Norms for Paper and Pulp Industry

1. The maximum quantity of water consumed in the Factory shall not exceed the figures indicated below :-
   
   Small pulp and paper mills :
   1. Agro - residue based - 200 cubic meter per tonne of paper
   2. Waste paper based - 75 cubic meter per tonne of paper
   Large pulp and paper mills : - 250 cubic meter per tonne of paper
2. A state of the art effluent treatment system shall be installed by the factory adopting appropriate technology for the treatment of organic as well as inorganic substances to treat the effluent to the standards stipulated.The treatment of effluent shall ensure that the effluent is free from toxic and hazardous effects.All efforts shall be made to remove colour from the effluent.
3. A State of the art fibre recovery system shall be installed to remove the suspended solids/recover fibres from the effluent and recycle the water.
4. The discharge of effluents into streams, rivers or surface water bodies shall be discouraged.All efforts shall be made to see that the treated effluent conforming to stipulated standards shall be used on land for agriculture. The factory shall endeavour to acquire sufficient land for this purpose. The application of treated effluent shall be controlled in such a manner so as not to cause either flooding of land or underground water pollution. Before allowing the use of treated effluent for irrigation, the State Pollution Control Board shall ensure that the factory submits a report on geophysical characteristics and assimilation capacity of land and suitability of effluents for agriculture through a recognised institution. Adequate number of observation bores/test wells shall be provided by the factory in and around the effluent irrigated area to monitor ground water quality. The factory shall get the soil, leachate and ground water in the area analysed at regular intervals for parameters based on raw materials used and characteristics of effluent discharged to verify the fate and effect of any persistent chemical.
5. Chimneys of prescribed height shall be installed
6. Air Pollution Control equipments like Electro-Static Precipitator/Bagfilters/Cyclones/Scrubbers etc. as approved by the State Pollution Control Board shall be installed to control the emissions from chimneys to the stipulated standards.
7. Steps shall be taken to reduce the emission of odorous substances.
8. All Large pulp and paper mills shall maintain ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations at designated locations and regularly monitor for Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S),oxides of Nitrogen etc.
9. The factory shall ensure that the noise levels are within the stipulated limits and the factory shall conduct periodic monitoring of noise levels at designated locations at specified intervals.
10. The boiler ash, recausticizing lime mud, hypochlorite preparation grit, effluent treatment plant sludge, bagasse pith and all other solid wastes shall be collected and disposed off in a manner so as not to cause environmental pollution.
11. The factory shall endeavour to reuse the sludge generated either as fuel or for making paper board or as manure after composting.
12. The factory shall install water meters to measure the water consumed for different purposes as per the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977, as amended, and pay water cess.
13. The factory shall submit an Environmental Statement Report for the financial year ending the 31st March in the prescribed form to the State Pollution Control Board on or before the 30 th September every year beginning from 1993.
14. The factory shall also comply with the provisions of the :-
     
    1. Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 & Hazardous wastes (Management Handling) Amendment Rules,2000.
    2. Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 & Amendment Rules, 1992 & 1994.
    3. Public Liability Insurance Act and Rules, 1991 as amended from time to time, if applicable.
15. All tanks used for the collection and treatment of effluent shall be made impervious by providing adequate cement concrete/stone masonry/stone slab lining with leak-proof joint in the bottom and sides. Observation bores with pipes shall be provided around such tanks and monitored for leakage.
16. The factory shall upgrade the pollution control systems as and when new technologies are available.
17. All large pulp and paper mills shall ensure continuous and effective operation and maintenance of pollution control systems by establishing an Environmental Cell with qualified Environmental Engineers/Scientists.
18. The factory shall ensure continuous and un-interrupted power supply so that the pollution control systems function uninterruptedly. Separate energy meters shall be provided for the pollution control systems.
19. A fully equipped laboratory shall be established by the factory with appropriate equipments to monitor the performance of pollution control systems and to test the effluents, emissions and soil for pollution related parameters.
20. The factory shall conduct continuous bio-monitoring and bio-assay test regularly to ensure that the treated effluent is made non-toxic.
21. Every new large pulp and paper mill and those proposed to be expanded shall submit Environmental impact Assessment Report and Environmental Management Plan to the State Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Environment and Forest and obtain prior Consent and Environmental Clearance respectively.
22. If the Occupier has not taken requisite consents under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and clearance under the Environmental (Protection) Act,1986, he shall not be allowed to run the factory. Action will be taken by writing to the concerned departments to stop supplies such as electricity, water etc.
23. For convenience, the standards stipulated by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,1974, for the effluent and emissions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, discharged is given in Annexure.