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A Compilation of

POLLUTED PLACES INDIA- INITIAL SITE ASSESSMENT REPORTS

Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Under the Poverty & Environment Program

June 2007 BLACKSMITH CONTACTS: New York Headquarters India Office Richard Fuller Promila Sharma 2014 5th Avenue K-1 Commercial Complex New York, NY 10035 Birbal Road USA New Delhi-110014 Ph: (646) 742 0200 Ph: + 91 11 2342 0330 [email protected] & [email protected] [email protected]

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IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF PRIORITY POLLUTED PLACES

Blacksmith Institute, through its worldwide Polluted Places Initiative, seeks to identify and address the severely polluted sites throughout the developing world where human health and livelihood have been substantially affected by pollution. Polluted Places encourages innovative and creative approaches to supporting local leaders and organizations. Our strategy brings resources and expertise to local groups and agencies in developing communities in order to solve pollution problems, one community at a time. Blacksmith seeks to identify such sites where pollution has severely impacted mortality and morbidity rates and implement measures to alleviate it. In India, where industrial pollution significantly impacts the health of the poorest communities, especially women and children, Blacksmith has been implementing a Polluted Places Initiative, supported by the Asian Development Bank under its Poverty and Environment Program. This work was commenced in 2005 and is now nearing its close. The Government of India is concerned about the problem of industrial pollutants, and has initiated efforts to address remediation of polluted sites. Experience under this Polluted Places project has demonstrated that some locations can be cleaned up with limited effort and expense. Others requiring substantial capital and effort can be initiated based on initial work carried out under this project. By creating partnerships for cleaning up severely polluted sites, this project aims to reduce the impacts of industrial pollution in some of India’s poorest communities. Sites Nominated and Assessments carried out A total of 130 nominations were received, of which 74 were put forward for review by TAB. In the end, 34 specific ISAs were prepared, including the findings on Expected Interventions. A first draft report containing 20 ISAs was provided to ADB, MOEF/CPCB and the World Bank (WB) at the end of 2005. The report included recommendations on whether or not each site should be considered as a candidate for major remediation efforts, to be supported by the WB. This report now includes the full set of 32 ISAs. The following table sets out the essentials of all the assessments. It is followed by short summary of all the ISAs, on a state by state basis.

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Initial Site Assessment Reports - Summary

Site Name

Summary Priority for GoI Remediation

PRIORITY SITES

GUJARAT Nandessari Industrial Estate/ Mini River

The problems of illegal dumps and legacy pollution problems in and around Mini River should be addressed because of risk of drinking water contamination

Yes: Legacy site remediation

Muthia Village Toxic waste in legacy dumps needs to be removed from village. Pilot has been implemented.

Yes: Expand work completed under pilot

Amlakhadi River Outflow from CETP needs to be monitored. Sludge cleanup along banks of river to be undertaken. Groundwater is contaminated

Yes: Needs area based pollution management, including remediation.

Damanganga River/Vapi Industrial Estate

Contaminated sludge from riverbanks needs to be removed to secure landfill site. Discharges to be controlled

Yes: Needs area based pollution management, including remediation.

TAMIL NADU Ranipet Contaminants from a legacy chromium

industry has infiltrated the surroundings and contaminated the drinking water supply of neighbouring villages.

Yes: Legacy site to be remediated

Palar River at Vellore

Impacted by leachate from Ranipet as well as tannery and other industrial effluents.

Yes – in tandem with Ranipet

RAJASTHAN Bichhadi Village Legacy problem from chemical estate

that has contaminated the groundwater beyond use. Under Supreme Court monitoring

Possible: Interventions needed; implementation of SC orders needs to be started.

Pali Preliminary work being done on water. No formal ISA: selected for water quality pilot

Probable: Pilot on water treatment is being implemented

UTTAR PRADESH

Noraiakheda, Kanpur

Defunct chromium processing plant has contaminated the groundwater supply to this area. Pilot remediation scheme implemented successfully.

Yes: Pilot project has demonstrated feasibility. Needs to be expanded.

Anwarganj Legacy chemical industry in Kanpur Yes - should be included in Kanpur groundwater remediation project

WEST BENGAL Tiljla/Picnic Gardens

Secondary lead smelters in close proximity to dense settlements. Outdated technology and no pollution control

Yes: Intervention needed because of probable health impacts; industries need to be upgraded or relocated

JHARKHAND Roro Hills Legacy chromate and asbestos mines.

Dumps overshadow village and health effects reported

Yes: Need to address approx 0.7mt of dumps

ORISSA

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Sukinda Valley Chromate mines and processing are impacting local waterways. Ongoing debate about impacts. ISA to be done

Yes: Major problems with ongoing and legacy mining

Angul-Thalcher Legacy dumps identified from M/s Orichem Ltd.

Yes: Wetlands Technology Pilot proposed by one of our Technical Expert

INTERVENTION NOT HIGH PRIORITY

GUJARAT Kharicut Canal Canal needs lining to prevent further

leaching of contaminants into the surrounding villages. Hazardous waste dumping also needs to be cleaned up.

Perhaps: Direct health links not clearly established

Baroda Effluent Canal

Potential human health impacts are probably limited

No: Pathway of human contact not clear

Hema Chemicals, Baroda

Health study needed on people in vicinity of this legacy industry to determine level of health impact of exposure to chromium.

No: Private ownership

Pirana/Narol Industrial Area

Treatment plant needs to be upgraded or better operated.

No: No clear pathway for human contact

River Par Need to clean up waste sludge dumped on riverbanks

No: No immediate pathway to humans

TAMIL NADU Sriumugai Legacy chemical industry. Need to

monitor the safe removal of chemicals from the premises

No: but should be monitored

Tiruppur Pollution from active dyeing and textile industries. Is receiving a lot of attention and several projects are underway to solve the problems

No: Most of the problems are related to active industries

Cuddalore Active and legacy chemical industries Not at present: Another site visit under consideration

ANDHRA PRADESH

Edulabad Local lake reported to be contaminated by industry. Sampling suggests mainly municipal pollution

No: Not significant industrial contamination

Asanikunta Lake, Medak

Heavily polluted by effluents from Bollaram Industrial Estate. Untreated discharges need to be stopped.

No: Active pollution by private industries

Noor Mohammed Kunta Lake, Ranga Reddy

Receives poorly controlled effluents from Katedan industrial Estate. These discharges need to be controlled.

No: Active pollution by private industries

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. Vishakapatnam

Public company closed in 1999. Tests by APPCB show that contamination now within acceptable levels.

No: No impacts

RAJASTHAN Sanganer Ongoing pollution from textile

industries. More work needed to determine extent of contamination and identify other sources

No: Samples tested did not demonstrate clear links

Bhiwadi and Chowpanki

Active secondary lead smelters. Health studies need to be conducted

Further work on stakeholder involvement is needed

UTTER PRADESH

Daurala Active pharmaceutical industry. Measures being taken to improve

No: Active pollution, being addressed

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discharges Panki Katra

Surrounding areas contaminated by fly-ash releases from power plant. Project underway to improve soil fertility.

No: but fly ash discharges need to be controlled

Chinhat Dumps of waste from Lindane manufacture. Pilot remediation of one dump is underw

No: Chemical plant is still active and under orders to clean-up. Pilot results can be taken up by industry.

WEST BENGAL Aruputo Village About 40 facilities processing leather

scraps from tanneries into fertilizer. Suspected to release hexavalent chromium into surroundings

No: Problem is caused by active industry

Howrah Old cast iron foundry cluster located here. Major concern is air pollution which is closely monitored by authorities

No: Appropriate controls are in place

Tangra Legacy contamination from recently closed tanneries. Being addressed by authorities

No: State government is dealing with this area

JHARKAND Kadra and Ratanpur

Active sponge iron plants No: Monitoring of ongoing operations is required

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((II)) PPRRIIOORRIITTYY SSIITTEESS::

((11)) NNAANNDDEESSAARRII IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIAALL AARREEAA,, VVAADDOODDAARRAA,, GGUUJJAARRAATT Conducted by: Richard Fuller, Jack Caravanos , Promila Sharma and Suneet Dabke Date: May 9, 2005 Site Name & Location: Nandesari Industrial Area/ Mini River pollution/ Illegal hazardous waste dumping sites, Baroda, Gujarat.

I. Physical Description The Nandesari Industrial Estates is comprised of around 1200 small & large scale dye industries, engineering, and textile, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries. The Mini River, located to the west of Vadodara city passes through the Nandesari Industrial area, with factories on both sides. It was used as a dumping site prior to implementation of hazardous waste laws in 1989. It is no longer legally used for accepting wastewater from industries although illegal dumping by several facilities was observed during our visit. Sludge and sediments in the Mini River, which floods during the monsoon season, is highly contaminated with legacy heavy metals and other waste. The Mini River flows into the Mahi River, the second largest river in the state, directly upstream of the intake of water supply for the city of Baroda. Throughout the Nandesari Industrial Estate, there are estimated to be 10-15 illegally hazardous waste dumpsites, most in residential squatter areas. It is clear that some chemical facilities within the estate avoid dumping at the hazardous waste disposal facility to avoid the Rs.450 dump fee. A review of several illegal dumpsites proved the difficulty of finding the primary source of the waste itself. Thus, responsibility for cleanup is likely to fall on the state and on the community.

Summary: The Nandesari Industrial Estate is comprised of around 1,200 small and large- scale industries. There are estimated to be around 10-15 illegal hazardous waste dumpsites in and around the estate. The Mini River, which passes through the estate, was used for accepting wastewater from industries prior to the implementation of hazardous waste laws in 1989 and the sediment is heavily contaminated with toxins. During the rainy season, water from this canal drains directly into the drinking water supply for the city of Baroda. A stakeholders group is reviewing possible options and estimates will be made.

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Contaminant type, source & quantity Azo-dyes and chemicals used in drugs & pharmaceuticals, textiles processing and petroleum waste in unknown quantities. The dried sludge deposition is suspected to contain oils, heavy metals, organic contaminants, azo-dyes, chemicals used in drugs & pharmaceuticals and petroleum waste. It is likely that these contaminants if present leach out to the soil & groundwater. Contaminant Pathway Drinking water supply: The Mini River is a tributary of the Mahi River where borewells for drinking water have been dug up by the municipality downstream from the inflow of the Mini River. Sampling Dried sludge samples have been taken from the illegal hazardous waste dumpsites for testing and water, soil & sediment samples have been collected from both illegal dumpsites, and the Mini River basin itself.

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Sample 1: Sediment

Pollutant Concentration (ppm) Standard (ppm)

Comment

Chromium 91.9 390 Within permissible levels

Lead 9.67 400 Within permissible levels

Aluminium 24,400 Calcium 8,100 Iron 33,700 Magnesium 8,310 Manganese 495 Vanadium 114 550 Within permissible

levels Potassium 1680 Sodium 109,000 Zinc 333 23,000 Within permissible

levels Standards derived from the USEPA Soil Screening Guidance. Sample 2: Dry waste


Comment



Aluminium 12,500 Calcium 245,000 Iron 52,200 Magnesium 12,400 Manganese 313 Vanadium 82.4 550 Within permissible

levels Potassium 3,200 Sodium 2,580 Zinc 24.3 23,000 Within permissible

levels Sample 3: Water at outfall

Pollutant Concentration (mg/L)

Standard (mg/L)

Comment

Chromium 0.492 0.05 Elevated Lead 0.086 0.05 Slightly elevated Aluminium 106 Calcium 415 Iron 137 0.3

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Magnesium 90.5 Manganese 2.06 0.1 Elevated Vanadium 0.314 Potassium 45.8 Sodium 3,950 Zinc 1.68 5.0 Within permissible

levels Standard: Permissible limits for various metals in drinking water in India.

Sample 4: Sludge


Comment



Aluminium 787 Calcium 468 Iron 1,030 Magnesium 221 Manganese 6.12 Vanadium ND 550 Within permissible

levels Potassium ND Sodium 1,050 Zinc ND 23,000 Within permissible

levels ND- Not detectable

Organics Concentration (ppm) Standard (ppm)

Comment

2,4,5- Trichlorophenol

8,900 7,800 Elevated

4-Nitrophenol 5,400 4-Nitroaniline 8,600

Sample 5: Dried sludge


Comment

Chromium 163 390 Within permissible levels

Lead ND 400 Aluminium 35,800 Calcium 2,310 Iron 32,400 Magnesium 15,700

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Manganese 1,040 Vanadium 193 550 Within permissible

levels Potassium 381 Sodium 96,000 Zinc 532 23,000 Within permissible

levels Sample 6: Soil


Comment


Lead 5.67 400 Aluminium 2,500 Calcium 25,900 Iron 4,070 Magnesium 635 Manganese 26.7 Vanadium 8.86 550 Within permissible

levels Potassium 414 Sodium 4,940 Zinc 34.6 23,000 Within permissible

levels Chromium and lead levels in the water sample collected from the outfall were above permissible levels, which is of concern as bore wells for drinking water are located downstream from here. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people 4.2 million Health impact of pollutant Not determined. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details: K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23222425 Fax: (91)(79) 23232161 Email: [email protected]

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Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Sectretary GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23232152 Fax: (91)(79) 232221784 Mobile: (91)9825400268 Email: [email protected] S M Jha, Regional Officer, GPCB, GERI Compound, Course Road, Vadodara-390 007 Phone: Office – 91 –265-2354850/2339205 Mobile: (91) 9825959029 Email: [email protected] C C Bhimani, Dy. Environment Engineer GPCB, GERI Compound, Course Road, Vadodara-390 007 Phone: Office (91)(265) 2354850 Fax: (91)(265) 232221784 Email: [email protected] NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Zalak Kavi & Dr. Sunnet Dabke Society for Environment Protection (SEP) Ahmedabad office: 6-A Kalamvadi Society, Near Shreyas Crossing. Baroda Office: FF/42, Hiravanti Complex, opp. Aryakanya Vidyalaya, Karelibaug. Phone: (91) (79) 55137978. Email:[email protected] Other Agencies Contact Details: Dr. H. N. Saiyed, Director, National Institute of Occupational Health, Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad-380016 Phone: (91) (79) 22686242 Email:[email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description Both illegal industrial dumps and the historical contamination of the Mini River establish this site as a clear candidate for legacy cleanup through the proposed World Bank project. Preliminary scoping studies are to be conducted to determine the extent of contamination, and the potential cost of remediation. V. Potential Barriers None indicated to date.

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((22)) MMUUTTHHIIAA VVIILLLLAAGGEE,, NNAARROODDAA IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIAALL AARREEAA,, AAHHMMEEDDAABBAADD,, GGUUJJAARRAATT Conducted by: Dr Suneet Dabke Date: May 24, 2005 Site Name & Location: Muthia village, Naroda, Ahmedabad ,Gujarat.

I. Physical Description Muthia is on the eastern periphery of Ahmedabad city with estimated area of 6600 sq. meters out of that 975 sq. meter is covered by settlement. This village land is acquired by Naroda GIDC phase III and IV and is separated by natural storm water canal. Contaminant type, source & quantity Contaminant type is more of solid waste dumps. Approx. waste to the tune of 60000 tonnes is still lying in the village. These dumps are mostly of dye industries and are of all colours like orange, yellow, brown, black etc. This waste is mostly sludge from primary clarifiers and other untreated waste. There can be some other toxic waste Contaminant Pathway The sludge has been dumped near the village settlement area, in the village pond, in fields, and in and around the canal. Water drawn from wells is yellow in color. Both the dumps and the groundwater were found to contain chromium.

Summary: Several thousand tons of hazardous wastes have been dumped in the village mostly from dyeing enterprises. Water drawn from a local well was yellow-colored. This site was identified by the Gujarat Stakeholders group as appropriate for pilot-scale remediation with the application of vermin-technology, and this is being supported under the ADB project.

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Samples Taken Sample 1: Muthia groundwater sample

Pollutant Concentration (mg/L) Standard (mg/L)

Comment

Cadmium <0.1 ug/L 0.005 Within permissible levels

Chromium 0.9 0.05 Elevated Lead <0.1 ug/L 0.05 Within permissible

levels Nickel 2.7 ug/L - Zinc <0.1 5.0 Within permissible

levels Standard: Permissible limits for various metals in drinking water in India. Sample 2: Muthia solid waste dump


Comment



Cadmium 0.38 78 Within permissible levels

Nickel 53.82 1,600 Within permissible levels

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Zinc 96.87 23,000 Within permissible levels

Sample 3: Muthia solid waste dump


Comment

Chromium 247 390 Within permissible levels







Comment


Lead < 0.08 400 Within permissible levels






Comment


Lead < 0.09 400 Within permissible levels




Chromium levels were found to be elevated in the groundwater sample in Muthia village, which indicates that chromium has leached from the legacy waste dumps thereby contaminating the groundwater.

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Site: GIDC Plot No 804, Phase 4 (Naroda)

Stated Sample Reference

Top Soil layer Sub surface soil

Test Method

Nitrogen (%N) Potassium (%K) Phosphorous (P) Cadmium (Cd) Chromium (Cr)

0.10% 0.21% 827.34ppm 0.028ppm 41.28ppm

0.06% 0.13% 288.56ppm 0.034ppm 28.37ppm

GAFTA-2003 (method4) By Flame Photometer AOAC-2003 (995.11) By Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer By Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

Additional Notes At present there are nearly 100 industrial units out of that 10-15 are directly involved in manufacturing of dyes, intermediates etc. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Approx 10,000 Health impact of pollutant In March 2004 a major gas leak from a unit in the nearby Naroda industrial estate prompted the evacuation of Muthia village residents. Two people were taken to a local hospital for treatment. There has been no comprehensive health study in Muthia but the presence of high levels of heavy metals indicates that there may be an adverse human health impact. III. Site Stakeholders Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23222425 Fax: (91)(79) 23232161 Email: [email protected] Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Sectretary GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23232152 Fax: (91)(79) 232221784 Mobile: (91)9825400268 Email: [email protected]

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NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Society for Environment Protection 6-A, Kalamwadi Society, Shreyas crossing sharda mandir road, Ahmadabad.Ph 079-55137987 IV. Expected Intervention Description There has been no cleanup activity undertaken in Muthia Village. Flooding during monsoons transferred contaminants over a wide region. Reliance Industries (that has textile mills in the vicinity) recently constructed a permanent drainage system to provide an adequate outlet for flood waters. However the hazardous waste needs to be removed to a secure landfill. Local Involvement/Current Project Blacksmith Institute is supporting Concept Biotech in taking up a pilot remediation project by lifting up around 3000 tons of toxic dump from one hectare land in Naroda and treating the soil with effective microorganisms & vermin-technology. V. Potential Barriers None VI. Other Key Issues This waste dumps are laying here since decade and no cleaning activity has been initiated. In each monsoon there is reduction of dumps as it is carried by the rainwater, some of which leaches and some is carried away through the canal, but some of the dumps has become hard like rock. Strong monitoring is recommended so that no new dumping is done.

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((33)) AAMMLLAAKKHHAADDII,, AANNKKLLEESSHHWWAARR IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIAALL AARREEAA,, GGUUJJAARRAATT

Conducted by: Dr Suneet V. Dabke

Date: May 25, 2005

Site Name & Region: Amlakhadi River, Gujarat (Punagam & BEIL sites)

I. Physical Description The Amlakhadi River is a tributary of the Narmada River. The Bharuch Enviro Aqua Infrastructure Ltd. (BEAIL) collects waste from three Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) industrial estates: Ankleshwar GIDC, Jhagadia GIDC and Panoli GIDC and discharges it into the Amlakhadi, which flows for about ten kilometers before converging with the Narmada. Contaminant type, source & quantity Heavy metal and organic contamination was suspected. However laboratory results of soil samples collected during the site visit indicated that contaminants were within permissible levels. Effluent flowing out from the BEAIL was observed to be dark red in color and showed very poor color removal. Contaminant Pathway No direct pathway into the population was observed. There is probability of contaminants leaching as there were some complaints of colored bore-well water. This is especially problematic during the monsoons when the river overflows onto surrounding land. Sampling Soil and water samples were collected from the source discharge point at the BEAIL site and from Pungam Village. The water at the BEAIL discharge point was a dark red color which turned black downstream at Pungam. Sample 1: Discharge point at BEAIL (water)


Standard (mg/L)

Comment

Chromium 0.19 0.05 Elevated Lead < 1.0 ug/L 0.05 Within permissible levels

Summary: Amlakhadi is a tributary of the Narmada River. The Bharauch Enviro Aqua Infrastructure Ltd. collects wastewater from three industrial estates (Ankleshwar GIDC, Jhagadia GIDC and Panoli GIDC) and discharges it into the Amlakhadi after treatment. However dark red water can be observed being discharged, bringing into question the effectiveness of effluent treatment processes. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board is monitoring the situation.

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Cadmium 6.5 ug/L 0.005 Within permissible levels Nickel 0.30 - Zinc 0.30 5.0 Within permissible levels Phenol 26.25 -

Sample 2: Pungam water sample


Standard (mg/L) Comment

Chromium 0.59 0.05 Elevated Lead < 1.0 ug/L 0.05 Within permissible levels Cadmium 1.0 ug/L 0.005 Within permissible levels Nickel 0.38 - Zinc 6.25 5.0 Elevated Phenol 13.24 -

Sample 3: Pungam solid waste dump

Sample 4: Pungam soil sample

Pollutant Concentration (ppm) Standard (ppm) Comment Chromium 72.63 390 Within permissible levels Lead 37.99 400 Within permissible

levels Cadmium 0.93 78 Within permissible

levels Nickel 63.69 1,600 Within permissible

levels Zinc 367 23,000 Within permissible

levels Phenol 62.06 47,000 Within permissible

levels The chromium levels in the water were elevated at both sampling locations. Additional Notes The three industrial estates house around 1000 industrial units mostly chemical, dye, insecticide, and pharmaceutical industries. There was extensive pollution reported by CPCB, and Greenpeace in 1996 and 1999 reports. They reported high concentrations of manganese, chromium,

Pollutant Concentration (ppm)

Standard (ppm) Comment

Chromium 26.7 390 Within permissible levels Lead 11.95 400 Within permissible levels Cadmium 0.08 78 Within permissible levels Nickel 151 1,600 Within permissible levels Zinc 374.5 23,000 Within permissible levels Phenol - 47,000

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lead, mercury etc. Greenpeace has also reported presence of non biodegradable organic compounds especially, halogenated compounds, phenolic compounds, aliphatic and aromatic organics. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Unknown Health impact of pollutant Not reviewed III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details: K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: 91 79 23222425 Fax: 91 79 23232161 Email: [email protected] Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Secretary GPCB, Paryavaran Bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: 91 79 23232152 Fax: 91 79 232221784 Mobile: 91 9825400268 Email: [email protected] NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Society for Environment Protection 6-A, Kalamwadi society, Nr Shreyas crossing, Shardamandir Road, Ahmedabad. Ph: 079-55137987 IV. Expected Intervention Description The ten kilometer stretch from the BEAIL discharge point and the confluence of the Amlakhadi and Narmada rivers needs to be cleaned up. More stringent controls should be placed on the discharge of effluents from the BEAIL. V. Potential Barriers No potential barriers were observed.

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((44)) DDAAMMAANNGGAANNGGAA,, VVAAPPII IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIAALL AARREEAA,, GGUUJJAARRAATT

Conducted by: Dr Suneet V. Dabke, Promila Sharma, and Bharat Patel

Date: May 28, 2005

Site Name & Region: Damanganga River, Vapi, Gujarat, India

__________________________________________________________

(I) Physical Description

Vapi, an industrial town in Gujarat, is one of the most critically polluted areas of the country. The Damanganga River receives effluent loads from industries here and is the drinking water source for the surrounding villages. Industries include pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, pesticides, agrochemicals, and dye industries. Contaminant type, source & quantity Dark red effluent from the Vapi Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) is directly discharged into the Damanganga River. Sewage from Vapi also reaches the river through an open canal. Sludge storage sites and an artificial unlined pond at the bank of the river near the CETP were observed, both of which contained huge quantities of dried and liquid sludge respectively. Contaminant Pathway Contaminants have leached into the groundwater from the sludge storage and municipal waste sites, especially during the monsoon season. Groundwater is the source of drinking water for the Vapi area. Sampling Sample 1: Effluent sample from Damanganga River


Standard (mg/L)

Comment

Chromium 0.54 0.05 Elevated levels Lead 0.08 0.05 Slightly elevated Cadmium 11.3 ug/L Nickel 0.24 Zinc 0.52 5.0 Within permissible levels

Summary: Contaminated sludge has been dumped on the riverbanks of the Damanganga River. Every monsoon flooding washes the contaminants into the river. These dumps need to be cleaned and disposed of properly in secure landfills

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Sample 2: Sample from effluent pond


Standard (mg/L)

Comment

Chromium 0.2 0.05 Elevated levels Lead 0.08 0.05 Slightly elevated Cadmium 1.8 ug/L Nickel 0.17 Zinc 0.48 5.0 Within permissible levels

Test results reveal that concentrations of chromium and lead are above permissible levels. Additional Notes The CETP has a capacity of 55 million liters/day (MLD). It discharges the treated effluents of around 500-600 industries into the Damanganga River. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people 71,000 Health impact of pollutant In the National Institute of Occupational Health report entitled “Integrated Environmental Epidemiology Study in Identified Critical Polluted Areas in the Country”, health problems were reported in Vapi and in the surrounding villages mostly by air and water pollution from the industrial estate. There is a high prevalence of respiratory and skin diseases. Gastrointestinal problems are also very common. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details: K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: 91 79 23222425 Fax: 91 79 23232161 Email: [email protected] Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Secretary GPCB, Paryavaran Bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: 91 79 23232152 Fax: 91 79 232221784 Mobile: 91 9825400268 Email: [email protected]

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NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Zalak Kavi & Dr. Sunnet Dabke Society for Environment Protection (SEP) Ahmedabad office: 6-A Kalamvadi Cosiety, Near Shreyas Crossing. Baroda Office: FF/42, Hiravanti Complex, opp. Aryakanya Vidyalaya, Karelibaug. Phone: 91 79 55137978. Email:[email protected] Other Agencies Contact Details: Dr. H. N. Saiyed, Director, National Institute of Occupational Health Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad-380016 Phone: 91 79 22686242 Email: [email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description Active on-site remediation is needed, especially on the river banks. The likely remediation plan will be to clean the dumps and dispose of the hazardous wastes in landfills. No remediation can be carried out on the Damanganga River itself as long as direct effluent discharges continue. The effluent treatment plants should be strictly monitored to ensure that they are conforming to industry standards. V. Potential Barriers No obvious barriers are present.

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((55)) RRAANNIIPPEETT,, TTAAMMIILL NNAADDUU

Conducted by: Jack Caravanos and Promila Sharma Date: May 11, 2005 Site Name & Region: Legacy chromium waste dump, Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, India

_________________________________________

I. Physical Description An estimated 150,000 tons of chromate sludge lies untreated on five acres of land within the premises of Tamil Nadu Chromates & Chemicals Limited (TCC), a government-owned enterprise in Ranipet. The plant was shut down in 1996 by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). This site lies 120 kilometers southwest of the state capital, Chennai. Contaminant type, source & quantity According to the test results of groundwater and leachate sampling conducted by the TNPCB in December 2004, the total chromium content was as high as 63.43 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and the hexavalent chromium content was 39.14 mg/L (permissible level of chromium in drinking water in India is 0.05 mg/L). Contaminant Pathway Leachate from the sludge flows about one kilometer to a lake, where it mixes with wastewater from a common effluent treatment plant (CEPT) that treats tannery effluents. The water from this lake eventually drains into the Palar River basin, five kilometers away, which supplies drinking water in Ranipet and the district of Vellore. Sampling Not undertaken Additional Notes In the past TCC was the largest supplier of the chemicals such as sodium bichromate and basic chrome sulfate to Indian industries. Land in the vicinity of this legacy industry has been rendered fallow due to contamination. Housing colonies are slated for construction here and legacy contamination could pose a potential threat to the population who are unaware of the area’s history.

Summary: A legacy industry, Tamil Nadu Chromates and Chemicals, lies about 120 kilometers southwest of Chennai. An estimated 150,000 tons of chromate sludge lies untreated in its premises. Leaching of these wastes has contaminated the groundwater. There are around 150 small-scale tanneries operating here and their effluents are polluting the Palar River that lies five kilometers downstream. TNPCB is reviewing technical options for the sludge dump. The groundwater remediation approaches piloted successfully in Kanpur could be relevant here.

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II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people The population of Vellore is 34.82 lakhs (3,482,000). Health impact of pollutant Not reviewed. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) Contact details: G. Gopalakrishnan, District Environmental Engineer, TNPCB, Vaniambadi, S. Shanmugasundram, DEE, TNPCB, 5, 14th East Cross Road, Gandhinagar, Vellore-632006 Telefax: 0416-2242700 Ms. Kale Chilvi, Environmental Engineer, TN PCB , 38, III Main Road, Dr. Redlekrishna Nagar, Ketpadi, Vellore. Mobile: (91) 9865369068 Municipal Authority Contact Details: Mr. Gopalan, District Collector, Vellore NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: P. Madhavan, Environmental Journalist. C. Srinivasan President-Exnora Green Cross Vellore. Phone: (91) (416) 55137978. Email: [email protected] Website: www.exnora.org/vellore

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((66)) PPAALLAARR RRIIVVEERR BBAASSIINN,, TTAAMMIILL NNAADDUU Conducted by: Jack Caravanos and Promila Sharma Date: May 12, 2005 Site Name & Region: Palar River Basin, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

1 Physical Description The Palar River basin falls in three administrative districts of Tamil Nadu: Vellore, Tiruvannamalai and Kancheepuram. It covers an area of 18,300 square kilometers (sq. km), including 3123 sq. km in Karnataka and an area of 4267 sq. km in Andhra Pradesh. The Palar is a seasonal river and is almost dry for most of the year. Sludge from a variety of industries has been dumped along the river banks and needs to be removed. This river is close to the highly contaminated Ranipet site, and should be considered in tandem with that project. Contaminant type, source & quantity Contaminants are mainly from tanneries and textile dyeing facilities along with chemical, soap, and match industries. These industries use a total of 560-700 tons of raw material per day. After processing, the wastewater generated is 17,000-20,000 cubic meter per day. The pollutants in the wastewater include -- Dissolved solids like sodium, calcium, and lime used in the tanning process; - Acids; - Chlorides. Heavy metals such as chromium and zinc were not present in significant levels, according to a study by the Tamil Nadu State Groundwater and Surface Water Resource Data Center. Contaminant Pathway Untreated effluents from the tanneries and other industries along the river, as well as urban sewage, are discharged into or near the riverbed of the Palar River. Groundwater that is used as a drinking water resource has become contaminated in some places due to the infiltration of pollutants. Sampling Not undertaken

Summary: The Palar River Basin encompasses an area of 18,300 square kilometers. The river is seasonal and for the most part of the year is dry. Tannery, dye and chemical industry effluents have reportedly percolated into the groundwater, which is used as a drinking water resource. The state government is actively involved in trying to reduce the inflow of industrial waste by installing effluent treatment plants and upgrading existing ones. Further monitoring is suggested.

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Additional Notes Out of 764 tanneries in Tamil Nadu, 474 are in Vellore district. Among these, 373 have Effluent Treatment Facilities. There are 101 Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in the Vellore district including eight Common ETPs (CETPs) situated at Vaniumbadi, Ranipet, SIDCO, Vishram, Ambur, Thuthipet, Pernambut and Maligaithope. The Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) have studied the functioning of these CETPs and suggested cleaner technologies like chrome and salt management, which further reduces the biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and chromium levels. However, these CETPs are not designed to reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) or chloride levels. In January 2005, The Tamil Nadu State Groundwater and Surface Water Resource Data Center completed a study on the effect of tannery effluents on the Palar River basin (from its origin in Tamil Nadu to its confluence point at the Bay of Bengal) with the aid of the World Bank Hydrology project. The study concluded that total dissolved solids and chlorides were the major pollutants and that chromium only slightly exceeded permissible levels at some points. A number of recommendations were made to address this problem, such as using reverse osmosis to reduce TDS. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Unknown Health impact of pollutant Not reviewed III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Tamil Nadu Pollution ControlBoard (TNPCB) Contact details: G. Gopalakrishnan, District Environmental Engineer, TNPCB, Vaniambadi, S. Shanmugasundram, DEE, TNPCB, 5, 14th East Cross Road, Gandhi nagar, Vellore-632006 Telefax: 0416-2242700 Ms. Kale Chilvi, Environmental Engineer, TN PCB , 38, III Main Road, Dr. Redlekrishna Nagar, Ketpadi, Vellore. Mobile: (91) 9865369068 Municipal Authority Contact Details: Mr. Gopalan, District Collector, Vellore NGO/Community Agency

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Contact Details: P. Madhavan, Environmental Journalist. C. Srinivasan President-Exnora Green Cross Vellore. Phone: (91) (416) 55137978. Email: [email protected] Website: www.exnora.org/vellore Other Agencies: Contact Details: V M Khaleelur Rahman, General Secretary –the Ambur Tanners’ Association, 70 M C Road, Ambur Phone: (91) 9344- 685775 Z. Nizamuddin Technical Manager Ambur Tannery Effluent Treatment Co. Ltd Thutipet Sector, Ambur-635 811 Cell: 94430 10347 Email: [email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description The Tamil Nadu State government is actively involved in trying to reduce flow of industrial wastewater into the River Palar basin by installing effluent treatment plants and upgrading existing CETP’s. Sewage contamination seems to be a major problem here. Groundwater studies conducted along the river basin yielded negative results for heavy metal contamination. However chromium levels are slightly above permissible levels and should be monitored. V. Potential Barriers None

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((77)) BBIICCHHHHAADDII VVIILLLLAAGGEE,, UUDDAAIIPPUURR,, RRAAJJAASSTTHHAANN Conducted by: Promila Sharma, Lampu Namgyal Bhutia and B. K. Gupta

Date: November17-18, 2005

Site Name & Region: Hindustan Agrochemicals Limited, Bichhadi village,

Udaipur, Rajasthan.

I. Physical Description The industrial complex of M/s Hindustan Agrochemicals Limited (HACL), M/s Silver Chemicals Ltd., M/s Phosphate India Ltd., M/s Rajasthan Multifertilisers Private Ltd. and M/s Jyoti Chemicals was previously a fertilizer and dye intermediary manufacturing unit situated in Bichhadi village, Girva Block, located about twenty two kilometers south of Udaipur in Rajasthan. The complex is spread across 66 bighas (approx. 44.22 hectare or 110 acres) in the elevated foothills of the Aravali range.

Contaminant type, source & quantity This is a legacy site and the extent of contamination is not known fully known. The types of pollutants released when the industries were operational are as follows:

Solid:

Sludge: gypsum, iron (from H-acid manufacturing) Gypsum contained mostly calcium sulfate along with sodium salts

and organics Iron sludge constituted untreated iron powder, besides ferric salts

and organics Other sludge that contained metals such as zinc, cadmium,

hexavalent chromium and copper Toxic organics like benzidine

Water:

Summary: This site, which was a small industrial estate (320 hectares) manufacturing dyes and dye intermediaries, was ordered closed by the Supreme Court in 1990 (though manufacturing appears to have continued in some plants till 1995). It remains a significantly polluted place due to inadequate remediation post-closure. Indiscriminate surface dumping of sludge along with irrigation with contaminated groundwater since 1989-90, has contributed to serious soil contamination. Blacksmith is supporting the formation of a multi-stakeholder group to an action oriented program but since the site is under Supreme Court oversight, progress has been limited A high priority would be to provide clean and safe drinking water to the afflicted populations.

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High COD of the wastewater (90 g/L) could be attributed to organics formed during various stages of manufacture. These include naphthalene trisulphonic acid, nitro naphthalene sulphonic acid, Koch acid and H-acid, besides several other intermediates.

Air: Toxic fumes from chemicals and sludge stored in factory premises.

Contaminant Pathway Air, water and soil

Samples Taken

ALART SASTHAN, 30,MAIN ROAD, BHUPALPURA, UDAIPUR

Water Quality analysis report Bichri Sl

No.PARTICULARS PERMISSIBLE

LIMIT Water tank

Open well Naruba ka

Tanker Hand pump

PHED Tube well

Hand Pump

Open Well

Handpump

Open well

Open well

WHO standard

BIS 10500

-91

Thoria Mangri

Indira colony

Zinc Supply

Indra Colony

Udaisagar chroa

Govt School Thoria Magari

Nora Basthi, Bichhdi

Vada, Bichhadi

Bichhadi River

Water tank at Nora Basthi

1 Ph 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.7 8 7.9 7.8 7.6 6.7 7.9 7 7.3 7.8

2 Alkalinity as CaCo3 250 600 294 420 104 300 360 244 240 344 268 344

3 Chloride as (cl) 250 1000 477 1320 272 309 403 579 411 667 403 633

4 Total Hardness as CaCo3

300 600 620 2170 372 720 808 1524 748 992 620 840

5 Calcium Hardness CaCO3

200 400 324 1250 184 424 452 1096 428 636 292 460

6 Magnesium Hardness CaCo3

100 100 296 920 188 296 356 428 230 356 328 380

7 Total Dissolve Solids 500 2000 1820 5340 900 1380 1720 2940 1920 2460 1700 2200

8 Sulphate as (So4) 200 400 264 1720 198 352 360 1232 396 464 264 450

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9 Nitrate as (No3) 45 100 26 22 4 13 22 30 8 61 8 17

10 Fluoride 1 1.5 1.3 3.4 2.1 2.2 2.1 2.4 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.2

* All the data in mg/l

Figures in Red and bold are beyond Indian Standard and WHO Standard

Figures in black and bold are beyond WHO standard As regards the general parameters the situation is like as shown below

1PH is found within limit of 6.7 to 8

2Sample from Well of Naru ba have shown highest level of pollution in which almost all the parameters are much beyond the permisible limit

3Nine out of ten smaples have total hardness and megnisium hardness level beyond permissible limit at Indian and WHO standards

4Almost all samples including the one which is supplied through tanker have fluoride content beyond limit. 5Sulphate ions are also found beyond limite in all the samples 6Only nitrate ion is found within limit except sample from Handpump at Bada. 7Of all the samples most suitable is the tanker supply only which is also found to be havoing fluoride beyond limit.

Ownership Details and History The industrial complex is privately owned by Mr. O.P. Agarwal under the management of Hindustan Agrochemicals Ltd.

M/s Silver chemicals & M/s Jyoti chemicals were manufacturing H- acid and dye intermediates. These two units are located near a Sulphuric acid plant M/s Phosphate India Ltd. and M/s Rajasthan Multifertilisers Pvt Ltd., a fertilizer and an oil extraction & oil refining plant. The two units were the main culprits in the indiscriminate disposal of acidic wastewaters and sludge (iron & gypsum based) leading to the contamination of groundwater and soil (31.5 million cubic meter & 350 hectares respectively, as per an estimate) in the contiguous area during their operations between 1988 and 1989.

M/s Silver chemicals & M/s Jyoti chemicals were closed down in April 1989 by district authorities after receiving complaints from the community & local organizations (Ubeshwar Vikas Mandal, Udaipur & Paryavaran Aivum Manav Vikas Sansthan, Bichhri) and on the basis of the study report by a Delhi based organization, Centre for Science and Environment. A public interest litigation was also filed with the Court in the same year and as per the interim orders of the Court, an investigation was carried out by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)-Zonal Lab, Jaipur & Nagpur and Rajasthan Pollution Control Board (RPCB) to establish the genesis & magnitude of the pollution problem and control measures taken by the industry. As determined by these and subsequent investigations, the groundwater and soil were being polluted by discharges of untreated effluent and sludge. The Supreme Court ordered the closure of all the units in the premises and directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to remediate the contaminated site.

It was reported that most of the wells within 6.5 sq. km area of the plants were contaminated and parts of the sludge were hauled in trucks & dumped at 6 different places outside the plant premises within 10 sq. km radius in order to avoid penal liability. This report was submitted to the Supreme Court.

In pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Court, the MoEF directed the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board (RPCB) to organize the removal of sludge lying at different places and store them in six underground masonry tanks constructed by the industry but never utilized, as the wastewater was not treated at that time. Lime and fly ash were filled in the space between the partition walls so that leachate, if released, would get neutralized and the tanks were sealed at the top with concrete. Around 770 tons (out of the estimated 2,342 tons) of sludge was disposed off in this way.

As per the recommendations of the above report, RPCB retained NEERI to carry out another study in 1994 to evaluate the extent of the contamination and to suggest remedial measures. MoEF through its project managers- National Productivity Council (NPC) gave the project to NEERI and SENES Consultants Limited for the remediation of contaminated sites

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at Bichhadi in 1999. Detailed studies and experiments were carried out to establish the remedial measures for contaminated groundwater and soil with various treatment methods in 1999.

The public interest litigation and other civil suits demand for the polluter to pay, but the owner has declared himself as bankrupt. It should be noted that the cost of damage has been divided into two: 1) Compensation to the affected villagers estimated to be 3.43 Crore INR (762, 222 USD); and 2) towards the remediation of impacted well waters & soil estimated to be 37.34 Crore INR (7.48 million USD). Neither the MoEF nor the polluter has this money to be put into the work.

Additional Notes

It is reported very recently that the HACL plant has been auctioned out as per an order of the Supreme Court. (Details waited from Alert Sansthan, Udaipur).

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact

Number of potentially affected people Around 10,000 people living close to the factory have been adversely affected by the contamination. However it is probable that a larger population has been affected due to groundwater contamination.

Health impacts During the winter months, a plume of acid mist is formed from the stored chemicals inside the plant and reportedly causes burning sensations in the eyes and throat, and skin allergies. People have also reported under-development of their kids and miscarriages.

No comprehensive health study has been conducted so far. A survey was done by Centre for Science and Environment in 1989 but nothing of this sort done has been done since then to assess the extent of the health impact of the pollution.

III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details

Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: Mr. T. S. Ranawat Regional Officer, Rajasthan Pollution control Board F-470, Near UCCI Building, Madri Industrial Area, Udaipur. Tele/fax: (91) 249 1269

BI team met Mr. Virendra Singh, Member Secretary, RPCB in Jaipur on November 10th, 2005 and shared with him our interest in assessing various sites in Rajasthan including Bichhadi.

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NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Alert Sansthan, Udaipur Mr. B.k. Gupta and Mr. Jitendra Mehta. 30 D Bhupalpura, Udaipur. Ph. no. (91) 294 2420 940 [email protected]

Other Agengies Contact Details: Kishore Saint, Ubeshar Vikas Sansthan, Udaipur-

The organization highlighted the issue of Bichhadi in the late 90s and is associated with Paryavaran Aivum Manav Vikas Sansthan, Bichhadi who is following up with the civil suit for compensation to those affected by the pollution from the HACL plant. They are interested in initiating short- term clean-up efforts and providing drinking water to the affected communities.

IV. Expected Intervention Description Two burning issues that are to be addressed at the moment are: 1) to check the source of current pollution affecting those living in the vicinity of the plant and 2) to provide clean-drinking water to the people. It is reported that 6-7 water supply points were provided but there is no supply of water for drinking purposes. The people are forced to use red-brown colored groundwater for domestic purposes and are fetching drinking water from other places.

Hence our strategy could be to form a clean-up/remediation monitoring group of stakeholders including locals, district and state authorities, NGOs & health experts who would ensure the provision of water supply and transportation & disposal of chemicals stored inside the plants.

The MoEF is very interested in cleaning up this site and has got exhaustive studies done on the remediation feasibility and its economics by international and national experts (NPC, NEERI & SENES consultants). Around 40 Crore INR (= Approx. 8 million USD) has been an estimate given to them including the compensation to those affected. Blacksmith Institute can recommend this site to the World Bank for its inclusion in the list of legacy sites in India to be cleaned-up through its expected grant/loan in the year 2006-07.

V. Potential Barriers None

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((88)) AANNWWAARRGGAANNJJ,, KKAANNPPUURR,, UUTTTTAARR PPRRAADDEESSHH Conducted by: Promila Sharma & Preeti Saxena Date: 31 Aug 2006 Site Name & Region: Tejab Mill Campus, 84/63, Anwar Ganj, Kanpur-208003.

I. Physical Description Kanpur, a industrial city of India and previously known as - Kanhaiapur or Cownpore, located about 425 km east of Delhi on right bank of holy river Ganga and developed linearly along this river. Cownpore Chemical Works Private Limited was a world famous chemical industry of Kanpur, India. Mr. W.Z. Pakud founded it in 1928 in the period of British government. Tejab (Acid) Mill is the new name of this industry. The whole area covered under this industry has been modified in a residential colony, which is known as Tejab Mill campus. Approximately 0.133 sq. miles (85 acre) land covers under the premises of industry. This colony is surrounded by Anwarganj railway station, railway colony, and loco shade and Atherton west cotton mill. Contaminant type, source & quantity Chromium (VI) and Sulphide This is a legacy site over which a posh colony – called as Tejab Mills Complex has been set up. Soil and ground water of this campus is contaminated due to accumulation of previously manufactured chemicals in this industry for more than sixty years covering an area about 0.133 sq. miles. Many chemicals, sulphuric acid, sodium sulphide, potassium dichromate, alumina ferric etc. had been manufactured in this industry since past sixty years without use of any appropriate solid waste/waste water treatment plant which resulted into soil and ground water contamination. Landfill was designed for the disposal of hazardous industrial sludge in the premises of the industry and wastewater was mixing with municipal drainage system. Floor of the industry was not properly lined by any concrete or cement layer, which caused ground water contamination by leaching and infiltration. Over time chemicals have been diluted and eliminated from the ground water but Cr (VI) concentration is still very high, approximate 1000 times to Indian standard. To distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources of chromium, research is being required into measuring differences in Cr stable isotope ratios. Soil of this area is equally

Summary: Cownpore Chemical Works Private Limited was founded in 1928 and was in operation for more than sixty years. A residential colony has developed on the land formerly occupied by the industry. Chemicals from the industry’s operations have seeped into the groundwater and contaminated it. The concentration of hexavalent chromium is especially high; almost 1,000 times permissible levels. This area should be included under cleanup of groundwater contamination in Kanpur, for which planning is underway, following the successful remediation trials.

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contaminated due to accumulation of chemicals and has become useless for gardening. Due to the adverse effect of accumulated chemicals in ground, the foundation and walls of the houses and metallic goods are weakening. Contaminant Likely Transmission Path Ground water is the main route of transmission of these chemicals to human being, because it is the main source of water for the daily use activities. Dirty yellowish-green water is coming from bore wells with high concentration of Cr (VI), sulphide and other chemicals. Depth of the bore wells ranges between 100-200 ft (Average 150 ft). Soil of this area is contaminated and establishment of kitchen gardens and crop field is difficult because plants can’t survive in this harsh conditions. People are establishing their gardens after replacing the upper strata (5-7 feets) of soil. At present air quality of this area is satisfactory but before 1984 toxics fumes were reported during industrial activities. Total 350 houses have been constructed in Tajab mill campus and approximately 1500 people are residing. Residents are using good quality water purification units (Reverse Osmosis) but this purification method only fulfills the drinking water and kitchen requirements. People are forced to use heavily contaminated water for the other purposes as cleaning, toiletries, coolers, washing etc and in result severe skin ulcers, hair fall and gastrointestinal upsets among residents are reported by residents. In this regards Dr. Preeti Saxena interacted with residents (approximate 100) during 29Sep -1 Oct 2006 and observed that a large number of people affected due to skin diseases and hair fall. Dr. Chandra Shekhar is a medical practitioner, M.B.B.S., M.D. (T.B. and Chest) and a resident (H.N. is 204, 84/63) of this campus. Dr. Preeti Saxena interviewed him and he reported the poor ground water quality and land condition in this campus. According to him boring water of this colony is yellowish – green colored with high level of total dissolved solids (TDS) and not potable and in results skin allergies, hair fall & gastrointestinal diseases are common here. He requested for any water cleaning technology and permanent remediation of ground water contamination. In the same time ground water and soil of two adjacent areas have also affected because contaminants are moving towards ground water and the soil and spreads out to form a plume moving in same direction as the ground water. The resulting ground water plume may extend several hundreds meters or even further away from the sources of pollution hence ground water of Artherton cotton mill colony is contaminated with the similar chemicals. The levels of chromium (III) and chromium (VI) in soil increase mainly from disposal of chemicals in unlined pits in the premises of the industry

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and percolated up to the ground water. Most of the chromium in soil does not dissolve easily in water and can attach strongly to the soil and very small amount of the chromium in soil, however, will dissolve in water and can move deeper in the soil to underground water. Samples Taken (Location, Type, and Test Results) Total six borings (depth 100-150 ft) water samples were collected over an extensive area of Tajab Mill Colony, details is given below: S.N. Name Address 1. Mrs. Jyoti Nagpal H.N. 218/84/63 2. Mrs. Bhawani Sachwani H.N. 17/84/63 3. Mr. G. N. Lal Saxena H.N. 279/84/63 4. Dr. R.K. Gautam H.N. 107/84/63 5. Mr. R.K. Bhattacharya H.N. 85/84/63 6. Mr. C.P. Saxena H.N. 232/84/63 Water samples have been tested in the laboratory and results are given in table 1. Sample No. 1 & 6 were tested in FEAT Lab, IIT, Kanpur and Sample No. 2-5 were tested in National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. The level of total chromium, chromium (VI) and sulphide observed higher in water samples and this may be due to manufacturing of sulphuric acid, sodium sulphide, potassium dichromate, alumina ferric etc. Table No.1 Water Analysis report for two samples for CEE/Blacksmith S. no.

Parameters

Ground water Samples

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 pH 7.24 6.7 6.5 6.7 6.4 7.56 2 Color 0.082

OD Y=0.2

Y=7.0 Y=1.1

Y=1.0 0.005 OD

3 Specific conductance µØS cm-1

1792.2*

ND ND ND

ND 2524.22

4 Electric Conductivity µýS cm-1

ND 3.49 3.05 2.71 3.40 ND

5 Total Organic Carbon(%)

NA 0.029 0.03 0.032 0.033 NA

6 Total Sulphide mg/L

NA 44.0 95.2 12.0 9.6 NA

7 Iron ND 0.415 0.619 0.446 0.369 NA

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8 Manganese NA 0.035 0.037 0.034 0.029 NA

9 Total Chromium

NA 1.258 23.2 3.71 1.856 NA

10 Cr (VI) mg/L

49.50 NA NA NA NA ND

11 Cr (III) mg/L

0.85 NA NA NA NA ND

12 Nickel NA ND ND ND ND NA 13 Arsenic NA ND 0.0000

9 ND 0.000

9 NA

Y= Color measured at Lovibond Tintometer OD=Optical density NA= Not Analyzed ND=Not Detectable • = Specific Conductance (SC) measured at 0.1 M KCl which show SC as 1413

uS/cm at 25 degree. Cr (VI) and sulphide level is very high in water samples. It has been observed that few bore well water is clean at low depth (80-120 ft) but if any deep boring (120-250 ft) is made in neighbor’s plots then suddenly water gets contaminated at low depth boring and in this way all the plots of this area are under the danger of ground water contamination. Now there is great need to give quick relief to residents from water contamination and clean this area permanently with the help of any feasible technology. Ownership Details and History Mr. W.Z. Pakud founded it in 1928 in the period of British government. In 1954-55 Shri Rajbahadur Ramnarayan Khajanchi, previously the State Bank employee purchased this industry, his son Shri Atma Prakash Gupta become director and in seventies his son Shri Purshottam Gupta become director. In 1984 industry has been closed. Finally Northern Railway Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. has purchased this industry and total 350 plots were allotted, at present 350 houses have been constructed. Since 1984 there is no industrial activities is going on and industrial campus has been completely changed to the residential colony in 1995. This industry manufactured sulphuric acid, sodium sulphide, potassium dichromate and alumina ferric etc about sixty years at large scale and caused land and ground water contamination in the premises. Since 1975 there was no wastewater treatment plant but first time in 1975-76 a water treatment plant was installed and contaminated water was disposed off into unlined pit in the premises of industry and waste water stream contaminated the land and the contaminants interacted with moving ground water and the soil and spreads out to form a plume moving in the same direction as the groundwater. It is well known that Cawnpore

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Chemical Works Private Limited was the largest chemical industry of Asia and manufactured large amount of chemicals every day in day and night shifts. Industry was able to fulfill the chemical requirement of the country and also exported to other countries. This area has been extensively surveyed and any current pollution source is not identified. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Total 1500 people are affected in Tejab Mill Colony but this is not the exact counting because ground water of other adjacent area, Artherton Mill, J.K. colony and Juhi is also contaminated but ground water testing of these areas is not included in this report. Approximate 10,000 people are affected. Describe credible health impact of pollutant. Residents are exposed to these chemicals via ground water through skin contact and oral ingestion and other daily use activities, cooking, drinking, washing, bathing, and toiletries etc which causes skin ulcers, hair fall and gastrointestinal upsets . Allergic reactions consisting of severe redness and swelling of the skin have been noted. Some people are found to be extremely sensitive to chromium (VI) or chromium (III). Small amounts of chromium (VI) that anyone swallow will not hurt one; however, accidental or intentional swallowing of larger amounts has caused stomach upsets and ulcers, convulsions, kidney and liver damage and even death. Since past 10 years residents of Tajab Mill Campus are exposed to Cr (VI), 1000 times higher to Indian standard and facing serious health hazards. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: Dr. R. K. Singh, CPCB-North Zone, Lucknow, India Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings: 30 Aug 2006 at Lucknow. Following were present in meeting: 1. Ms. Promila Sharma, Blacksmith Institute 2. Dr. Preeti Saxena, CEE-North, Lucknow 3. Dr. R.K. Singh, CPCB, North Office 4. Dr. B.P. Shukla, CPCB, North Office IV. Expected Intervention Description CEE has designed the water remediation filters under the UNDP- GEF small grant project with the collaboration of IIT, Kanpur. These filters have been distributed in the rural areas of Kanpur for the immediate relief from Cr contamination. These filters have been designed for the smallscale water purification system (10-12 lit), which can clean the 10-12 lit water in 30 mins in a bucket. Basic constituent required for

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the construction of filters are easily available in markets and cost effective. The description of these filters is given in table 2. Table-2 Results of Cr (VI) remediation Polypropylene Filter in hour immersion in contaminated water Initial Cr-VI Final Cr-VI Percentage

Reduction

Control 30.74 mg/L - - Filter 15.44 mg/L 7.68 mg/L 49.77 %

Filter

15.56 mg/L

7.86 mg/L

49.38 %

Composition of Small Polypropylene Filter 1. Zeolite (50 gms) 2. Activated Charcoal (75 gms)

CEE is national host institute of UNDP-GEF small grant programme and under this scheme a project “To Protect poor farmers from chrome VI menace” was successfully completed with the collaboration of Dr Padma S Vankar, IIT, Kanpur. In this project water remediation filters were designed for the removal of Cr (VI) and these filters were distributed in Sheikhpur, Allaulapur, Kulgaon, Pyondi, Trilokpur, Sukhipur and Khajuria villages near by Kanpur. Dr Vankar is engaged in several pollution monitoring and remediation projects. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur is the premier technology institute of India of a longstanding international repute. IIT is involved in many innovative technological programmes towards pollution control in specified areas of the country. Develop remediation technology for the soil and water at other polluted sites for heavy metal contamination as well. Remediation of ground water contamination at the source will make sense for the

• Good public health • Good economic; and • Good environmental sense.

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Now CEE is proposing to design the big sized filters for the large-scale water remediation with the collaboration of Dr Padma S Vankar, Scientist in FEAT laboratory, IIT Kanpur for the immediate relief to affected residents of Tejab Mill Campus. Residents are using the big sized water tankers ranges 1000 lit- 2500 lit in their houses. V. Potential Barriers Note any physical, political or social barriers to remediation efforts. Any potential barriers are not identified in the campus. VI. Champion (1) Shri Ghanshyam Das Khandelwal, President Welfare Society of Tejab Mill Campus, 84/63 Kanpur-208003. (2) Shri Rajeev Pradhan, Secretary, Welfare Society of Tejab Mill Campus, 84/63 Kanpur- 208003, Mob. No. 9450138009 (3) Dr. Chandra Shekhar, M.B.B.S., M.D., (T.B. and Chest) H.N. 204, 84/63, Tejab Mill Campus, Anwar Ganj, Kanpur-208003. Ph.No. 0091 512 2235064 (4) Shri Chandrakar Prakash Saxena, Retired scientist from Defense Research Laboratory, Kanpur. H.N. 232, 84/63, Tejab Mill Campus, Anwar Ganj, Kanpur-208003. Ph.No.0091 512 2241078

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((99)) PPIICCNNIICC GGAARRDDEENN,, KKOOLLKKAATTAA,, WWEESSTT BBEENNGGAALL .. Conducted by: Richard Fuller and Promila Sharma Date: January 20, 2005 Site Name & Region: Aruputo Village, Near Science City, Kolkata, West Bangal.

I. Physical Description Picnic Garden is located in Kolkata, the State Capital of West Bengal and hosts 9-10 small scale secondary lead smelting units. The densely populated Picnic Garden, ward no 66 & 67 of Kolkata Municipal Council is inhabited by around 65,000 population who lives almost in slum like condition except some scattered buildings belonging to upper middle income group. Most of the population i.e. around 85% is native of the neighboring States of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and having low income. The area is having mixed land use and is industrial-cum-residential in nature. This is one of the low lying areas of Kolkata and situated near the Solid Waste dump site of Dhapa in its East and Tangra, known for its tannery belt in its north. The area is dotted with ponds but as revealed by local population they do not use pond or hand pump water for drinking purposes. The pond water is used for bathing, cleaning of clothes, utensils and other household purposes. It was seen that local people are fishing in those ponds for personal consumption. Contaminant type, source & quantity Elemental lead, quantity unknown. These are small operations, each roughly employing about 25 people. A simple furnace, powered by coal, is used to melt the old batteries into ingots of pure lead. The scrap is often re-processed two or three times, and the slag is finally dumped into an HDPE lined concrete trough at each site, where it is stored until a low level hazardous waste facility is finally built. The facilities are open to the general environment, and obvious signs of lead contamination can be seen around the factories. Lead scrap is stored in pits, often open to the elements. Metalic lead ingots are also seen and probable lead dioxide on river banks, etc. This is a dusty place, and suspected lead contaminated dust would be present throughout the community. It was noted that the scrap pits, which are meant to be temporary storage sites for lead contaminated

Summary: The secondary lead smelters at Picnic Gardens are a major health concern because of a substantial health risk to the local population, especially children. The lead batteries are melted in outdated furnaces and lead scrap and battery casings are stored inadequately in the open. Obvious signs of contamination can be observed in and around the smelters. Blacksmith Institute is supporting further work on assessing the current problems and possible pilot interventions.

43

wastes, are always about 2/3 full, and probably are emptied on the sly. Liquid waste is probably dumped into the rivers Contaminant Pathway Lead via dust inhalation and possibly through water as well. No studies have been done to indicate lead levels in soil, water, or blood. Sampling No samples were collected. Additional Information: WBPCB actively monitors these factories, requiring the storage pits, and also requiring controls on air emissions. Stack emissions controls are installed on every facility, and include bag filters and alkali scrubbers. However, even a casual observation can see that these steps are insufficient to control lead emissions in the local environment from many other sources. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Local neighborhood estimates about 25,000 Health impact of pollutant Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) emission from secondary lead smelting includes Lead compounds and Arsenic compounds among others. Population around secondary lead smelters can be exposed to Lead through inhalation or through ingestion of Lead that have settled on the soil in the vicinity of the smelter. Exposure to lead compounds occurs through inhalation or ingestion but the effects are the same regardless of the route of exposure. Chronic exposure of lead compounds results in adverse effect on the Blood, central nervous system, blood pressure, kidneys and Vitamin D metabolism. Children are particularly sensitive and exposure of Lead can also result in reduced cognitive development & reduced growth. Adverse effect on human reproduction has also been reported. Lead compounds can be persistent in the environment and have the potential to accumulate in food chains. Exposure to Lead is known to be associated with a variety of significant and potentially irreversible health effects. The effects of high level of exposure of lead include lethality, central nervous system breakdown (encephalopathy) and kidney effects. Lead is classified as possible human carcinogen based upon the fact that exposure of animals to high level of lead have produce cancer usually in kidneys. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details

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Key Government Environmental Agency: West Bengal Pollution Control Board (APPCB)- Member Secretary Dr S K Sarkar. Key staff includes Dr Deepak Chakraborty, Mr Subir Mitra and Mr Majumdar Contact Details: Paribesh Bhawan, 10 A, Block-LA Sector 111, Salt Lake, KOlkata-700098 Ph: 033 23359088 IV. Expected Intervention Description Initially, a study will be required to prove a heath risk and should include water, soil, drinking water, leafy greens, and child blood work. The geography of the site needs to be mapped, and a sample of tests designed to determine levels currently present. Once a risk has been proved, then a plan to move the facilities will need to be created and approved. The lead business groups will need to be closely involved into the process. A new location will need to be designed with Green Lead capabilities and significant amount of green space surrounding the area. Blacksmith Institute is currently supporting multi-stakeholders Discussion group as an initial intervention to work out the possible plan of action. V. Potential Barriers Not applicable.

45

((1100)) RROORROO HHIILLLLSS,, CCHHAAIIBBAASSAA,, WWEESSTT SSIINNGGHHBBHHUUMM

DDIISSTTRRIICCTT,, JJHHAARRKKHHAANNDD Conducted by : Promila Sharma, Lampu Bhutia, Samit Kr. Carr and Om Prakash

Date: April 6, 2006

Site Name & Region: Roro Hills, Chaibasa, West Singhbhum District, Jharkhand.

I. Physical Description Roro Village is situated about twenty two kilometers from Chaibasa, district headquarters of the West Singhbhum district. For the last two decades, a massive pile of chrysotile asbestos waste mixed with chromite has been lying on Roro hills and has contaminated agricultural lands and water bodies (ponds & Roro River). Contaminant type Nearly 0.7 million tons of asbestos waste mixed with chromite-bearing host rock lies scattered here and in 20 years no study has been conducted to assess the fate of this hazardous waste dumped improperly on top of Roro hills. The waste material extends several meters down slope spreading into the paddy fields at the foothills of Roro. About 40 centimeters of thick silty waste of crushed rocks is spread over the paddy fields and has poisoned local residents. Transmission Pathway The contaminants are transmitted through the air, water and soil. Children and the elderly who tend cattle cross over this route to graze animals at higher elevations. Also of graver concern is the fact that the relatively soft waste material over the slope is a matter of entertainment for children who slide down the slope raising dusty clouds of lethal wastes. It was also noticed that the waste was being taken illegally to fill up roads being constructed here to connect the far flung tribal villages to the district head quarter Chaibasa.

Summary: Roro village is situated about 22 kilometers from Chaibasa, district headquarters of theWest Singhbhum district. For the last two decades a massive pile of chrysotile asbestos waste mixed with chromite has been lying on the hilltops. Over the years this waste has spread downhill contaminating soil, agricultural fields and water bodies and poisoning local residents. Of particular concern are vulnerable populations like children who play on the heap and the elderly who cross this route to graze cattle at higher elevations. This waste is also being illegally used as filling material in the construction of roads in the area. Blacksmith is supporting the Occupational Safety & Health Association ofJharkhand in establishing a Stakeholder Group to assess the current health situation and environmental risks that being posed to the local population, and then to come up with alternatives to clean up the site.

46

Samples Taken The analysis of the soil samples conducted previously by a fact-finding team showed that the soil was mainly composed of magnesium silicate. The mineral composition of asbestos is magnesium silicate, clearly indicating that the agriculture fields, from which samples were collected, are contaminated with asbestos. Ownership Details and History The Roro hills were originally mined for their chromite by the Tata Iron Ore Company, which has a steel plant and a charge-chrome plant in the region. After acquiring much richer chromium leases in the adjoining state of Orissa, the Tata Iron Ore Company relinquished its mining interests in the area to a mining company owned by the Birlas, one of India’s largest business establishments, that went on to mine both chromite and asbestos. Later, its mining operations were confined to asbestos. Until 1983, Hyderabad Asbestos Cement Products Ltd. (now known as Hyderabad Industries Limited) mined asbestos from Roro to manufacture asbestos cement products. The region has an active history of mining operations for about seven decades starting with the mining of magnetite. This hill range is contiguous to Jojohatu hill, which is also mineralized with chromite. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Potentially affected population Nearly 1,500 people were employed in the mines. It is estimated that the population of fifty tribal villages is being exposed to the contamination. Health impact of pollutant Asbestosis is suspected in workers of the asbestos mines. In more severe cases, cancer of the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract called mesothelioma could have resulted. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: Mr. S.K. Narnoli Ex. Member Secretary Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), +91 09431171100 (m) Fax: 0651- 2400850 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Shankar Kumar P.A to Member Secretary

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Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), +91 09431195912 (m) Fax: 0651- 2400850

Mr. Om Prakash Sinha Section Officer Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), Fax: 0651- 2400850

Dr. Mahinder Mahto Head, Department of Hazardous Waste Management Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), Fax: 0651- 2400850 NGO/Community Agency Contact Details:

Samit Kr Carr General Secretary Occupation Safety & Health Association of Jharkhand (OSHAJ) Mobile: 09431350008

Mr. Om Prakash Chairman Ekta H.No. 1, Harimandir Road, Ramjanam nagar, Kadma, Jamshedpur-831005 Mobile: 09431372228 IV. Expected Intervention Description A much needed detailed epidemiological study and analysis of water & soil samples needs to be done to assess the current situation regarding health impacts and environmental risks being posed by this waste on the local population. Another study is required to zero in on the methodology for cleaning up this site and also to the estimate the cost of the cleanup. V. Potential Barriers Insurgency in the area is a potential problem.

48

((1111)) MM//SS OORRIICCHHEEMM LLIIMMIITTEEDD,, AANNGGUULL TTHHAALLCCHHEERR,, OORRIISSSSAA Conducted by: Nandini Choudhury, Anjali & Promila Sharma

Date: 26th, April 2007

Site Name & Region: M/s ORICHEM Ltd., Talcher, Angul, Orissa.

I. Physical Description M/s.Orichem Ltd. is located at the village Balanda near Talcher and in the district of Angul, Orissa. At Talchar, there is one abandoned hazardous waste dumpsite, which was associated with M/s Orichem Limited (OCL). M/s OCL was engaged in production of Chrome salts such as Sodium Dichromate & Basic Chrome Sulfate. The unit was operational since 1983 to 1998 with installed production capacity of both the salts as 3300 TPA. The unit was closed down in year 1998. The total area of the plant is 3200 sq. m.

Location Map of M/s ORICHEM Ltd., Talcher

49

Contaminant Type, Source & Quantity • Types of pollutants that were released when plant was active:

Solid: Hexavalent Chromium sludge from leaching tank Chrome sludge from ETP Chrome contaminated Refractory Bricks.

Water: The leachate from the rainy season may contaminated the water

and soil. Air: Toxic fumes from chemicals and sludge stored in factory premises.

Site Features:

• Abandoned site existing primarily inside unit premises.

• Waste is dump haphazardly inside unit

• Site presently closed, was in use during year 1990-1998

• No Bottom, side, top liner provided

• Waste also dumped outside unit along the boundaries

• Yellow patches in the waste clearly indicate presence of high concentration Cr (+6)

• Cr (+6) bearing leachate is conveyed to farther distances via drainage paths

• The soil near site also contaminated with Cr & is as good as hazardous waste

• Waste quantity around 60000 MT, nearly matches expected waste generated

Production & Waste Generation

The average production of dichromate salt at M/s OCL was about 2855 TPA. During the process, the unit was generating hazardous waste containing chromium, which is highly toxic in nature. The types of major hazardous waste generated are given below.

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S.No. Type of waste

Source of Generation

Pollutant & conc.

Specific waste generation factor

(SWGF) 1. Solid residue

from leaching tank

Leaching of sodium dichromate

Total Cr – 4 %

2.67 T/T of Sod. dichromate

2. Broken Refractory bricks

Kiln Total Cr – 4 %

0.0025 T/T of Sod. Dichromate

3. ETP sludge Treatment of wastewater

Cr 0.008 T/T of Sod. dichromate

(Source: Report on Inventorisation & Characterisation of Hazardous waste generated from M/s Orichem Ltd. prepared by NPC)

The year wise production of sodium dichromate as reported by the unit and quantity of total hazardous waste generated as determined based on above SWGFs, are given below.

Year Production as Sodium Dichromate

(Tons)

Total H.W. Generation (Tons)

1982-83 1551 4156.68 1983-84 1658 4443.44 1984-85 924 2476.32 1985-86 1057 2832.76 1986-87 1383 3706.44 1987-88 1529 4097.72 1988-89 1408 3773.44 1989-90 1990 5333.2 1990-91 1618 4336.24 1991-92 2442 6544.56 1992-93 2444 6549.92 1993-94 2630 7048.4 1994-95 1345 3604.6 1995-96 2512 6732.16 1996-97 2500* 6700 1997-98 2500* 6700

Total 29491 79035.88 * linearly projected figures as the data was not available

Therefore the total hazardous waste generated as per available information till 1998 since the inception of unit is approximately 79035 MT.

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Contaminant Likely Transmission Path (Air, Water, Soil and/or Food) Peoples are affected in the close vicinity of the factory. The affected population would probably be larger, due to groundwater contamination. The pollutant transmission is taking place through Air, Water and Soil. The loss of cattle and vegetation is quite high. Samples Taken (Location, Type, and Test Results) Two sludge Samples were taken from ORICHEM plant site and send for analysis to State Pollution Control Board Central Laboratory, Bhubaneswar. The analysis result will be communicated after receiving the same. Ownership Details and History Who created or is creating the pollution- M/s Orissa Chemicals Ltd. ring their operations between 1988 and 1989.

Legacy history/ownership: M/s. OCL was a Government undertaking industry of Orissa. M/s OCL was engaged in production of Chrome salts such as Sodium Dichromate & Basic Chrome Sulfate. The unit was operational since 1983 to 1998 with installed production capacity of both the salts as 3300 TPA. The unit was closed down in the year 1998. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people People directly affected. The main pathway to human body is through water, soil and air. Describe credible health impact of pollutant. Generic types of health problems found in these kinds of polluted sites include:

No health study reported though it is a highly polluted area and requires immediate attention.

III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details (Continue notes on back or separate sheet if necessary) Key Government Environmental Agency

Contact Details: Dr. B.K. Misra, Member Secretary State Pollution Control Board, Orissa A/118, Nilakantha Nagar, Unit – VIII Bhubaneswar – 751012, Orissa

52

Shri Hrushikesh Panda, IAS Commissioner – cum – Principal Secretary Department of Environment and Forests Government of Orissa, Orissa Secretariat Bhubaneswar Shri B.K. Nayak, Regional Officer, State Pollution Control Board, Industrial Estate, Angul, Orissa

Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings:

Discussed with Dr. B.K. Misra, Member Secretary and other officials of State Pollution Control Board, Orissa on 25.04.2007, regarding various dump sites in Orissa and on their remediation. On 26.04.2007 visited Regional Office, State Pollution Control Board, Angul and discussed with Mr. B.K. Nayak, Regional Officer, Angul, on dump sites of Angul – Talcher area. Mr. Nayak accompanied during visit to the dump sites and nearby problematic areas.

IV. Expected Intervention Description Describe short term strategy required to initiate site remediation. In order to suggest most suitable technique, applicability of various waste remediation techniques used world wide were evaluated as mentioned below.

Review of various techniques for remediation of old hazardous waste

dumpsites

S. No.

Remediation Technique/ Technology

Salient Features Application Suitability

1. Thermal Treatment

-Incineration at higher temperature

-For destruction of organic contaminants e.g., solvents, oils, etc.

-Not suitable in this case

2. Bio-remediation

-Removes contaminants by micro-organisms -Converts highly toxic compounds into less toxic components

-In-situ degradation of oils in sites -Conversion of Cr6+ to Cr3+ -Suitable at lower concentrations


3. Phyto-remediation

-Certain plant species like water hyacinth absorbs contaminants

-Remediation of heavy metals from surface water


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4. Stabilization -Fixes the contaminants in the inorganic or organic matrix by mixing with lime, cement, fly ash, silica, etc.

-To fix heavy metals even at higher concentrations

-May not be required

5. Electro-remediation

-The electrical current is passed between two electrodes to change the valency of the toxic metals, -Technique can be used for both ground water & sub-soil.

-Limited to only at Laboratory scale, -Need to be proved at the field level,

-yet to be approved in large scale, therefore not applicable

7. Containment & Capping

-To stop infiltration rainwater/surface run-off by providing impervious cover lining,

-Can be applied for any kind of solid waste

-Suitable

6. Putting Cut-off Walls

-contaminated area is isolated from surrounding by constructing a slurry cut-off wall all around area up to bed-rock, thereby stop spread of contamination

-Can be applied for any contaminated area, -Useful for smaller areas, -suitable when water table is high -This is a costly preposition

-Suitable, however subject to site conditions such as depth of impermeable ground strata

8. Disposal into Secured Landfill Facility (SLF)

-The waste along with the contaminated soil is excavated and disposed off into SLF,

-Useful for heavy metal contaminated areas where capping is not possible -Suitable for high water table areas -cost is the concern

-May be Suitable

Again after evaluating various site remediation techniques, following options are recommended for remediation of dumpsite at M/s OCL, Talchar.

1) The waste lying scattered over entire plant and outside plant boundary (including road made from waste) along with contaminated soil (atleast 0.3 m below the waste) may be excavated and confined to suitable location inside unit. The collected waste may be capped with cover liner

54

as per the Rules along with installation of cut-off walls comprising of soil & bentonite (say 10%) at the periphery of site up to impermeable strata to prevent horizontal movement of groundwater below site.

2) Entire waste along with contaminated soil may be excavated and

disposed in a newly developed secured landfill facility, which is located at suitable location meeting all the requirements of Site Selection Criteria of Hazardous Waste Rules and developed in accordance with these Rules2.

Option 1: In-situ capping of site with cut-off walls

The remediation plan for Site OCL-I along with tentative cost estimate under this option is given in table.

Remediation Plan for Site OCL-I

S.No. Activities to be Carried out Objective 1.0 Excavation & shifting of waste &

contaminated soil: The waste & contaminated soil lying inside & outside the unit premises (including the road) to be excavated and shifted to one place i.e. back side of the unit:

To bring together the scattered waste/contaminated soil at one place inside the unit where it could be concised & concealed.

2.0 Grading of waste: Non-uniform and unevenly disposed off piles of waste to be graded at a slope varying from 1:5 to 1:7 from all sides to middle of site.

To make the waste body uniform and stable enough for installation of cover liner system

3.0 Installation of cut-off walls: Cut-off walls comprising of soil & 10 % bentonite mixer to be installed at the periphery of site up to the impermeable ground strata (clay or bed rock). This is a highly specialized job to be performed by expert contractors

To prevent the horizontal movement of contaminated groundwater beneath the site and to prevents its migration towards discharge areas such as surface water or clean groundwater wells.

4.0 Construction of embankment: A soil embankment of 1 m height shall be constructed along the periphery of the site where all the waste is collected.

For containing the waste at the sides and anchoring of cover liner. The construction of embankment will facilitate the scientific closure of the site

5.0 Compaction of waste: The waste has to be compacted to the maximum possible extent with the help of 10 T compactors.

For reduction in the volume of the waste, optimum utilization of site capacity and reduce further consolidation after

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closure of site

6.0 Drainage Channel: A peripheral concrete channel to be constructed outside the embankment. The drainage channel has to be connected with main surface run off channel.

To remove the water from cover liner and convey it to main channel.

Covering of waste with cover liner: Entire waste body after grading and compacting shall be covered with cover liner as per criteria1,2,3

comprising of following components:

1. Covering of waste with 30 cm thick granular soil (permeability >10-2 cm/sec)

To have uniform surface and an interface between waste body & composite liner

2. Laying of single composite barrier having HDPE geo-membrane thickness >1.5 mm overlaid on a 60 cm thick soil cover of compacted clay or compacted amended soil (permeability <10-7 cm/sec)

Barrier layer to prevent infiltration of rain water in to waste

3. Covering the composite liner by geonet with one side geotextile

To drain rain water from the top cover

4. Laying of 60 cm soil layer at the top

To hold the vegetation

1 Criteria for Hazardous waste Landfills, Published by CPCB 2 Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Amendment Rules 2003 3 Manual for Design, Construction and Quality Control of Liners and Covers for Hazardous Waste Landfills, published by CPCB in December 2002

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Tentative Cost Estimates for Remediation of Site OCL-I (Capping of waste with cover liner along with cut-off walls)

Item Description of work Quantity

Unit Unit Price (Rs)

Total (Rs inLakhs)

1 Excavation of waste & compactionat the proposed site of capping

15000 M3 100 15.0

2 Construction of side embankmentof 1 m height

900 M3 250 2.25

3 Installation of compact clay layer 3300 M3 300 9.9

4 Installation of 1.5 mm thick HDPEliner

5500 M2 300 18.0

5 Drainage geonet with one sidegeotextile

3300 M2 250 17.5

6 Installation of top vegetative soillayer of 0.6 m thickness

3200 M3 200 6.4

7 Installation of soil-bentonite (10%bentonite) cut-off walls upto 25 m

320 M2 30000 (for 25*m)

96.0

TOTAL 165.0

* The depth of cut-off walls is taken as 25 m below ground level, which is in most of the cases. However, exact depth has to be determined based on subsurface geo-physical exploration techniques.

Option 2) Disposal of stabilized waste in newly built Secured

Landfill Facility

Remediation Plan envisaged for Site OCL-I under this option, along with tentative cost estimate, is given below.

a) A new secured landfill facility may be developed comprising of single composite bottom and side liner, on the suitably located site within the unit, strictly in accordance with Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules.

b) The entire waste from site along with contaminated soil may be excavated, transported, stabilized and disposed in SLF.

c) After site is filled, it may be covered with impermeable cover liner as per rules.

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Tentative Cost Estimates for Disposal of Waste in Newly Developed SLF

Item Description of work Quantity

Unit Unit Price (Rs)

Total (Rs in Lakhs)

1 Cost of developing the SLF basedon single composite liner, inaccordance to Rules

7000 M2 1500 105.0

2 Cost of transportation & wastedisposal in SLF

60000 Ton 150* 90.0

3 Cost of waste stabilization 60000 Ton 600 360.0

4 Cost of installing cover liner afterfilling of waste

7000 M2 900 63.0

TOTAL 288.0

* SLF is located with in the unit Describe expected likely final remediation plan The analysis of the above mentioned technologies needs to be verified and the best available needs to be demonstrated on a small scale basis. V. Potential Barriers None

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((IIII)) IINNTTEERRVVEENNTTIIOONN WWIITTHH NNOO HHIIGGHH PPRRIIOORRIITTYY

((1122)) KKHHAARRIICCUUTT CCAANNAALL,, VVAATTVVAA,, AAHHMMEEDDAABBAADD,,

GGUUJJAARRAATT Conducted by: Dr Suneet V. Dabke

Date: May 25, 2005

Name & Region: Khari cut canal, Vatva, Ahmedabad

I. Physical Description Khari-cut canal starts from Naroda GIDC and passes through Odhav GIDC and then to Vatva GIDC thereafter meeting with river Sabarmati. Out of the three Industrial Estates, the present main contributor of pollution, in Kharicut canal is Vatva Industrial Estate. The Approx length of the canal starting from Naroda GIDC to end point is approx. 46km. The present site is in Vatva GIDC, which is the major Industrial Estate which discharges effluents in the canal. The total Approx distance from this site to Sabarmati River joining point is around 10-12km. Contaminant type, source & quantity Contaminant type is more of semi-treated effluents of some specific industry having dark red colour. The effluent colour and quality is similar to effluent released from Dye manufacturing unit or Dye intermediates. Exposure Pathway The canal itself is lined with concrete at the Odhav GIDC and from the Vatva GIDC to the final discharge point, but the rest of the canal has no lining. Leaching of contaminants from the canal into the groundwater in the villages near Vatva is likely. Food chain contamination is possible from livestock that drink directly from the canal. II Health Impact Skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases are common ailments in villagers living near the canal.

Summary: The Kharicut canal is about 46 kilometers in length running from the Naroda GIDC to theSabarmati River, which receives wastewater from three industrial estates: Naroda GIDC,Odhav GIDC and the Vatva GIDC. Water in the canal is a dark-red color, indicating inadequate treatment of the effluent. Sludge has been dumped along the banks. Lining the canal would prevent continued pollution of groundwater along its length.

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Samples Taken (Location, Type, and Test Results) POLLUTANTS Heavy metals and organic pollutants. The results of sampling are as follows: R. No.

6562/B Test Method


Vatva, Kharicut Canal Sample

---

Cadmium

< 0.10 ppb

Chromium

< 1.00 ppb

Lead

< 1.00 ppb

Nickel

< 1.00 ppb

Zinc

0.37 ppm

AOAC – 17th Edition, 2003 (By Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer)

R. No.

6562/M Test Method


Vatva solid waste dump

---

Cadmium

0.09 ppm

Chromium

417.00 ppm

Lead

258.50 ppm

Nickel

237.40 ppm

Zinc

164.20 ppm


R. No.

6562/N Test Method


Vatva solid waste dump

---

Cadmium

9.40 ppm

Chromium

136.33 ppm

Lead

Being rechecked


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Nickel

96.71 ppm

Zinc

1607.00 ppm

Local Involvement /Curent Projects The matter of pollution in Kharicut Canal has been an important issue for the Gujarat State government and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board authorities. There have been reports about disposal of sewage in addition to industrial effluents. Although Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) have been constructed and are operational in Naroda, Odhav and Vatwa regions and a mega pipeline has been laid to convey effluents of these CETPs, effective maintenance and operation of the Kharicut Canal is a cause for concern. The State Government was mulling constituting a 'High Power Committee' to deliberate and decide regarding issues related to the Canal. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) had installed a device to measure air pollution (Reparable Dust Templer) in November of 2004 and recently in March this Additional Notes: During the survey from Naroda to Vatva it was found that the canal is almost empty till it reaches Vatva GIDC. The 1995, Bahujan committee report and 1996-97 CPCB report shows that there is no dilution of pollutant from Vatva to Lali village. The main polluting industries in these Industrial Estates according to Bahujan committee report are dye & dye intermediates, electroplating, textile processing, drugs and pharmaceuticals, metal finishing, pesticides, acids and fine chemicals (report of 1995). III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details: K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: 91 79 23222425 Fax: 91 79 23232161 Email: [email protected] Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Secretary GPCB, Paryavaran Bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: 91 79 23232152 Fax: 91 79 232221784 Mobile: 91 9825400268

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Email: [email protected] NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Society for Environment Protection 6-A, Kalamwadi Society, Shretas crossing sharda mandir Road, AHMEDABAD. Ph: 55137987 IV. Expected Intervention Description According to Mr. Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Secretary of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, 19 defaulting industries have been shut down in the past year alone in Gujarat. In addition, notices have been issued to 14 more industries to comply with pollution regulations or face closure. He also stated that severe action would be taken against units found dumping discharge into the Kharicut canal. Lining the canal would effectively prevent percolation of toxic effluents into the groundwater. Describe expected likely final remediation plan Cleaning and Remediation activity can be done only if the discharge of effluents in the canal is completely stopped. But as the effluents is directly discharged into river Sabarmati from Pirana STP, there is very less importance of cleaning Kharicut as there is more direct pollution from Pirana STP which receives effluents from Narol and to some extent from Vatva and Odhav and is mixed with sewage. The final remediation activity can be suggested for cleaning of Kharicut from Vatva to village Lali, but for that strong enforcement should be there to completely stop the discharge of effluents V. Potential Barriers Probably None. VI. Other Key Issues These waste dumps are lying since decade and no cleaning activity has been initiated. In each monsoon there is reduction of dumps as it is carried by the rainwater some of which leaches and some is carried away through the canal. These dumps can be hazardous so it is necessary to lift it and send to land fill sites.

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((1133)) EEFFFFLLUUEENNTT CCAANNAALL PPIIPPEELLIINNEE,, VVAADDOODDAARRAA,, GGUUJJAARRAATT

Conducted by: Richard Fuller, Jack Caravanos and Promila Sharma

Date: May 9, 2005

Site Name & Region: Effluent Canal Pipeline, Vadodara , Gujarat

_____________________________________________________

I. Physical Description A 54 kilometer long concrete pipeline carries treated wastewater from the effluent treatment plants (ETP’s) of three large-scale industries, Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals, IOCL Gujarat Refinery and Indian Petrochemicals Limited. The wastewater flows from Vadodara towards the sea coast. An estimated 120 million liters of treated wastewater annually flows through this canal. Contaminant type, source & quantity Potentially oils and chemicals used in petroleum refining and fertilizer industries that have not succumbed to treatment. Contaminant Pathway Farmers from six to seven villages’ en-route have installed hydraulic pumps and draw the treated wastewater for irrigational purposes. Sampling Not undertaken II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Unknown. Health impact of pollutant None observed. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details: K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A,

Summary: This pipeline carries treated effluents from Vadodara towards the sea coast. Farmers use this treated wastewater for irrigation. Potential human health risks are low and no further action is recommended at this time.

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Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: 91 79 23222425 Fax: 91 79 23232161 Email: [email protected] Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Secretary GPCB, Paryavaran Bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: 91 79 23232152 Fax: 91 79 232221784 Mobile: 91 9825400268 Email: [email protected] NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Zalak Kavi & Dr. Sunnet Dabke Society for Environment Protection (SEP) Ahmedabad office: 6-A Kalamvadi Cosiety, Near Shreyas Crossing. Baroda Office: FF/42, Hiravanti Complex, opp. Aryakanya Vidyalaya, Karelibaug. Phone: 91 79 55137978. Email:[email protected] Other Agencies Contact Details: Dr. H. N. Saiyed, Director, National Institute of Occupational Health Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad-380016 Phone: 91 79 22686242 Email: [email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description Some simple education for farmers to warn of possible contamination from irrigating the crops with this water should be undertaken. Warning boards posted at 200 meter intervals would be sufficient. These recommendations will be made to the Gujarat Pollution Control Board authorities. V. Potential Barriers None VI. Schematics:

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((1144)) HHEEMMAA CCHHAAMMIICCAALLSS,, BBAARROODDAA,, GGUUJJAARRAATT

Conducted by: Richard Fuller, Jack Caravanos , Promila Sharma and Suneet

Dabke.

Date: May 9, 2005

Site Name & Location: Hema Chemicals, Baroda, Gujarat

I. Physical Description Hema Chemicals, a chromium sulfate manufacturing unit in Gorwa industrial site of Vadodara (a city about 115 km south of Ahmedabad) was functional from 1965-2001. During its years of operation the company disposed 77,000 tons (estimated by GPCB) of toxic chromium waste in areas neighboring the factory. The laborers working in the factory, unaware of its potential health risks, took the chromium-rich sludge to fill up low-lying ditches in the neighborhood. They also mixed it with cement to construct their houses and spread it around the boundaries of surrounding fields. There is no definitive account of how much toxic chromium waste has been disposed of in this fashion between 1965 and1989. The abandoned plant site itself comprises about 15,000 square feet and is highly contaminated with chromate salts. Yellow discoloration is obvious throughout the site and on building structures. This site clearly is in need of remediation. The illegal dumping areas may comprise as much as 7 kilometers of fill along roads in the vicinity of the factory. A study of this region is being conducted (under the direction of the GPCB) by the Delhi-based National Productivity Council. Results of the study should be available in June of 2005. Illegal dumping at this site has spurred the largest Public Interest Litigation in Indian history as the GPCB has sued the owner of this facility for 17 crore rupees (approx. US $ 4 million). The case is under appeal in the Supreme Court at this moment. Contaminant type, source & quantity Hexavalent chromium and chromium salts

Summary: Hema Chemicals manufactured chromium salts for use in tanneries from 1965- 2001. During its years of operationthe company is believed to have dumped several thousand tons of chromium waste within its premises and in the vicinity. Illegal dumping at this site has spurred the largest Public Interest Litigation in Indian history. It is understood that the next step is a health assessment study that will be undertaken in collaboration with the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH)

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Contaminant Pathway The dried sludge leaches chromium salts to the soil & groundwater. The walls of many houses in Janatnagar & Janat township that we visited were greenish-yellow (the typical chromate color) due to the capillary action of the soil during the monsoon season. Additional Notes Paryavaran Surakhsha Samiti and other local organizations brought the issue of health impact from chromium exposure to the limelight and GPCB has filed a petition in court. The Supreme Court Management Committee on Hazardous Waste visited this site on April 2004 and made the following recommendations: a) A careful physical investigation of the site and quantities of hazardous wastes needs to be done by an expert body at the cost of the owner of the unit; b) An expert body may be requested to undertake a rehabilitation plan based on removal of the wastes to an engineered landfill; c) Till such time as this is done, the owner of the unit may not be permitted to go abroad; d) A medical study to be carried out by the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) to evaluate the impact of these unattended wastes on the health of the people living on the site with a view to award damages. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Around 1,000-1,500 Health impact of pollutant Findings of a study conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Health of Ahmedabad entitled ‘Report on Biological and Environmental Monitoring and Health Surveillance of Chromium (Cr) on the exposed workers in Chemical Industry’ also indicated serious health impacts to people living in the surroundings such as nasal septum perforation, dermatitis, gangrene etc. No study on the population directly affected has been conducted as yet. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details:

K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23222425 Fax: (91)(79) 23232161 Email: [email protected]

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Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Sectretary GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23232152 Fax: (91)(79) 232221784 Mobile: (91)9825400268 Email: [email protected] S M Jha, Regional Officer, GPCB, GERI Compound, Course Road, Vadodara-390 007 Phone: Office – 91 –265-2354850/2339205 Mobile: (91) 9825959029 Email: [email protected] C C Bhimani, Dy. Environment Engineer GPCB, GERI Compound, Course Road, Vadodara-390 007 Phone: Office (91)(265) 2354850 Fax: (91)(265) 232221784 Email: [email protected] NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Zalak Kavi & Dr. Sunnet Dabke Society for Environment Protection (SEP) Ahmedabad office: 6-A Kalamvadi Cosiety, Near Shreyas Crossing. Baroda Office: FF/42, Hiravanti Complex, opp. Aryakanya Vidyalaya, Karelibaug. Phone: (91) (79) 55137978. Email:[email protected] Other Agencies Contact Details: Dr. H. N. Saiyed, Director, National Institute of Occupational Health, Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad-380016 Phone: (91) (79) 22686242 Email:[email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description A study of chromium blood levels in population living in the vicinity of the illegal dumps has not been conducted to date. Blacksmith Institute has offered to co-finance such a study with GPCB. The study would be conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Health. Remediation is sorely needed for the factory site and probably the dump locations. It would be conducted by GPCB and other agencies, but funding is uncertain. V. Potential Barriers Remediation of the illegal dumps would be difficult due to the following factors:

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• It is the subject of a Public Interest Litigation and thus any interventions would be directed by the Supreme Court;

• The owner of the facility is highly unlikely to have sufficient assets to pay for remediation work, which would cost over 4 million U.S. dollars;

• Most of the illegal dumping is on privately owned land with private houses constructed on top of the contaminated land. Relocation if required will be extremely difficult and certainly would not be favored by the World Bank;

• Nevertheless this site should be included as a potential project under the World Bank program especially if the health study indicates significant signs of poisoning of the population.

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((1155)) PPIIRRAANNAA//NNAARROOLL IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIAALL AARREEAA,, AAHHMMEEDDAABBAADD,, GGUUJJAARRAATT

Conducted by: Richard Fuller, Jack Caravanos , Promila Sharma and Suneet

Dabke

Date: May 9, 2005

Site Name & Location: Pirana/Narol Industrial Area, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

I. Physical Description The Narol Industrial area in Gujarat hosts a mix of textile & textile printing (cotton & polyester) industries. Each industry has its own treatment plant from where the wastewater is discharged to the sewage treatment plant. The processed effluent is then dumped into the Sabarmati River which flows for 48 kilometers before reaching the sea. There is no significant intake along this river stretch for potable water. The sewage treatment plant is located at Pirana, a suburb lying south of Ahmedabad, adjacent to the Narol Industrial area. The plant did not seem to be very efficient, as we observed pink coloration in the black sewage emanating from the treatment plant during our visit. Contaminant type, source & quantity Suspected heavy metal and organic contamination from the industrial effluents. Organic contamination from untreated sewage is also highly probable. Contaminant Pathway No pathway identified. The organic compounds from the industrial wastewater probably evaporate on the run, although heavy metal contamination through the food chain could be a possibility. Sampling Not undertaken Additional Notes

- There were three outlets flushing wastewater from the sewage treatment plant; the first carrying overflow from the sewage treatment plant, the second carrying untreated waste from three non-functional aerator ponds and the third carrying sewage from Ahmedabad.

Summary: Pirana/ Narol Industrial area is mostly comprised of textile industries. Wastewater from these industries goes to the sewage treatment plant from where after treatment it drains into the Sabarmati River. Heavy metal and organic contamination is suspected here. There is no clearly identifiable pathway into the population and no further action under this project is recommended at this time.

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- There were pumps installed at many places along the riverfront and this wastewater was being utilized for irrigation purposes.

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Unknown Health impact of pollutant None observed or reported III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details:

K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23222425 Fax: (91)(79) 23232161 Email: [email protected] Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Sectretary GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: Office (91)(79) 23232152 Fax: (91)(79) 232221784 Mobile: (91)9825400268 Email: [email protected]

NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Zalak Kavi & Dr. Sunnet Dabke Society for Environment Protection (SEP) Ahmedabad office: 6-A Kalamvadi Cosiety, Near Shreyas Crossing. Baroda Office: FF/42, Hiravanti Complex, opp. Aryakanya Vidyalaya, Karelibaug. Phone: (91) (79) 55137978. Email:[email protected] Other Agencies Contact Details: Dr. H. N. Saiyed, Director, National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR), Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad-380016 Phone: (91) (79) 22686242 Email:[email protected]

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IV. Expected Intervention Description The Gujarat Pollution Control Board will request the municipality to operate the sewage treatment plant more efficiently. Whether this results in cleaner outflow remains to be seen. Because there is no clearly identifiable pathway to a human population from this point source and there is at least a partially adequate treatment facility in place, no further action is recommended at this time. However this site should be monitored. V. Potential Barriers Unknown

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((1166)) RRIIVVEERR PPAARR,, AATTUULL,, GGUUJJAARRAATT

Conducted by : Dr Suneet V. Dabke, Promila Sharma, and Bharat Patel

Date: May 28, 2005

Site Name & Region: River Par, Atul, Gujarat.

I. Physical Description Bore wells in the villages of Umarsadi and Haria, from where villagers derive their drinking water supplies, are believed to be contaminated with industrial effluents leaching from River Par. The discharge in this river is mainly from the Atul complex, whose industries manufacture dyes and dye intermediates. Contaminant type, source & quantity Chemical waste, possibly with heavy metals Dark red and green colored effluents could be observed in the river during our visit. The discharge point was approximately two kilometers from the complex. There were also several sludge dumps with freshly dumped sludge slurry. Some dumps are at least a decade old. Contaminant Pathway Effluents are released from the complex directly into the river. Sludge created from the effluent treatment plants is dumped on the river banks, from where it may leach into the river or the groundwater, especially during monsoons. Sampling Samples were taken from dumps on the river banks downstream from the Atul complex and the river water. Sample 1: River Par water sample


Standard (mg/L)

Comment

Chromium 0.05 0.05 Within permissible levels Lead < 1.00 ug/L 0.05 Within permissible levels Cadmium 0.60 ug/L Nickel 0.19 Zinc 9.57 5.0 Elevated levels

Summary: Par River is a drinking water resource for several villages including the Umarsadi and Haria villages. Earlier reports indicate high levels of lead in the water. The river receives industrial waste from the Atul complex and tons of sludge has accumulated along the river banks. More studies are required to determine the nature of the contamination and its extent.

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Sample 2: River Par sludge sample

Pollutant Concentration (ppm)

Standard (ppm)

Comment

Chromium 186 390 Within permissible levels Lead 16.47 400 Within permissible levels Cadmium 0.08 78 Within permissible levels Nickel 87.39 1,600 Within permissible levels Zinc 181.76 23,000 Within permissible levels

There were elevated zinc levels in the water sample and the chromium level was on the borderline. Additional Notes Earlier CPCB reports show that the among the heavy metals, concentration of lead (0.9mg/l) is nine times more than the prescribed limits of class C (surface waters. Cadmium and manganese also exceed the limits for drinking water standards. The Atul complex, comprising of several industries, discharges its effluents into the Par River through a four kilometer submerged pipeline that ends before the estuary zone. According to local people, the effluent discharged during high tide gets concentrated in the river. The pipeline is also damaged, causing the effluents to leak. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Not determined Health impact of pollutant None observed or reported III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Contact Details: K V Bhanujan, Chairman, GPCB, Paryavaran bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar-382010 Phone: 91 79 23222425 Fax: 91 79 23232161 Email: [email protected] Sanjiv Tyagi, Member Secretary GPCB, Paryavaran Bhavan, sector-10-A, Gandhinagar- 382010 Phone: 91 79 23232152 Fax: 91 79 232221784 Mobile: 91 9825400268

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Email: [email protected] NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Zalak Kavi & Dr. Sunnet Dabke Society for Environment Protection (SEP) Ahmedabad office: 6-A Kalamvadi Cosiety, Near Shreyas Crossing. Baroda Office: FF/42, Hiravanti Complex, opp. Aryakanya Vidyalaya, Karelibaug. Phone: 91 79 55137978. Email:[email protected] Other Agencies Contact Details: Dr. H. N. Saiyed, Director, National Institute of Occupational Health Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad-380016 Phone: 91 79 22686242 Email: [email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description The remediation needs to focus on the riverbank dumps with contaminated sludge. The best course of action will be to clean up the dumps and send the sludge to landfill sites. Remediation of the river itself will not be possible at this time because effluents are still being actively discharged into it. A comprehensive study or investigation should be carried out to verify the local people’s complaints before actually finalizing any remediation activity. This work is more for the local monitoring agencies as they are aware of the pipeline leak and other issues related to this site. V. Potential Barriers Unknown

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((1177)) SSIIRRUUMMUUGGAAII,, TTAAMMIILL NNAADDUU Conducted by: Jack Caravanos, Promila Sharma & Smitha Girijan

Date: July 12, 2005

Site Name & Region: SOUTH INDIA VISCOSE (SIV) SIRUMUGAI, TAMIL NADU

.

I. Physical Description Location & size of the site: South India Viscose was a viscose rayon manufacturing unit situated in Sirumugai Taluk of Coimbatore district. It was established in the year 1964. It is situated 50 kms from the textile city of Coimbatore. It is situated on the upstream of river Bhavani, a tributary of River Cauvery. Contaminant type, source & quantity This is a legacy site. The industry was highly water oriented unit and also discharged a lot of effluent in to the river Bhavani. The effluent was high in organic pollutant due the lignins and tannins present in the wood pulp. The effluent had high suspended particulate matter also. Contaminant Likely Transmission Path The transmission of pollutant was through water. It did not effect have direct impact on the health of human being. The agriculture along the downstream of the river was highly affected as the farmers were using the river water for irrigation of the field. Samples Taken (Location, Type, and Test Results) Not taken Ownership Details and History The industry was privately owned organization. The industry was shut down in 2001 and is presently under litigation and is under the jurisdiction of the Bombay High Court. As for the pollution is concerned after the closure of the industry there was no effluent discharge and nature has taken its own course of remediation. Additional Notes

Summary: Sirumugai is a small village in rural India located in Coimbatore District, on the banks of the river Bhavani. In 2001, the local viscose textile plant, the SIV Industries Ltd, shut down. There are reports that several tons of explosive chemicals, stored in the factory premises, have been auctioned off but have yet to be safely transported to its destination. It is recommended that oversight is needed to ensure a safe transfer of the chemicals to their buyer.

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When the industry was operational there were reports of air pollution from the Sulphuric acid and the Carbon bi Sulphide vapours which were used in softening of the wood pulp. Since the shut down of the industry this pollution has been completely stopped. There were reports of unused Carbon –di-sulphide being stored inside the plant and was posing a threat to the population near by. One the visit site it was told that the entire quantity of Carbon –disulphide was sold to another user and they are making proper arrangements to store it and transport it to there utility site. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people During processing it used a lot of chemicals concentrated sulphuric acid and carbon-di-sulphide. Though the industry had installed electrostatic precipitators and other air pollution equipments, a lot of vapours of these used to escape to atmosphere and had posed a lot of population living there. The main pathway to the human body was through water and to some extent through soil and air. Health impact of pollutant. Appended a web-link http://www.auburn.edu/~alleykd/envirolitigators/bhavanitext.htm III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Coimbatore Meeting Date – 13/07/05 They informed us as the industry was under litigation and shut down there are no contaminants being emitted. As the case is pending before the high court of Bombay the local agencies in Coimbatore were not much involved with the activities of the industry. IV. Expected Intervention Description Describe short term strategy required to initiate site remediation.

For discharging its treated effluents on land, the company acquired 800 acres in Mothur, Chittepalayam and Pethikuttai hamlets in the Irumbarai revenue village. About 100 odd farmers used this treated effluent to

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cultivate cash crops like sugarcane and banana. These areas fall in the rain shadow region. The land here has been totally effect due to the discharge of the partially treated effluent. The farmers here can be motivated to reclaim the land and also alternate sources for water.

V. Potential Barriers None

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((1188)) TTIIRRUUPPPPUURR,, CCOOIIMMBBAATTUURREE DDIISSTTRRIICCTT,, TTAAMMIILL NNAADDUU

Conducted by: Jack Caravanos, Promila Sharma & Smitha Girija

Date: July 13, 2005

Site Name & Region: Tiruppur, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu

I. Physical Description I. Physical Description Tiruppur is a textile town in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu and is popularly known as Banian City / Knit City. Tiruppur is situated at 50 Km, East of Coimbatore and the Municipal area of town is spread over 27.20 Sq.Km. with a population of around 7 lakh (700,000). Tiruppur is a Centre for cotton market and Cotton Ginning Factories. Though Cotton Trading and Ginning operations have shrunk, Tiruppur is still a popular market for unginned cotton. From humble beginnings in the 1930s, Tiruppur's hosiery industry has grown immensely, first as a domestic supplier and then as an exporter. The composition of the knitwear industry in Tiruppur is broadly classified as under as per the analysis/data provided by Tiruppur Exporters' Association:

Knitting and / or stitching units 2500 Dyeing and / or bleaching units 750 Printing Units 300 Embroidery units 100 Other (compacting, raising, Calendaring)

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The Noyyal a seasonal river with a peak flow only during monsoon plays reluctant host the rest of the year to untreated sewage and industrial effluents from Coimbatore and Tiruppur, the two main cities in its basin. Tiruppur's textile industry uses bleaching liquids, soda ash, caustic soda, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium peroxide, and various dyes and

Summary: Tiruppur is an industrial city located on the Noyyal River and is India’s largest producer of cotton knitwear, accounting for over three-fourths of the country’s knitwear exports. The Noyyal River is so polluted that for more than ten kilometers around the town, the water from the ground is said to come up in hues of green and black. The ground water is so contaminated that the industries themselves cannot use the local sources and they are forced to purchase water from outside. Effluents from the knitting units from Tiruppur have turned the river acidic. The number of dyeing units in the area has increased to 900 and chlorine content in the water had gone up drastically. Further studies would be required to properly assess the situation and evaluate alternatives for reducing pollution.

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chemicals for its dyeing and bleaching processes. Other harmful substances include a number of dyes, many based on benzidine structures or heavy metals, both known to be toxic." Most of these chemicals are not retained in the finished hosiery goods, but are discharged as wastewater. All the while, untreated effluents released into the Noyyal caused further damage to ground and surface water. The effects of the pollution were evident at the Orathapalayam dam, which is 20 km downstream of Tiruppur and which irrigated 20,000 acres of farm. The pollution to Noyyal can only be controlled if the industries practice effective treatment method. Pollutants

The groundwater in Tiruppur town is polluted to a considerable extent; it contains 3,000-4,000 ppm of TDS against the permissible limit of 2,000 ppm. The disposal of sludge is another problem. It is estimated that at least 100 tonnes of sludge will have to be disposed of every year.

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact 270,000 (in Tiruppur), and 414,000 in surrounding municipality. Health impact of pollutant Generic types of health problems found in these types of polluted sites include:

• bronchial pulmonary diseases, eye, throat, nose, ear and skin diseases, asthma, TB, black cough and cancer

• Also disorders of the digestive tract, bones, kidneys & metabolic disturbances

III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Regional office, Tiruppur IV. Expected Intervention Description The Orathapalayam dam and the down stream area which can be looked in for restoration only after Tiruppur industries take a concrete action to control pollution. Further, the Orathapalayam dam falls under the jurisdiction of Erode district so a separate study will have to be conducted for the area. V. Potential Barriers None

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((1199)) CCUUDDDDAALLOORREE TTAAMMIILL NNAADDUU Conducted by: Jack Caravanos, Promila Sharma & Smitha Girijan Date: July 14, 2005

Site Name & Region: SIPCOT Industrial Estate, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu.

_____________________________________________________

I. Physical Description The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) chemical industrial estate is located eight kilometers from Cuddalore on the seaward side of the Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road. It stretches from Pachaiyankuppam in the north to Semmankuppam panchayat in the south. Set up in 1982, the first phase of the industrial complex spreads over 200 hectares and is set up to house 53 units but presently there are about 28 industries, of which only about 20 are working. Phase II will cover 88 hectares. The Pennar or Ponnayar is the principle river here. The Gadilam River starts from Villupuram and traverses through Cuddalore before joining the Bay of Bengal. There are backwaters along the sea, one such backwater is the Uppanar River on the banks of which the SIPCOT complex is situated. Contaminant type, source & quantity Carbon disulphide, Bromomethane, tricholorethene, 4-methyl 2-pentanone, Acrolein, Methylene chloride and Tricholorethylene are some of the chemicals found here. Contaminant Transmission Path Air is the main pathway for transmission of contaminants. The groundwater is also contaminated due to effluent disposal and over- withdrawal of groundwater. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact

Summary: In 1982, the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) set up a 200-hectare industrial estate eight kilometers away from Cuddalore town and 200 kilometers away from Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu. More than twenty five chemical industries, including pesticide, dye and pharmaceutical plants operate here without proper infrastructure to deal with hazardous wastes and 80 percent of the units operate without a valid license. An estimated twenty thousand people in about 20 villages are adversely affected from these industrial operations. Further work would be required to determine the feasibility of undertaking remediation projects here with active stakeholder participation.

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About 20,000 people in about 20 villages around the SIPCOT area are affected. Health impact of pollutant Constant eye irritation, nausea, acute dermatitis, muscle fatigue, reproductive health effects, narcosis and cyanosis are some of the health complaints of the villagers. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Regional office, Cuddalore IV. Expected Intervention Description Another assessment visit is pending before chalking out any remediation planning and designing. V. Potential Barriers None VI. Schematic:

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Vi

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((2200)) EEDDUULLAABBAADD,, AANNDDHHRRAA PPRRAADDEESSHH.. Conducted by: Richard Fuller and Promila Sharma Date: January 19, 2005 Site Name & Region: Edulabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

I. Physical Description Edulabad is a small, rural village located 25 kilometers from Hyderabad. Although it has no major industry of its own, it is located on the Musi River downstream from a huge industrial estate in the nearby city of Patancheru. As a result of the upstream industrial activity, the Musi River is highly polluted, thus causing health and environmental problems in Edulabad. In 2000, the Hyderabad government began construction on an eighteen kilometer pipeline to carry industrial effluents from Patancheru to a sewage treatment plant in Amberpet. The unfinished pipeline runs through Edulabad’s municipal sewer system and the toxic effluents infiltrate the village sewage and water systems and eventually releases into the River. The Musi River is the principal recharge for a freshwater fishing pond that is used by villagers for fishing and drinking, but is believed to be extremely contaminated and unsafe for human use. Contaminant type, source & quantity Industrial waste suspected of containing heavy metals, organic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons are believed to be dumped in the local lake along with raw, untreated sewage. However test results revealed that there was no industrial contamination but mainly a sewage problem. Contaminant Pathway Surface water Sampling Water samples were collected from the local lake and sent for laboratory analysis. Test results revealed that the source of contamination was sewage and not industrial waste. Heavy metals were not detected. Additional Notes There is an acute drinking water shortage in the Edulabad village (villagers travel 20 kilometers to fetch potable water). II. Human Exposure & Health Impact

Summary: Edulabad is a small village on the banks of the Musi River, downstream from the Patancheru industrial estate. Previous tests conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) have indicated that the lake in Edulabad is contaminated with sewage rather than industrial waste. Results of sampling done at the time of our visit confirmed these findings.

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Number of potentially affected people 12,000-15,000 Health impact of pollutant Anecdotal reports of skin blisters and itching among the villagers were reported by community leaders during the site visit. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Contact Details: Dr (Mrs) K.V. Ramani, Joint Chief Environmental Scientist, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Paryavaran Bhavan, A-3 Industrial estate, Sanatnagar, Hyderabad-018 NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Mr R Srikant, Mr Partha Sarathi and Mr Girisham of Green-Destiny IV. Expected Intervention Description No industrial contamination was found in the local lake and no further action is necessary. However contamination in the River Musi could be considered as a probable site for conducting a site assessment. V. Potential Barriers N/A

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((2211)) AASSAANNIIKKUUNNTTAA LLAAKKEE,, MMEEDDAAKK DDIISSTTRRIICCTT,, AANNDDHHRRAA PPRRAADDEESSHH..

Conducted by: Jack Caravanos, Promila Sharma & S. Srikumar Date: July 18, 2005 Site Name & Region: Asanikunta Lake, Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India

I. Physical Description Asanikunta Lake lies adjacent to the Bollaram industrial area in the Jinnaram Mandal of the Medak district. It is located about 35 kilometers from Hyderabad city. The lake had a total area of about 22 acres but due to constant encroachments now it is limited to only about six acres. Contaminant type, source & quantity An unknown quantity of industrial waste is still actively being discharged into the lake. Chemical and organic contamination is suspected in the lake from bulk drug and chemical industries around the lake. Contaminant Pathway The likely pathway is through water, soil and food. Sampling No samples were taken. Ownership Details and History The lake earlier belonged to the Irrigation Department, but now all the lakes falling under the Hyderabad Urban Development Agency (HUDA) have been taken under the jurisdiction of the Land Revenue Department. Very recently a remediation effort was undertaken by the APPCB at a cost ofRs.25 lakhs (2500000). But due to the continuous discharge of effluents into the lake, it was not successful.

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people 30,000 Health impact of pollutant There were anecdotal reports of adverse health impacts in people living in surrounding villages due to pollution from the lake. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details

Summary: The Asanikunta Lake receives effluents from industries in the Bollaram Industrial Estate and is extremely polluted. Recent remediation efforts by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board authorities failed due to active discharge from industries. Stricter monitoring of industries disposing untreated waste should be done.

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Key Government Environmental Agency: Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control oard (APPCB) Contact Details: Mr. S.K. Sinha, Member Secretary Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board Paryavaran Bhavan A-3 Industrial Estate Sanath Nagar Hyderabad-500018 A.P.,India Phone: 91 40 23815630 Fax: 91 40 23815631 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Mrs R Sobha, Additional Secretary Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board Paryavaran Bhavan A-3 Industrial Estate Sanath Nagar Hyderabad-500018 A.P.,India Phone: 91 40 23815630 Fax: 91 40 23815631 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Mr. G Visveswar Rao, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer (JCEE), APPCB Zonal Office, Ramachandrapuram, D.no. 25-35/11,2nd floor, Tulasi Reddy Complex Opp. Govt. ITI Medak District Andhra Pradesh Ph: 040-23027333/222, 09848021190 (M) E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. K.V.S. Satish Kumar Pattancheru Enviro-etch ltd Plot no. 23-35, Phase-IV I.D.A Patancheru-502319, Medak District Andhra Pradesh Telefax: 08455-242705 E-mail: [email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description Remediation cannot be undertaken here as long as industries continue to dump their effluents into the lake. The first step would be to control industrial effluents at its source.

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((2222)) NNOOOORR MMOOHHAAMMMMAADD KKUUNNTTAA LLAAKKEE,, RRAANNGGAA RREEDDDDYY DDIISSTTRRIICCTT,, AANNDDHHRRAA PPRRAADDEESSHH.. Conducted by: Jack Caravanos, Promila Sharma & S. Srikumar Date: July 18, 2005 Site Name & Region: Noor Mohammad Kunta Lake, Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh.

I. Physical Description The Noor Mohammad Kunta Lake lies ten kilometers from Hyderabad and is adjacent to the Katedan Industrial Area of the Rajendra Nagar Municipality in Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh. There are around 500 small-scale industries in this estate mostly textile mills, edible oil refineries and lead extraction units. The lake is approximately 21 acres in size and receives approximately 300 cubic meters of industrial effluents and 200 cubic meters of domestic sewage per day. Contaminant type, source & quantity Industries located around the lake are predominantly textile, dye and edible oil industries. This lake is an active site with industrial waste in unknown quantities. Contaminant Pathway Water and soil Sampling Samples of water and soil sediments were collected at two locations: one at the stream just before it enters the lake carrying the industrial discharge and the other at the outfall point from the lake. Ownership Details and History The lake is under the jurisdiction of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA). Earlier the lake was a freshwater lake with people using the water for bathing, washing, agriculture and other household activities. But for the past six years, due to continuous industrial discharge the water has become unfit to use for any purpose. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Unknown

Summary: Noor Mohammad Kunta Lake is located on the outskirts of Hyderabad and receives active discharge from industries in the Katedan Industrial Estate. The main industries here are textile, dye and edible oil industries. Stricter enforcement of laws to control discharge of untreated effluents should be in place before remediation efforts are undertaken.

88

Health impact of pollutant There were anecdotal reports of health problems caused by pollution from the lake. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Contact Details: Mr. S.K. Sinha, Member Secretary Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board Paryavaran Bhavan A-3 Industrial Estate Sanath Nagar Hyderabad-500018 A.P.,India Phone: 91 40 23815630Fax: 91 40 23815631 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Mrs R Sobha, Additional Secretary Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board Paryavaran Bhavan A-3 Industrial Estate Sanath Nagar Hyderabad-500018 A.P.,India Phone: 91 40 23815630 Fax: 91 40 23815631 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Mr. G Visveswar Rao, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer (JCEE), APPCB Zonal Office, Ramachandrapuram, D.no. 25-35/11,2nd floor, Tulasi Reddy Complex Opp. Govt. ITI Medak District Andhra Prade Ph: 040-23027333/222, 09848021190 (M) E-mail: [email protected] Mr. K.V.S. Satish Kumar Pattancheru Enviro-etch ltd Plot no. 23-35, Phase-IV I.D.A Patancheru-502319, Medak District Andhra Pradesh Telefax: 08455-242705 E-mail: [email protected]

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IV. Expected Intervention Description Remediation cannot be undertaken here as long as industries continue to dump their effluents into the lake. The first step would be to control industrial effluents at its source by stricter enforcement of laws by the concerned authorities. V. Potential Barriers None identified.

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((2233)) HHIINNDDUUSSTTAANN ZZIINNCC LLTTDD.. ((HHZZLL)),, VVIISSHHAAKKAAPPAATTAANNAAMM,, AANNDDHHRRAA PPRRAADDEESSHH.. Conducted by: Jack Caravanos, Promila Sharma & S. Srikumar Date: July 16, 2005 Site Name & Region: Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL), Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

I. Physical Description This legacy site is located in the premises of Hindustan Zinc Ltd in the Gajuwaka area of Vishakapatnam city in Andhra Pradesh. There were previously two units located here viz., the lead and zinc units. The lead unit was shut down in 1999 by the order of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) due to claims of serious environmental problems in the surrounding areas. The lead unit has been completely dismantled and the debris has also been cleared from the site. Presently the site is lying vacant without being used. The zinc unit is still operating and there are plans to extend it using this land. Contaminant type, source & quantity This legacy site has been lying unused for the past five years. Groundwater ands soil samples in this area have been tested for the past three years by the APPCB and the results show all parameters within permissible standards. During the site visit the study team did not find any visible signs of contamination in the area. Contaminant Pathway None identified Sampling No samples were collected. Ownership Details and History The site falls in the premises of Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), which is a public sector company in operation since 1977. When in operation the lead smelter allegedly emitted high levels of lead, arsenic and other metals in air, water and soil and caused health problems to people in the surrounding villages. But after is closure in 1999, APPCB has been regularly monitoring the site by taking water and soil samples in the surrounding areas. According to their test results the levels of lead, arsenic and other metals have

Summary: The lead smelter of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL) shut down its operations in 1999 and has since been dismantled. This vacant land is planned to be used for expansion of the existing zinc unit of HZL. The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has been monitoring this site and test results of soil and water samples taken over the past three years do not indicate any contamination.

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gradually decreased and presently all parameters are within permissible limits. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people According to APPCB officials there had been health problems reported by people living in the surrounding areas when the lead smelter was in operation. However after its closure no such health problems have been reported. Health impact of pollutant There does not appear to be any significant health impacts from the legacy smelter as test results reveal contaminant levels to be within permissible levels. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Contact Details: Mr. Surendra Raj, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer (JCEE) APPCB Zonal Office, 6th Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Siripuram Junction, Vishakapatnam – 530003 Ph: 0891-2719380/480/81, 09848529658 (M) Business/Corporate Interest Contact Details: Mr. AK Ghosh (Genaral Manager) Mr. KG Bhushana Rao (Manager-PR) Mr. A Tyagi (Environmental Engineer) Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) Vishakapatnam – 530015 Andhra Pradesh Phone: 91 891 2593673 Fax: 91 891 2517852 e-mail:[email protected] IV. Expected Intervention Description There is no scope for any remediation in the project site as it is HZL property and there are plans to expand operations of the zinc unit here. V. Potential Barriers Not applicable.

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((2244)) SSAANNGGAANNEERR,, RRAAJJAASSTTHHAANN Conducted by: Nandini Choudhury, GREENC; Promila Sharma, and Lampu

Bhutia, Blacksmith Institute

Date: 20th June, 2006

Site Name & Region: Sanganer Industrial Area, Rajasthan.

I. Physical Description Location & size of site

Sanganer town is situated around 17 kilometers from Jaipur and is famous for its dyeing and printing industries. Around 550 small-scale units are located in 12 clusters in an area of approximately 49 square kilometers around the town. No proper drainage system exists resulting in the accumulation of wastewater in many adjoining areas.

Contaminant type, source & quantity Major contaminants are dye and dye intermediates, silica and bleaching chemicals. Transmission Pathway Wastewater is discharged into drains and is being utilized by some farmers for irrigating their fields.

Summary: Sanganer is a town of 30,000 situated around seventeen kilometers from Jaipur. It is famous for its dyeing and printing industries. No proper drainage system exists in the area and wastewater tends to accumulate in the surroundings. The groundwater is heavily over-exploited by the water-intensive industries and has become contaminated. Studies need to be conducted to determine the extent of contamination and alternatives explored to provide potable drinking water to the affected populations.

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Samples Taken

Soil, waste water and drinking water samples have been taken.

Sample 1: Soil (Outside Screen Printing Unit) S.No. Parameter Results Detection Limit 1 Lead (as Lead),

ppm No detected 25

2 Cadium (As Cd), ppm

No detected 5

3 Chromium (as Cr)

No detected 25

4 Nickel (as Ni), ppm

Not Detected 25

5 Zinc (as Zn), ppm

557.7 -

Sample 2: Soil (From an agricultural plot nearby) S.No. Parameter Results Detection Limit 1 Lead (as Lead),

ppm No detected 25

2 Cadium (As Cd), ppm

No detected 5

3 Chromium (as Cr)

No detected 25

4 Nickel (as Ni), ppm

Not Detected 25

5 Zinc (as Zn), ppm

74.76 -

Sample 3: Wastewater Screen Printing unit S.no Parameter Test Results 1 Colour Reddish yellow 2 pH Value 7.1 3 Conductivity (Micro mho/cm) 2217 4 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 1465 5 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/L) 263 6 Oil & Grease (mg/L) 5 7 Phenolic compound (as C6H5OH,

mg/L) 0.07

8 Total Chromium (asCr, mg/L) *ND(0.5) 9 Iron (as Fe, mg/L) 14.8 10 Lead (as Lead, mg/L) ND (0.5) * Not Detected (the figure within the bracket indicates the minimum detection limit) Sample 4: Wastewater Dying Unit

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S.no Parameter Test Results 1 Colour greyish 2 pH Value 7.3 3 Conductivity (Micro mho/cm) 3383 4 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 2198 5 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/L) 63 6 Oil & Grease (mg/L) 2 7 Phenolic compound (as C6H5OH,

mg/L) 0.08

8 Total Chromium (asCr, mg/L) *ND(0.5) 9 Iron (as Fe, mg/L) 1.12 10 Lead (as Lead, mg/L) ND (0.5) * Not detected (the figure within the bracket indicates the minimum detection limit)

Sample 5: Wastewater (Drain towards Agricultural plot) S.no Parameter Test Results 1 Colour greyish 2 pH Value 8 3 Conductivity (Micro mho/cm) 2587 4 Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 1723 5 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/L) 1295 6 Oil & Grease (mg/L) 11 7 Phenolic compound (as C6H5OH,

mg/L) 0.63

8 Total Chromium (asCr, mg/L) *ND(0.5) 9 Iron (as Fe, mg/L) 39.1 10 Lead (as Lead, mg/L) ND (0.5) * Not detected (the figure within the bracket indicates the minimum detection limit)

Sample 6: Drinking water sample S.no. Parameter Desirable

Limit Rejection Limit

Results

Physico-chemical

1 Colour, Hazen Units

5 max 25 max <5

2 Odour Unobjectionable

- Unobjectionable

3 Taste Agreeable - Agreeable 4 Turbidity, NTU 5 max 10 max 3 5 pH 6.5-8.5 No

relaxation 7.5

6 Total Hardness (as CaCO3), mg/L

300 max 600 max 414

7 Iron (as Fe), mg/L 0.3 max 1 max Not detected 8 Chloride (as Cl),

mg/L 250 max 1000 max 230

9 Total Dissolved 500 max 2000 max 1036

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Solids, mg/L 10 Flouride (as F),

mg/L 1 max 1.5 max <0.1

11 Mercury (as Hg), mg/L

0.001 No relaxation

Not detected (0.001)

12 Cadmium (as Cd), mg/L

0.01 No relaxation

Not detected (0.001)

13 Arsenic (as As), mg/L

0.01 No relaxation

Not detected (0.01)

14 Lead (as Pb), mg/L

0.05 No relaxation

Not detected (0.01)

15 Chromium (as Cr VI), mg/L

0.05 No relaxation

Not detected (0.05)

16 Almunium (as Al),mg/L

0.03 0.2 Not detected (0.03)

Bacteriological Tests

1 Coloform org. per 100 ml at 37o C (MPN)

- 10 max <1

2 E. coli - Absent absent Note: The figure in the bracket indicate the minimum detection limit The value of total hardness & total dissolved solids are exceeding the desirable limit but within the rejection limit of IS: 10500-1991, so the samples can be used for drinking purpose in the absence of better & alternate source. Additional Notes

The State High Court had ordered relocation of these industries but the Industrial Association has taken a stay order from the Supreme Court and the industries continue their operations as before.

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Around 15,000 laborers are employed by the dye industry. The population of Sanganer is approximately 35,000. Health impact of pollutant No study reported. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: Mr. Virendra Singh, Member Secretary Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Meeting Date: 20th June, 2006

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The state government had released Rs 40 lakh to NPC (National Productivity Council) for Pali, Balotra, Jodhpur and Bethuja projects and another Rs 7 lakh to for Sanganer to evaluate health impacts from industrial pollution. In Sanganer 60% of wells are dry and the water table has gone down to a depth of 200 feet. The RSPCB is interested on area specific models for environmentally sustainable operations for all its water intensive industrial areas and will support such endeavors. IV. Expected Intervention Description A study needs to be done to come up with strategies for minimizing water consumption and wastewater generation. A model could be demonstrative in one zone and can be replicated in all 12 clusters. V. Potential Barriers The small-scale industry owners may be unwilling to upgrade their technologies due to added cost. VI. Champion RSPCB, Sanganer

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((2255)) BBHHIIWWAADDII && CCHHOOPPAANNKKII IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIAALL AARREEAA,,RRAAJJAASSTTHHAANN

Conducted by: Nandini Choudhury, GREENC ; Promila Sharma and Lampu

Bhutia, Blacksmith Institute

Date: 19th June, 2006

Site Name & Region: Bhiwadi & Chopanki Industrial Area, Rajasthan

I. Physical Description

• Bhiwadi & Chopanki Industrial Area is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. The site is located 70 kilometers from New Delhi and 200 kilometers from Jaipur.

• The three industrial areas of Bhiwadi, Chopanki & Khuskhera are located in the vicinity of Bhiwadi town.

• The areas allotted for industrial development are 2,000 acres in Bhiwadi, 650 acres in Khushkhera and 800 acres in Chopanki.

• The site is devoid of surface drainage.

Contaminant type Heavy metals especially lead from the eight secondary lead smelters. Transmission Pathway Lead is transmitted through stack and fugitive emissions and through leaching.

Ownership Details and History The industrial estate was developed by the Rajasthan state Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO). In addition to lead smelters, there are a number of electroplating units in the area that are also releasing heavy metals into the environment.

Summary: There are eight secondary lead smelters operating in Bhiwadi and two in Chopanki. Lead scraps is kept in the open and lead recovered in pit or rotary furnaces. There are no operational safety procedures in place. Women and children are engaged in breaking up used batteries to extract lead scrap. Health studies need to be conducted to assess the impact of lead pollution in the local population. The project has been seeking a local champion to undertake such studies here and set up a multi-stakeholder group that will be actively involved in any remediation efforts undertaken.

Town

INDUSTRIES

NH 8To Delhi

To Jaipur

Khuskhera

Bhiwadi

Chopanki

Dharuvera

To Alwar

Agricultural Land with villages

Agricultural Land with villagesAgricultural Land with villages

Town

INDUSTRIES

NH 8To Delhi

To Jaipur

Khuskhera

Bhiwadi

Chopanki

Dharuvera

To Alwar


Town

INDUSTRIES

NH 8To Delhi

To Jaipur

Khuskhera

Bhiwadi

Chopanki

Dharuvera

To Alwar


Agricultural Land with villagesAgricultural Land with villages

Schematic Diagram of the Area

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Additional Notes

• Along national highway-8 connecting Delhi and Jaipur, there is a continuous stretch of industrial areas like Gurgaon-Manesar-Bawal-Dharuhera-Bhiwadi-Chopanki-Khuskheda-Neemrana, etc.

• There are no proper industrial discharge facilities available for the Bhiwadi -Chopanki - Khuskheda area. The units discharge their effluents in storm water drains and industrial wastewater is utilized in agricultural fields.

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people

• On an average, for the production of 3,000 tons of lead batteries, 50 laborers are employed in shifts of 12-14 hours. They are exposed to lead fumes as they do not take any safety precautions.

• Vulnerable groups i.e. children and women are employed for breaking used batteries to extract lead scrap. These laborers hail from villages 1-2 kilometers from the site.

• Child laborers are also seen working on the furnaces. Some of the laborers reside in the same industrial shed that lacks ventilation.

• Communities residing nearby are exposed to the lead pollution.

• Around 100,000 people living within a five- kilometer radius from this highly polluted industrial area have been adversely affected from the pollution.

Health impact of pollutant

• Workers working in the lead smelters for more than 2 years experience respiratory problems.

• A more detailed health analysis of people living in the nearby vicinity could not be undertaken.


Duration of work in the Smelter

99

Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: Mr. Pradeep Bhardawaj Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Regional Office - Bhiwadi Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings: 19th June, 2006

a) No air or water quality monitoring stations are located in the Bhiwadi-Chopanki- Khuskheda at the moment; but 3 air- monitoring stations have been approved and are to be installed within 2-3 months.

b) These monitoring stations will be stationed at the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board regional office building, at the RIICO office, and at Bhiwadi

c) Bhiwadi does not have any waste disposal facilities. Wastewater is being discharged in the RIICO drain.

d) Effluents from major industries are sent to the central effluent treatment plant (CETP), which only has a biological treatment facility so toxic effluents cannot be treated and are discharged as such.

Business/Corporate Interest Contact Details: Mr. R.K. Bansal, Owner R.K. Alloys, Bhiwadi Meeting Date 19/06/2006 Previously the secondary lead smelters were set up to process used batteries and lead scrap from developed countries. However in 1996, the government banned the import of used batteries. There are plans for expansion of the lead smelters in view of the increasing demands. Other Agency Contact Details: Mr. Mukesh Saxena, Regional Manager, RIICO, Bhiwadi Meeting Date 19/06/2006 He informed us about the current state of industries in Bhiwadi.

IV. Expected Intervention Description Pollution in the Bhiwadi area is quite complex and studies are needed to assess health impacts on the community. Polluters are being issued notices by the RPCB. A stakeholder group needs to be established with representatives from the RPCB, industrial entrepreneurs and local representatives from the affected communities. This group through consultative process will help to design monitoring networks and establish health impact on the population. V. Potential Barriers

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Potential barrier could be political intervention in technical work. VI. Champion Mr. Mukesh Saxena, Regional Manager, RIICO, Bhiwadi VII. Other Key Issues Regular monitoring of soil, groundwater or air should be conducted.

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((2266)) PPAANNKKII KKAATTRRAA,, KKAANNPPUURR,, UUTTTTAARR PPRRAADDEESSHH

Conducted by: L.N. Bhutia, Dr. Padma. S. Vankar and K.N. Singh

Date: 1st-2nd December, 2005

Site Name & Region: Panki Katra, Near Panki Thermal Power Plant, Kanpur.

I. Physical Description Panki Katra, a slum colony spread over 20 acres, is situated eighteen kilometers west of Kanpur city. The Thermal Power Plant lies just one kilometer from Panki Katra and it is surrounded by a number of urbanized colonies. One of the two ash ponds of the thermal power plant lies a mere 200 meters from Panki Katra. The Pandu River, a tributary of Ganga, flows close by. Contaminant type, source & quantity Fly ash containing heavy metals is the major contaminant. The power plant produces 0.6 million tons of fly ash annually. According to sources, the ash is dumped in a fly ash pond spread over an area of two square kilometers. Slurry overflows from the pond and finds its way into the Pandu River. An ambitious project for the safe disposal of fly ash is awaiting sanction from the Central government.

NOTE: Construction of a national highway close to Panki Katra is in progress and a significant amount of fly ash from the ash pond is used as a landfill material for highway construction. The present quantity is unknown. Contaminant Pathway Indiscriminate disposal of fly ash in the surrounding areas has led to the contamination of groundwater and soil. Air pollution is magnified during summer due to wind-blown dust. According to locals, water drawn from the hand-pumps turns yellowish after 10 hours of storage and a thin layer of froth forms on the surface.

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact

Summary: The Panki Thermal Power Plant in Kanpur was first commissioned in 1973. It uses 3,000 tons of coal and churns out 40 tons of fly ash every day. According to the Central Pollution Control Board Annual Report 2002-2003, the ash pond at the plant had been completely filled and the ash pond overflow was draining into the Pandu River. This has resulted in ash covering fertile areas of land near the river Blacksmith is supporting a project to restore the fertility of the soil so that it can be used for floriculture.

102

Number of potentially affected people According to some sources, more than 50 villages situated along the Pandu River are bearing the brunt of the rampant pollution by the draining of ash slurry into the Pandu River. Around 3,000 people have been adversely affected by this contamination.

Health impact of pollutant No health studies have been conducted in the area. However residents complain suffering from a host of skin afflictions.

Notes: Tons of fly ash slurry has found its way into the Pandu River and changed the river color to a silvery gray. Further downstream, domestic sewage and industrial effluents merge with the river turning it black. The plight of villagers is aggravated once monsoon recedes as the river water leaves behind a blanket of fly ash on large tracts of agricultural land. The ash is deposited in the fields even in the dry season as the farmers use ash-laden water, rich in mercury, to irrigate their fields. Large deposits of such slurry can be found in these fields affecting crop productivity. Hapless villagers in the area complain that some of their lands have become uncultivable. Fly ash slurry makes the soil less porous and impedes aeration as a result of which lands turn fallow, claim the farmers. Earlier, the land along the Pandu River was known to be highly fertile.


Key Government Environmental Agency Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board

Contact Details: Mr. S. R. Sachan Regional Officer, U.P. Pollution Control Board. 243, Avas Vikas, Phase III, Sadbhawana Nagar, Kalyanpur, Kanpur - 17. Telefax: 512 - 2510999 Residence: 512 - 2581033 Dr. R.K. Singh Central Pollution Control Board Zonal Office- North Picup Bhawan, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar Lucknow 226010 Fax: 0522- 2721891 Tel. no. (0522) 2721916, 2721917 Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

Key findings:

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Dr. Singh admitted the problem of fly ash and clarifies the stand of CPCB on the issue. He mentioned that CPCB has already provided direction to the Thermal Power Plant but enforcement is lacking by government agencies. CPCB and the Government of India are pressurizing the National Highway Authority of India to use fly ash in the construction of roads. Activities like brick manufacturing from fly ash are already in practice. He also suggested that water drawn from bore wells not be used as drinking water. NGO/Community Agency Contact Details:

Mr. K. N. Singh ADHAR, 117/507, Q- Block, Maszid Road, Sharda Nagar, Kanpur – 208025 Tel. no. – 0091-512-2583274. 09839584622 (m) Email: [email protected]

Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings: December 1, 2005 Notes: Mr. Singh mentioned that their organization has petitioned local agencies but nothing has been done in the interest of residents living close to Panki Thermal Power Plant.

Contact Details: Dr. Ram Boojh. Centre for Environment Education (North), 19/323 Indira Nagar, Lucknow 226016 India Tel 91-522-2716628 Fax: 91-522-2716570 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.ceeindia.org

Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings: December 2, 2005 Notes: Blacksmith Institute has provided financial support to CEE Lucknow & IIT Kanpur in the year 2006-07 for a project entitled - Health Impact assessment and remediation strategies of Fly-ash on the affected population in Kanpur, India The project has sucessfully carried out fly ash dumps reclamation by the addition of organic matter and symbiotic fungi, making it commercially viable for activities like floriculture, phytoplantation and mushroom culture. Use of fly ash in agricultural applications will also be studied. CEE is currently working towards a solution of the problem through the production of fly ash bricks under UNDP/GEF small grants program in which the fly ash is being used as a building material.

104

Other Agency Contact Details: Dr. Padma. S. Vankar FEAT laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Tel. no. – 0091-512-2597844, 09839084360(m) Fax: 0091-512-2597436 Email: [email protected]

Notes: Dr. Padma Vankar has developed a low cost filter that has been installed in Kanpur to rid the groundwater of heavy metals. IV. Expected Intervention Description A health assessment is required to assess the magnitude of problem. Safe and clean drinking water should be provided to the locals. The fly ash should be properly disposed so exposure to local residents is minimized.

V. Potential Barriers None VI. Champion Center for Environment Education (CEE)

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((2277)) CCHHIINNHHAATT,, LLUUCCKKNNOOWW,, UUTTTTAARR PPRRAADDEESSHH

Conducted by: Promila Sharma, Dr. Ashwani Kumar and Anil Sharma

Date: January 31, 2006

Site Name & Region: Chinhat, Deva Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

I. Physical Description A ten-hectare area has been used for dumping sludge containing HCH by a pesticide manufacturing industry. The vegetation on this site has completely disappeared and crops in the surrounding areas have also been adversely affected. Contaminant type, source & quantity The contaminant of concern is hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Preliminary studies undertaken by the Industrial Toxicology Research Center (ITRC) revealed the presence of 10-400 mg HCH gram-1 soil. Contaminant Pathway Soil Sampling Random samples collected from around the IPL factory shows the following results: Soil Samples Total HCH (ng/g) (i) At 1.0 km from industry a-<0.1 b-12; g-<0.1 d- <0.1 (ii) At 1.5 km from industry a-0.6 b-110; g-<0.1 d- <0.1 (iii) At 8.0 km from industry a-2 b-481; g-0.5 d- <0.1 Random samples collected from around the The details of HCH contamination at different soils are as above (values given for alpha, beta, gamma and delta-HCH are ng per gm of soil,). All three-land sites are highly contaminated with beta HCH concentration. Third land site has been selected for the demonstration of clean up program. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people 100,000

Summary: Ummaria village is located about twenty kilometers from Lucknow, in the Barabanki district. A low-lying area about ten hectares in size has reportedly been used by the India Pesticide Limited company for disposing Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-containing sludge for the last several years. This site should be further explored for remediation as it poses significant health risks to the population.

106

Health impact of pollutant Not determined. However anecdotal reports point to a higher than normal rate of skin allergies, breathing and circulatory disorders, kidney problems and gastrointestinal disease. III. Site Stakeholders Key Government Environmental Agency Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board Dr. C S Bhat Member Secretary UP PCB, Lucknow NGO/Community Agency Contact Details: Reema Banerjee Centre for Environment Education, Lucknow Others: Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Head, Department of Environment Biotechnology ITRC, Lucknow IV. Expected Intervention Description The Department of Environmental Biotechnology of the Industrial Toxicology Research Center in Lucknow has developed certain bacterial strains to degrade HCH-pesticide under laboratory conditions. Successful tests have been conducted under laboratory conditions but remains to be tested in the field. Blacksmith Institute is providing financial support to undertake a pilot-scale remediation project. The Center for Environment Education (CEE) in Lucknow has also been roped in to form a multi-stakeholders group on the issue. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) North Zone office & Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board are also interested in this project. V. Potential Barriers None indicated to date.

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((2288)) AARRUUPPUUTTOO VVIILLLLAAGGEE,, KKOOLLKKAATTAA,, WWEESSTT BBEENNGGAALL Conducted by: Richard Fuller and Promila Sharma Date: January 20, 2005 Site Name & Region: Aruputo Village, Near Science City, Kolkata, West Bangal.

I. Physical Description About 40 large facilities in the Eastern part of Kolkata under an underpass in a low lying area, each employing about 100 low caste employees, many of them children. The facilities are unlicensed. Contaminant type, source & quantity Scrap leather trimmings are processed into fertilizer. The scraps are blue, from chromium tanning, and range in sizes from small threads to triangular pieces - a few centimeters in size. They are dumped into large pots, about three meters across at the Top, and boiled with water. The water is dumped into the river, or the nearby pond. The now black pieces of leather are spread on the ground, and left to dry. Once dry, the black lumps are bagged and sold to the tea gardens in the north districts of Darjeeling & Jalpaigudi, where they make good fertilizer. Contaminant Pathway The risk here is hexavalent chromium, and transmission into the water and soil. The water is certainly being consumed by the local neighborhood, so if elevated levels are found, this will create a substantial health risk for the locals.

Sampling No samples were collected. Ownership Details and History Unlicensed units II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people About 1000 working there. Many more will be exposed to the water Health impact of pollutant

Summary: Chromium-treated scrap leather trimmings from tanneries around the area processed in about forty unlicensed facilities in Aruputo Village. Wastewater from this process dumped into open water bodies which are used as a drinking water resource by residents. The processed product is sold as fertilizers to the tea gardens in northern West Bengal. Further studies are needed to determine the existence of contamination and its extent and these are to be undertaken by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board.

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There does not appear to be any significant health impacts from the legacy smelter as test results reveal contaminant levels to be within permissible levels. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: West Bengal Pollution Control Board (APPCB)- Member Secretary Dr S K Sarkar. Key staff include Dr Deepak Chakraborty, Mr Subir Mitra and Mr Majumdar Contact Details: Paribesh Bhawan, 10 A, Block-LA Sector 111, Salt Lake, KOlkata-700098 Ph: 033 23359088 IV. Expected Intervention Description Study water, soil at a variety of sites to determine if hexavalent chromium is present. Then, a plan of action to be designed. No clear method currently known. V. Potential Barriers Not applicable.

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((2299)) HHOOWWRRAAHH,, HHOOWWRRAAHH DDIISSTTRRIICCTT KKOOLLKKAATTAA,, WWEESSTT BBEENNGGAALL .. Conducted by: Richard Fuller and Promila Sharma Date: January 20, 2005 Site Name & Region: Howrah, West Bangal.

I. Physical Description Howrah foundry cluster is one of the oldest and largest cast iron foundry centers in the country, accounting for around 20% of the total castings produced in the country. A number of these units were closed down by the State Pollution Control Board. Though the industry is trying to clean up its own act by sponsoring research into cleaner technologies, 80% are small-scale operations and may find it difficult to do so w/o help (both technically & financially). Contaminant type, pathway, source & quantity Air: Particulate matter Water: Heavy metals viz lead, cadmium, chromium, iron & manganese were very high. EC, thorium, Cl, TDS were some time very high. Pesticides were also on high side. chloroacetophenone & Phenolic compounds in traces. (http://www.cpcb.delhi.nic.in/groundwater/ch160703.htm) Sampling No samples were collected. Additional Information: Howrah foundry cluster is one of the oldest and largest cast iron foundry centers in the country, accounting for around 20% of the total castings produced in the country. The growth of the foundry industry around Howrah in the 1940s and 1950s can be attributed to the concentration of jute, sugar, textile and engineering industries in that region and easy availability the foundry clusters in India, its share in the total castings produced in the country has gone down considerably since 1950. Inadequate availability of good quality raw material, shortage of power, poor infrastructure and active trade unionism are some of the main reasons for the relative decline of the Howrah foundry industry. Many of the foundries in Howrah cluster were set-up three of four decades back and are family owned and managed. There has been very little investment towards modernization of plants and machinery after initial commissioning.

Summary: Howrah foundry cluster is one of the oldest and largest cast iron foundry centers in India. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board is closely involved in monitoring the pollution stemming from the foundries and their controls seems to be effective. Plans to relocate the foundries are underway. The Initial Site Assessment by Blacksmith Institute concluded that no action was justified under this project.

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The peculiarity of the Howrah foundry cluster is that not all of the foundries sell finished castings. A large number of foundries are also in the business of selling molten metal to contractors who sell the finished castings in the market. (http://www.teriin.org/division/eetdiv/cres/docs/abs08.htm) There is some money being directed to this problem from the Canadian Govt, which is funding a CETP project: The urban area of Howrah mostly falls within the geographic boundary of Howrah Municipal Corporation and its immediate adjoining conglomeration. Urban Howrah is an old industrial centre dominated by iron foundries, rolling mills, metal finishing industries like galvanising, anodising etc. The area is a mixed one where urban settlements, commercial complexes and industries have come up adjacent to each other. The galvanising and anodizing industries are located in a few clusters responsible for creating serious environmental problem and public resentments.

The galvanising industries use old traditionally practised process technology for galvanising small items. None of these small industries is anyway concerned with the environmental problems created through their operations or aware of the environmental requirements. Most of these units are situated in areas where drainage facility is either poor or totally absent. The industries use disproportionate quantities of water and acids compared to the scale of production and discharge untreated wastewater containing large quantities of residual acid and various toxic metallic elements. These units follow batch operations and discharge liquid waste intermittently. The wastes either stagnate outside these units in low lying areas or find their way to small water bodies and drains. Stagnation of contaminated liquid waste is gradually exposing the aquifer, which is available at a very low depth, to serious contamination. Since these units are too small to adopt adequate individual effluent treatment system, it was logical to encourage them to construct common effluent treatment system to collect liquid waste.

11 such units functioning in a cluster at Natabar Paul Road, Howrah formed a registered association and proposed construction of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) for treatment of liquid waste. This is the first CETP of its kind in the State of West Bengal.. (http://www.wbpcb.gov.in/icef/background.htm)

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people 1 million in Howrah City, 4 million in Howrah District Health impact of pollutant These are the types of disorders expected from the types of pollution seen here: Air: High levels of particulate matter in the air means asthma and other respiratory disease

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Water: Based on the kinds of heavy metals present, expect to see damage to nervous system, kidneys, lungs, liver. Nausea, diarrhea. Developmental damage to children. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: West Bengal Pollution Control Board (APPCB)- Member Secretary Dr S K Sarkar. Key staff includes Dr Deepak Chakraborty, Mr Subir Mitra andMr Majumdar Contact Details: Paribesh Bhawan, 10 A, Block-LA Sector 111, Salt Lake, KOlkata-700098 Ph: 033 23359088 IV. Expected Intervention Description NA V. Potential Barriers NA

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((3300)) TTAANNGGRRAA,, KKOOLLKKAATTAA,, WWEESSTT BBEENNGGAALL .. Conducted by: Richard Fuller and Promila Sharma Date: January 20, 2005 Site Name & Region: Tangra, West Bangal.

I. Physical Description Tangra, also known as Chinatown, is the former site of tanneries in eastern part of Kolkata. This site is now being converted into Chinese restaurants. The neighborhood is vibrant. Several tanneries still exist, and have not yet moved to the new industrial location. As with all of Kolkata, this region has a very high water table and wetlands around the old tannery sites. Contaminant type, source & quantity Expectation is for hexavalent chromium. One street drain showed typical blue chromate color. This material has been used as the tanning agent for the past few decades in this area. It probably contaminates the soil around the old tanneries, and likely leaches into the groundwater. Contaminant Pathway Also unknown, but likely to be in drinking water if found. It could also show up in fish, or in leafy greens fed with groundwater contaminated by the tanneries. Sampling No samples were collected. Additional Information: The tanneries were moved by Supreme Court decree to an industrial estate with a CETP over the past 24 months. Some tanneries still remain, but have move orders in place. As part of the relocation, each tannery paid into a fund now in MOEF hands to pay for legacy contamination remediation. There is no planned activity to review this site or conduct remediation. II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people

Summary: Tangra in Kolkata was dominated by leather tanneries until a Supreme Court order forced them to relocate elsewhere. This legacy site is suspected to be contaminated with hexavalent chromium but requires further studies to establish the existence of pollution, if any, and the extent of contamination. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board is managing this site and no further action by Blacksmith Institute is recommended.

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The total population of china-town is around 10,000. The number drinking the water could be the same Health impact of pollutant None observed or reported. However, the effects of hexavalent chromium are long term, cancers of the liver. Unlikely to see any visible signs, and no statistics are kept on cancer rates. III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency: West Bengal Pollution Control Board (APPCB)- Member Secretary Dr S K Sarkar. Key staff includes Dr Deepak Chakraborty, Mr Subir Mitra andMr Majumdar Contact Details: Paribesh Bhawan, 10 A, Block-LA Sector 111, Salt Lake, KOlkata-700098 Ph: 033 23359088 IV. Expected Intervention Description Analysis of drinking water, and groundwater contamination to be conducted. If levels are reported, then funding from the MoEF fund can be used for remediation. V. Potential Barriers The Chinese community is probably not pleased with the required move of tanneries, and would not be interested in any activities that would compromise their land claims, and restaurant development plans. There is a Chinese cemetery in the neighborhood also.

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((3311)) KKAANNDDRRAA && RRAATTAANNPPUURR VVIILLLLAAGGEE,, SSAARRAAIIKKEELLAA--KKHHAARRSSAAWWAANN DDIISSTTRRIICCTT JJHHAARRKKHHAANNDD Name: Promila Sharma, Lampu Bhutia, Samit Kr. Carr and Om Prakash

Date: April 5, 2006

Site Name & Region: Kandra & Ratanpur village, Saraikela-Kharsawan District,

Jharkhand (Two Sponge Iron Plants- Adhunik Alloy & Power Ltd, Kandra & Nilachal

Iron & Power Ltd, Ratanpur)

___________________________________________________________

I. Physical Description Adhunik Alloy & Power Ltd. is situated in Kandra, Saraikela-Kharsawan district, about twenty three kilometers west of Jamshedpur city. Nilachal Iron & Power Limited is located about two kilometers from Kandra and situated opposite to the Ratanpur village. Both these sponge iron plants were only recently set up. Currently there are 20 sponge iron plants in Jharkhand with a total installed capacity of 3,500 tons per day. Saraikela town is situated on the bank of Kharkai River. The district also includes the Adityapur Industrial Area, which is one of the biggest industrial areas in Asia. Note: Sponge iron plants reduce iron ore to iron. Easy availability of iron ore & coal and the growing steel demand in the world market has prompted establishment of sponge Iron units in the state. Sponge iron is a substitute for steel scrap and is free from contaminants such as copper, zinc, tin, chromium, tungsten and molybdenum etc. that is usually present in scrap. It has low sulfur content and has derived its name because of its porous nature. Contaminant type A preliminary appraisal of the air emissions from sponge iron industries reveals that heavy metals like lead, zinc and mercury may be released. Particulate matter and fine dust emissions also adversely affect the health of nearby residents. Transmission Pathway Pollutants are mainly being dispersed through the air. Water in open wells is being contaminated by the deposition of soot on the surface.

Summary: Kandra lies around 23 kilometers west of Jamshedpur city in Jharkhand whereas Ratanpur village lies a further two and a half kilometers away. Two sponge iron factories operate in these villages. They have attracted strong protests from local residents for degrading the environment and damaging agricultural production. The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board officials acknowledge the pollution problem but feel that this can be controlled with proper usage of the current pollution-control equipment to minimize environmental pollution and subsequent health risks. No further Blacksmith action required.

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Note: The air emission problem can be easily controlled by the proper functioning of Electro Static Precipitators and bag filters that are operational in the factories but not working to their full capacity. Ownership Details and History Adhunik Alloys and Power Limited is headed by Mr. Manoj Aggarwal. It is sprawled over an area of 120 acres with an investment of 750 crore. The Adhunik Group has decided to pump in an additional Rs 1,250 crore in the state for setting up an integrated steel plant at Kandra. With this, the group’s total investment in the state is expected to touch Rs 2,000 crore in the next five years. This is the first phase wherein two sponge iron plants and a blast furnace had been setup. The plant would function to its full capacity in the next three years. The capacity of the plant is 0.35 million tons and includes a captive power plant and mines and will be ready for production by 2010. The state has already given its permission for acquiring another 600 acres of land in Kandra. Nilachal Iron and Power plant was established in 2003 at Ratanpur in Kandra district under the leadership of Raj Kr. Aggarwal. The sponge iron plant has been set up with an investment of Rs 72 crore for the first phase followed by a power plant in the second phase and finally a steel plant. The initial annual capacity of plant is 1.12 lakh tons but they plan to raise it by 3.36 lakh tons with an additional investment of Rs 110.19 crore. Additional Notes

Since Jharkhand is a relatively a new state (split from Bihar in 2000), there is a lack of adequate pollution control & proper monitoring facilities.

Locals claim that the industries switch off emission control systems at night to cut down on the electricity consumption cost.

The sponge iron units have attracted social protest for degrading the environment and causing damage to agricultural production.

The Jharkhand government recently ordered Nilachal Iron and Power Ltd to shut down for one month to repair the Electro Static Precipitator in their sponge iron plant and complete the construction of bag filters (in coal handling area) after local protests. The protests were organized by the Occupational safety And Health Association of Jharkhand.

After the intervention of a local NGO and area M.P. (Member of Parliament), lines for deep boring wells were installed by the Nilachal Iron & Power Ltd.

II. Human Exposure & Health Impact Number of potentially affected people Nearly 10,000 residents in Kandra and 2,000 in Ratanpur village have been affected by the pollution.

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Health impact of pollutant Fine dust particles and clouds of smoke cause burning sensation in

the eyes and throat and skin allergies. No specific health assessment was found. However, typical effects

include: - lung, kidney, liver, skin disorders - “Metal fume fever” -- nausea, headache, fever, and chills

associated with exposure. - Cancer – particularly lung. - Eye disorders from acid mists

III. Site Stakeholders – Meeting Details Key Government Environmental Agency Contact Details: Mr. S.K. Narnoli Ex. Member Secretary Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), +91 09431171100 (m) Fax: 0651- 2400850 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Shankar Kumar P.A to Member Secretary Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), +91 09431195912 (m) Fax: 0651- 2400850

Mr. Om Prakash Sinha Section Officer Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), Fax: 0651- 2400850

Dr. Mahinder Mahto Head, Department of Hazardous Waste Management Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board T.A. Division Building (Ground Floor) H.E.C, Dhurwa, Jharkhand Tele: +91-0651-2400852 (o), Fax: 0651- 2400850

Officials of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) shared their views on mining problems and acknowledge the problem of pollution by sponge iron industries but feel that the problem is under control if ESPs

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and bag filters installed in plants work at full capacity. In order to enforce the law strictly, the Jharkhand government recently ordered Nilachal Iron and Power Ltd to shut down for one month to repair the ESP in their sponge iron plant and complete the construction of bag filters (in coal handling area). JSPCB Officials stated that the requirement of funding support for TSDF will be welcome as the department is short of funds and the need of TSDF is necessary in the state to handle large amount of waste generated by the industries. JSPCB has also identified an area for this purpose but due to financial constraints, the matter has not yet progressed. Mr. S.K. Narnoli (Ex Member Secretary) is highly supportive and forthcoming in showing interest in discussing the state of the environment in Jharkhand. Local Health Facility Director Contact Details: N.B. Manna, Local health practitioner, Dr. Ambedkar Birsa Sewashram & Hospital, Kandra, Seraikela-Kharsawa district. Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings: April 5, 2006. There is reportedly an increase in the number of people with skin ailments, gastric & kidney problems & TB over the last one and a half years. NGO/Community Agency Contact Details:

Mr. Samit Kr. Carr. General Secretary Occupation Safety & Health Association of Jharkhand (OSHAJ) Mobile: 09431350008

Mr. Om Prakash Chairman Ekta H.No. 1, Harimandir Road, Ramjanam nagar, Kadma, Jamshedpur-831005 Mobile: 09431372228 Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings: Samit Carr took us around the Seraikela-Kharsawa District & the sites where he is already working with the locals on occupational health & safety issues.

Other Agency (note details) Contact Details: Mr. Satish Girija Secretary Nav Bharat Jagrit Kendra (NBJK) Amrit Nagar, P.O. Korra, Hazaribagh – 825301, Jharkhand

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Tele: +91-06546-266781 (o), 06546- 223143, 222069 (r) 094311-40508 (m) Fax: 06546- 263332, 2224228 (P&T) Email: [email protected]

Mr. Rajesh Kr. Das. Project Head & Branch Head (Ranchi) Nav Bharat Jagrit Kendra (NBJK) Shantman Nagar, Road No- 1, Imam Kothi Hazaribagh Road, Ranchi– 834009, Jharkhand Tele: 0651-2545352 (o), 09334701408 (m) Email: [email protected] Website: www.nbjk.org Meeting Dates, Notes, & Key Findings: April 4 & 7, 2006. NBJK has more than 34 years of experience in project planning, field implementation, monitoring, evaluation, training & capacity building. Also, it has a very strong liaison with the government & non-government bodies. NBJK helped us in planning and making arrangements for our visit to Jharkhand. Under their sanitation & environment program, they are working on solid waste management & arsenic mitigation projects in the state. IV. Expected Intervention Description Proper monitoring and strict enforcement regarding proper functioning of ESPs and bag filters is required to control the air pollution.

V. Potential Barriers None VII. Other Sites Following are three sites recommended by Mr. Narnoli, Ex-member secretary of JSPCB: (1) Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Dhanbad, is the only zinc manufacturing industry located in the state since India’s independence. The unit closed down in February 2004 due to financial problems. The production capacity of the plant, along with the solid waste generation during its operation, is reported to be as under:

Refined Lead – 650 tons per month. Refined Silver – 1000 Kgs per month. Blast furnace Slag – 1000 tons per month. Lime sludge – 100 tons per month.

The lime sludge waste is a hazardous waste, which is still lying in the plant premises and needs to be properly disposed. (2) Indian Aluminium, located at Muri, Ranchi, is the only alumina manufacturing plant in Jharkhand with a production capacity of 1.25 lakh

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ton per year of calcined alumina. Now, the plant has been taken over by the HINDALCO. The manufacturing process generates vanadium sludge and alumina hydrate known as red mud, which is alkaline in nature. Disposal of red mud is a challenging task for the alumina industry because of its high alkalinity. The red mud is being dumped in a wet pond, which affects the groundwater quality and soil characteristics in and around the red mud pond. In order to avoid such situation, it is proposed to have a dry pond stacking in the same red mud pond and make necessary arrangements in and around the pond to minimize the chances of leaching of water from the pond into the ground and adjoining areas. HINDALCO is providing drinking water to the villagers. National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad is appointed as a consultant to study the problem, as HINDALCO is planning to expand in the near future. (3) Hindustan Copper Ltd, Ghatshila, is an integrated copper production plant with an installed capacity of 16,500 tons of copper per year along with the recovery of other valuables such as copper sulfate, nickel sulfate, selenium, tellurium, sulfuric acid and precious metals like silver and gold. The plant has been operative since 1929 and has been expanded and modernized in phases in the eighties Copper concentrate (copper ore), lime, quartz and alum are the basic raw materials, whereas coal middling and furnace oil is used as a fuel. The production of sulfuric acid is 144,000 TPA, besides other by-products and other precious metals. It generates about 52,000 tons of solid waste, bulk of which is from flash smelter and captive power plant. Solid waste like copper dust, iron cake and copper cake, ETP cake, anode furnace slag, CETP sludge are either recycled or sold out. Only 25,000 tons of granulated sludge is being dumped every year. The entire effluent is treated in the CETP before being discharged outside. Note: The waste generated from these plants having the char (60-70% flyash) and ESP dust. The char generated from these units having the 2500 Kcal value, which is a good resource material for the fluidized based boiler.

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