Alleged lack of pollution control measures in the operation, management and handling of the pet coke facility and the sulphur storage yard on the premises of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL), which are close to a residential locality, have been placed before the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
R.B. Puranik, environment officer, KSPCB, Mangaluru, said his report, showing deficiencies at the pet coke facility and the sulphur storage yard and MRPL’s replies detailing the steps they had taken for environment protection, had been placed before the board. Residents of Jokatte and neighbouring areas have been protesting under the aegis of the Nagarika Horata Samiti against the pet coke facility and the sulphur storage yard for alleged air and water pollution. They are accusing the two units operating close to residential areas of causing health problems and polluting wells and water bodies in the area.
Inspections
The KSPCB officials inspected the areas and the two units. In the show-cause notice issued on March 4, the environment officer, among others, found that open wells were contaminated from falling of dust from the operation of units in MRPL phase 3.
He also pointed out spillages in the pet coke handling and storage area that was leading to spread of dust. Mr. Puranik said that MRPL had not taken steps to reduce dust emission.
In the next show-cause notice issued on March 9, Mr. Puranik said that the site where the two units were situated, about 50 metres away from the residential locality, was not suitable to carry out such activities and to commission the plant without implementing and providing adequate suitable pollution control measures to stop fugitive dust emission into the environment.
In a detailed reply to the two notices on March 13, MRPL Director (Refinary) Vijay G. Joshi contented that the company was not contributing to noise or dust emission. The coke removed from crude oil was being conveyed from processing unit to the coke yard in a closed conveyor belt. Dust screens and fire hydrants were used to reduce dust generation. Wind breaker wall was being constructed around the sulphur storage yard. Measures have been taken to prevent run off from pet coke area entering the storm water drain.
Report placed
before Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
