures for safe storage, processing, dewatering, and final disposal of sludge.
4. Monitoring and Compliance
Monitoring Parameters: Treatment facilities must implement systematic monitoring of effluent characteristics to verify adherence to discharge regulations. Key indicators typically encompass Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), pH levels, and faecal coliform concentrations.
Frequency of Monitoring: Quality assessments must be conducted at minimum monthly intervals, with increased frequency requirements based on the facility’s operational scale and processing capacity.
Consent for Discharge: Facility operators are required to secure and maintain valid discharge permits from TNPCB. Regular facility inspections by TNPCB representatives ensure ongoing compliance with standards.
Online Monitoring: Select facilities, as determined by TNPCB guidelines, must implement continuous monitoring systems that provide real-time effluent quality data to the regulatory board.
5. Maintenance and Operation
Proper Operation: Treatment facilities must adhere to prescribed operational protocols and maintenance schedules to maintain optimal treatment efficiency.
Regular Maintenance: This encompasses scheduled cleaning of treatment units, timely equipment repairs or replacements, and careful monitoring to prevent system overload beyond design specifications.
Staff Training: Operational personnel must receive comprehensive training in treatment methodologies, maintenance procedures, and safe handling of chemical substances when applicable.
6. Reuse and Recycling of Treated Sewage
Non-Potable Use: TNPCB actively promotes the utilization of treated effluent in non-potable applications, including landscape irrigation, industrial cooling systems, construction activities, and various industrial processes, helping conserve precious freshwater resources.
Treated Sewage Reuse Standards: Effluent intended for reuse must satisfy specific quality parameters, particularly regarding BOD, COD, and TSS levels.
7. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Major treatment facilities, particularly those situated near environmentally sensitive zones such as water bodies, wildlife sanctuaries, or urban populations, may require comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
EIA Requirements: The assessment must provide a detailed analysis of potential environmental effects, proposed mitigation strategies, and pollution management protocols.
8. Green Norms and Sustainability Measures
Energy Efficiency: Contemporary facilities are encouraged to incorporate energy-efficient technologies, including solar power systems, biogas recovery units, and other sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
Odour Control: Implementation of effective odour management systems, such as activated carbon filtration, is essential to protect nearby communities.
Landscaping and Green Areas: Certain facilities must incorporate green spaces and landscaping elements to enhance local aesthetics and support biodiversity.
9. Reporting and Documentation
Compliance Reports: Treatment facilities must submit detailed periodic reports to TNPCB, comprehensively documenting effluent quality parameters, sludge handling procedures, and any instances of deviation from established regulatory standards.
Annual Reports: A comprehensive yearly assessment detailing the STP’s operational performance, methods of sludge disposal, and environmental impact analysis must be furnished to TNPCB.
10 . Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with STP regulations may result in substantial monetary penalties or operational closure orders from TNPCB. Facilities discharging treated sewage that fails to meet prescribed quality standards or implementing improper sludge management practices face penalties under Tamil Nadu’s environmental legislation.
For further details on Tamilnadu sewage treatment plant standards, we recommend consulting with the HECS Sales Experts. Our experts can provide personalized guidance and the latest updates on environmental regulations in Tamil Nadu.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) is a government agency responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution levels in Tamil Nadu. It enforces environmental laws, provides guidelines for waste management, and ensures compliance with national and state-level pollution control norms.
To apply for environmental clearances, you must apply with the required documents to the TNPCB. This includes an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, details of the project, and compliance with state and national environmental standards.
To establish or operate an industrial unit, you need to apply for "Consent to Establish" (CTE) and "Consent to Operate" (CTO) from TNPCB. The process involves submitting an application, undergoing inspections, and ensuring adherence to environmental regulations.
Industries can ensure compliance by conducting regular environmental audits, following TNPCB’s prescribed pollution control measures, and adhering to guidelines for emissions, effluent treatment, and waste management.
Industries and individuals looking to use water for commercial purposes must apply for permission from TNPCB. This involves submitting water consumption details, treatment processes, and compliance with water pollution norms.
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