GUWAHATI, April 21 � In order to check pollution arising out of coal storage and trading, the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) has issued notification vide No. WB/G-749/11-12/12/42 dated April 5, 2012, regarding storage and trading of coal.
The PCBA has asked all coal traders in the State to comply with the laid-down conditions and obtain consent of the Board within June 30, 2012, failing which action for closure of such activities will be taken as per law.
As per the PCBA guidelines, the coal storage/trading area must have well determined boundary wall (brick or bamboo not less than 10 ft. in height).
Secondly, all along the boundary two rows of bamboo with spacing of 5 meters x 5 meters must be planted immediately and maintained so that it creates vegetative wall/screen to arrest the spread of Particulate Matters.
Thirdly, coal should be stored on an impervious concrete bed to avoid contamination of ground water leaching through rainwater, spraying water, etc.
Fourthly, drainage should be constructed around the periphery of coal dump to lead rainwater to reservoirs to be developed within walled premises of traders for chemical treatment of stored water especially for maintenance of appropriate pH and heavy metal contaminations.
Fifthly, proper scientific stacking of coal in the unit should be done to avoid self-ignition.
Sixthly, wire netting should be provided around the coal dump for arrest scattering of small particles by wind etc.
Seventhly, water spraying arrangement should be provided at a particular interval of time to control dispersion of dust.
Eighthly, trucks loaded with coal should be covered during movement.
Ninthly, annual renewal of permission/consent of the Board shall be necessary as per relevant Rules as amended for time to time.
�Storage and trading of coal by any occupier is treated as an industrial activity under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 & Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Rules�made there under,� the PCBA said.
The PCBA added that such units carrying out storage and trading of coal in the State must get permission from it for establishment and operation of the unit after payment of necessary fees in proper format.
