Steel on Environment: Lok Sabha

Transcription

1 Steel on Environment: Lok Sabha Q. No. Q. Type Date Ans by Ministry Members Title of the Questions Subject Specific Political Party State Representative 2076 Unstarred Steel Shri Jagdish Singh Rana Pollution by Steel Plants Environmental Conservation BSP Uttar Pradesh 2227 Unstarred Steel Shri Nishikant Dubey Improvement in the Steel Sector Alternative Technologies BJP Jharkhand Shri Lal Ji Tandon Energy Studies BJP Uttar Pradesh 3233 Unstarred Steel Shri Sai Prathap Annayyagari Reopening of Gua Iron Ore Mines in Jharkhand Environmental Conservation INC Andhra Pradesh 4563 Unstarred Steel Shri Chandrakant Bhaurao Khaire ESP System at Bokaro Plant Energy Studies SS Maharashtra 195 Unstarred Steel Shri Baijayant "Jay" Panda Ship Breaking and Hazardous Materials Health and Sanitation BJD Odisha 225 Unstarred Steel Shri Ram Sundar Das Corporate Social Responsibility Environmental Conservation JD(U) Bihar Shri Kapil Muni Karwariya BSP Uttar Pradesh 2864 Unstarred Steel Shri Chandrakant Bhaurao Khaire Violation of Regulations in Steel Plants Energy Studies SS Maharashtra 3033 Unstarred Steel Shri Harin Pathak Clearances from other Ministries Environmental Conservation BJP Gujarat

2 POLLUTION BY STEEL PLANTS 11 th March, 2013 LSQ 2076 SHRI JAGDISH SINGH RANA (a) whether there have been study/reports regarding environmental pollution caused by the various steel plants under the public and private sectors; (b) if so, the facts in this regard along with the names of the steel plants which are causing environmental pollution across the country; (c) the details of the steel plants where pollution control mechanisms have been installed during the last three years along with the amount incurred thereon; (d) the details of the steel plants where no mechanism for pollution control has been installed along with the reasons therefor; (e) the time by which these steel plants are likely to install the pollution control mechanisms; and (f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure that such pollution control mechanisms are installed in all steel plants? (a)to(f): Central Pollution Control Board carries out surprise inspections of industries including Iron & Steel Plants, under Environmental Surveillance Program. According to available information from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 63 Iron & Steel Plants were inspected by them during , and 24 plants were found to have major non- compliance. Directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 were issued to 08 plants, and under Section 18 (1) (b) of Air Act, 1981 and Water Act, 1974 were issued to the concerned State Pollution Control Boards in respect of 16 plants. Government has been pursuing adoption of latest environment friendly technologies. The report of the Working Group on Steel Industry for the 12th Five Year Plan enlists such measures. Under the ongoing modernization/ expansion programme of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), about Rs crores are being spent on Environment Management Schemes. Similarly, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) has also been investing about Rs.1283 crores on such measures during ongoing modernization/expansion programmes. IMPROVEMENT IN THE STEEL SECTOR 11 th March, 2013 LSQ 2227 SHRI NISHIKANT DUBEY SHRI LAL JI TANDON (a) whether there is an urgent need for implementation of world class latest technologies in the Indian steel industry for improving its efficiency;

3 (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; (c) whether the public and the private sector iron and steel companies are engaged in the Research and Development (R&D) activities in the iron and steel sector; (d) if so, the details thereof along with the major achievements made by these companies during the last three years and the current year; (e) the total funds allocated and expenditure incurred on the research and development activities during the said period; and (f) whether any new scheme for promoting research and development activities has been initiated by the Government in the 12th Five Year Plan and if so, the details thereof? (a)&(b): Yes, Madam. Government through its policies has been pursuing adoption of latest technologies for improving efficiency of Indian steel industry. The report of the Working Group on Steel Industry for the 12th Five Year Plan, National Steel Policy and Roadmap for R&D and Technology etc. enlist such measures. The major steel plants in the country have already embarked upon modernization/expansion programme and are phasing out obsolete technologies. Further, new/green field steel plants are being set up with latest world class technologies. (c)&(d): Major steel companies like Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) in the public sector and Tata Steel Limited, JSW Steel Limited, Essar Steel Limited, Jindal Steel & Power Limited and JSW Ispat Steel Limited in the private sector are engaged in Research and Development work in the iron and steel sector in the country. There have been substantial achievements from the R&D programmes pursued by the companies during the past which inter-alia covers: # Raw Materials upgradation; # Improvement in Process/ Technology, Products and Productivity; # Development of New products & improvement in Quality; and # Improvement in Energy consumption & Environment Management. (e) The total budget allocated and expenditure incurred on research and development activities during the last three years by the Public Sector Steel Companies are given hereunder: (Rs. in crore) Budget Expenditure Budget Expenditure Budget Expenditure Budget Expenditure# SAIL RINL # Expenditure of SAIL for is upto Dec., 2012 Expenditure of RINL for is upto Feb., 2013 (f) A new scheme Promotion of R&D in Iron & Steel Sector was introduced by the Government in the 11th Five Year Plan which has been continued in the 12th Five Year Plan. Government has allocated Rs. 200 crore on R&D during the 12th Five Year Plan Period. A New Component is being added in the aforesaid scheme for development of technology for Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO) electrical steel sheets and other value added innovative steel products.

4 REOPENING OF GUA IRON ORE MINES IN JHARKHAND 18 th March, 2013 LSQ 3233 SHRI SAI PRATHAP ANNAYYAGARI (a) whether the Gua Iron Ore Mines in Jharkhand have been closed since June, 2011; (b) (c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the present status of these iron ore mines; and the measures being initiated by the Government to reopen the said mines? (a)&(b): Yes, Madam. Mining work at Gua Ore Mines under the Durgaiburu Mining Lease was suspended with effect from June 2011 for want of forest clearance. Stage-I forest clearance along with one year working permission was granted by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on but the production in the mine could not be resumed for want of environment clearance from MoEF. (c) Regional office of Ministry of Environment & Forests has inspected the site and submitted its report to the Ministry of Environment & Forests on Further, in order to expedite the clearances, Cabinet Secretary held a meeting on with Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests, the Secretary (Steel) and Chairman (SAIL). ESP SYSTEM AT BOKARO PLANT 22 nd April, 2013 LSQ 4563 SHRI CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE (a) whether the pollution control devices including the Electro Static Precipitators (ESP) have become old and obsolete causing environmental problems in the Bokaro Steel Plant; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the efforts being made to revamp the ESP system to avoid further environmental degradation; and (d) the steps taken/being taken to streamline the unloading of collected lime fines which are also causing pollution in the Plant along with the outcome thereof? MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (SHRI BENI PRASAD VERMA) (a)to(c) In Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), most of the pollution control devices, including Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) were installed with the respective units during commissioning of the Plant to meet the emission standards prevailing at that point of the time. Some of the devices such as Multi-cyclones at Sinter Plant, Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) at Refractory Materials Plant (RMP) and Pollution Control devices at Coke Oven batteries to control fugitive emissions became obsolete to meet the present emission standards. The steps taken to revamp the

5 ESP system to avoid further environmental degradation include replacement of one old Multi-cyclone at Sinter Plant with electrostatic Precipitators, refurbishing of one old Russian design ESP in RMP, installation of new ESP with Blast Furnace No. 4 & 5 and installation of state of the art pollution control facilities in Coke Oven batteries No. 1, 2 & 5. (d) To control pollution, lime fines collected from ESPs of RMP are transported in closed tankers carrier to Sinter Plant for blending in sinter base mix. During this transportation, there is no fugitive dust and it is pollution free. The collection of lime fines at RMP and the receiving system at Sinter Plant have been designed in such a manner that the possibility of fugitive dust emission during these activities is negligible. SHIP BREAKING AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 5 th August, 2013 LSQ 195 SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA (a) whether there has been a rise in the number of decommissioned ships received by the ship breaking yards in the country; (b) if so, the details of the ships received at different ship breaking yards during each of the last three years and the current year; (c) the amount and nature of contaminated material that has arrived at the ship breaking yards of Kerala and Gujarat and the manner in which the same is likely to be disposed off; (d) whether any measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the workers working in unhygienic and hazardous conditions at the ship breaking yards; and (e) if so, the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard? (a)&(b): Details of ships received for breaking during the last three years and current year are as under: Year Alang Sosiya Mumbai Kerala At present no ship breaking activity is undertaken at Kolkata port. (c): Before bringing the vessel, it is ensured that the vessel is properly decontaminated. In this regard necessary certificates from surveyors are obtained. In Alang ship breaking yard some waste material is incinerated and some others are landfilled. (d)&(e): As per the Factories Act 1948, State Factories Inspectorate enforces relevant rules and regulations to avoid safety related hazards and unhygienic working conditions while undertaking ship breaking activities. Besides, helmet, safety shoes, aprons, goggles are provided to the ship breaking workers. Fire fighting pumps are also installed.

6 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 5 th August, 2013 LSQ 225 SHRI RAM SUNDAR DAS SHRI KAPIL MUNI KARWARIYA (a) whether the public sector steel undertakings and private steel companies have been allocating funds for taking up projects under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme; (b) if so, the details of the total funds allocated and projects undertaken by these companies under this head during each of the last three years and the current year along with the present status thereof, company and Statewise; (c) whether the Government has laid down any specific norms regarding the utilization of funds under the CSR and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the complaints of gross irregularities in the awarding of contracts and execution of these projects has been received; and (e) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government in this regard? (a)&(b): Under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, the public sector steel manufacturing undertakings, namely, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) are allocating funds for the CSR activities, as per the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). The details of funds allocated by these companies under CSR scheme during the last three years are as under: ( Rs. in Lakhs) Year SAIL RINL Steel is a deregulated sector and, therefore, information about the CSR funds of private sector steel companies are not maintained in the Ministry of Steel. The projects implemented under the CSR relate to water supply arrangement, construction of school buildings, supply of educational materials in schools, electricity facility, solar lighting system, health and family welfare, irrigation facilities, sanitation and public health, relief to victims of natural calamities, imparting vocational training etc. These projects are located in the States of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar etc. Funds under the CSR scheme are not allocated State-wise. (c) As per the existing guidelines issued by the DPE in April 2013, all profit making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are required to make a budgetary allocation for CSR schemes as per details given hereunder: PAT of CPSE Range of Budgetary allocation for CSR activities in the previous year (as % of PAT in previous year) (i) Less than Rs. 100 Crore 3%-5% (ii) Rs. 100 Crore to Rs.500 Crore 2%-3% (iii) Rs. 500 Crore and above 1%-2%

7 In the guidelines, the thrust of CSR and Sustainability is on capacity building, empowerment of communities, inclusive socio-economic growth, environment protection, promotion of green and energy efficient technologies, development of backward regions/districts etc. (d)&(e): Sporadic complaints about CSR activities are received from time to time. These complaints as and when received are referred to the concerned authorities for taking appropriate action in the matter. VIOLATION OF REGULATIONS IN STEEL PLANTS 10 th February, 2014 LSQ 2864 SHRI CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE (a) whether there has been any study/report on environmental pollution caused by the various steel plants under the public and private sectors and if so, the facts thereof along with the names of the steel plants particularly which are causing environmental pollution in their particular regions; (b) the details of the steel plants where pollution control mechanisms have been installed during the last three years along with the expenditure incurred thereon; (c) the details of the steel plants which do not have any mechanism for pollution control and the action taken against such plants along with the steps being taken by the Government to ensure that such pollution control mechanisms are installed in all steel plants; (d) whether there have been violations in the tender process for installing environmental and pollution controlling mechanism in the Bokaro Steel Plant and if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether the Government has received any complaint regarding such violations and if so, the action taken by the Government in the matter? (a) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) inspects industries including steel plants under Environment Surveillance Squad (ESS) on regular basis. Based on observations in inspection reports suitable actions are taken. Directions under Section 18 (1) (b) of Air Act, 1981 and Water Act, 1974 are issued to concerned State Pollution Control Board for M/s. Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., Raigarh, Chattissgarh and M/s. Indian Iron & Steel Co. Ltd., Burnpur, West Bengal and Directions under Section 5 of E (P) Act, 1986 was issued to M/s. Bokaro Steel Plant, Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand and Rourkela Steel Plant, Orissa. (b) The details of the steel plants where pollution control mechanisms have been installed during the last three years are placed at Annexure -1. (c) Almost all major and integrated steel plants have installed various pollution control mechanism in their respective plants. Details are at Annexure -1. (d) No, Madam. (e) No, Madam. LOK SABHA ANNEXURED UNSTARRED QUESTION NO DATED

8 Annexure 1 1. Steel Authority India Ltd. (SAIL) Pollution control devices/mechanisms have been installed and are operating effectively in all the steel plants of SAIL. Regular monitoring of environmental parameters as per the statutory requirements is being done at these plants. SAIL is spending about Rs Crores on various pollution control schemes under the ongoing expansion cum modernization of plants. Some of the major initiatives taken in this regard are as under:- Installation of 7 mtr tall Coke Oven Battery with coke dry quenching system and land based pushing emission control system. De-sulphurisation plant for treatment of Sulphur in Coke Oven Gas. New sinter plant with ESPs for process exhaust and system for space dust extraction along with waste heat recovery from Sinter Coolers. Installation of High capacity (4060 m3) state of the art blast furnaces. Installation of top pressure recovery turbines at the blast furnaces. Installation of gas based power plant. 2. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. i) High temperature membrane bag filters in CRMP 1, 2, 3, 4 (Kilns 1, 2 & 3 are complete). ii) iii) iv) Electronic controllers in ESPs of TPP boilers no.1, 2&5. Nitrification de-nitrification of MBC effluents for control of ammonical nitrogen. Replacement of compressors working on ODS with non-ods/cwp Chillers. v) Replacement of ODS with non-ods refrigeration units of ASP. vi) Coke dry quenching for CDCP 4 using the waste heat to generate 14 MW power. vii) Appikonda waste water treatment water plant under zero water discharge scheme. An amount of Rs.182 Crores was spent on installing the above facilities. 3. Tata Steel Limited, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Pollution control projects implemented at Jamshedpur Steel Works under 2.9 MTPA expansion project (e.g. Raw material, handling, Pellet Plant, Coke Oven Battery- No. 10 & 11, Blast Furnace, Lime Kilns No. 8 & 9, LD3, Ladle Furnaces, Thin Slab Caster & Rolling since Nov A central waste water treatment plant with Reverse Osmosis is being commissioned to treat and reuse the recovered treated effluent from works drain. Once commissioned, the water intake and effluent discharge would further improve. On line blast furnace slag granulation was commissioned at he cast house of new 1 blast furnace in Mill scale de-oiling facility was commissioned recently to ensure maximum utilization at Sinter plants. Over Rs. 689 Crores were the expenditure on Environmental projects during last three years ( to ).

9 4. JSW Steel Vijayanagar Works, Torangallu, Bellary, Karnataka. JSW Steel Vijayanagar Works has taken the following measures with respect to environment control:- - Installed 181 bag filters, 18 electro-static precipitators, 24 scrubbers and 518 sprinklers and dust suppression system at 160 junction houses for air pollution control. - Installed 18 effluent plants and 5 sewage treatment plants to minimize water demand and reduce pollution. - Extensive water recirculation systems have been provided to recycle 98% of water. - JSW has commissioned 12 recycling schemes through cascading and treatment techniques to recover nearly m3/ day of wastewater. - Gainful utilization of 83% of the solid waste generated % use of dust and sludge from air pollution and water pollution control systems through micro pellet and mill scale briquette plants. - Total investment of over Rs crores has been incurred for installation of pollution control mechanisms. - Planted over 1.5 Million trees covering an area of 1300 acres. 5. Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. List of Air Pollution Control Devices installed in last three years at JSPL, Raigarh Unit SMS-II PP - I Blast Furnace- I Location Electric Arc Furnace-I Power Plant-I (WHRB-3) Pollution control system Gas volume Outlet dust load Approximate Capital Cost (Rs) Incurred Bag filter m3/hr < 50 mg/nm lacs Electrostatic precipitator m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 185 lacs Ground Hopper Bag filter m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 24 lacs DRI - I Product hopper at G13 - G 14 Bag filter m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 06 lacs Sinter Plant Raw material Handling Bag filter m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 185 lacs Electric Arc SMS - II Furnace-1 & 2 Bag filter m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 500 lacs Secondary Ground Hopper Bag filter m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 200 lacs SMS-III FAFA Bag filter m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 12 lacs PP - I Power Plant I Electrostatic Flow (WHRB 4) precipitator m3/hr < 50 mg/nm3 185 lacs CLEARANCES FROM OTHER MINISTRIES 10 th February, 2014

10 LSQ 3033 SHRI HARIN PATHAK (a) whether the Ministry of Environment and Forests has refused to accord green clearances for the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) three key iron ore mining projects in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of the objections raised by the aforesaid Ministry; (c) whether the Government has taken up the issue with the Ministry of Environment and Forests and if so, the details thereof along with their reaction thereon; (d) the time likely to be taken in according approvals to these mining projects; and (e) the action plan being contemplated by the Government to meet the iron ore requirements for the steel sector? (a)&(b): For issuance of terms of references (TORs) for preparation of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)/ Environment Management Plan (EMP) reports, Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had considered the proposals of Jhillingburu-I, Jhillingburu-II and Topailore leases of Gua Iron Ore Mines of SAIL in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand on EAC observed that the leases are located in the West Singhbhum District, an identified severely polluted area where Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) level is higher than the prescribed standards. In view of this, EAC deferred prescribing of TORs to these leases till appropriate pollution control measures were effectively implemented in the area and the air quality results improved. The proposals were kept in abeyance till the pollution level were controlled and were within permissible limits. (c) Measures were taken to control the Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) norms of SAIL, Gua mine area to within the prescribed limits by improving the road conditions and undertaking water sprinkling on the mineral transportation route. As a result RSPM levels for the period of March-April, 2012 came down as per the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) data. For Jhillingburu-II & Topailore leases of Gua mines, TOR for preparation of EIA/EMP Reports were issued by MoEF on Regarding Jhillingburu-I lease, MoEF made some observations about violation of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 8th May, As per procedure in this regard, the violation of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has been acknowledged by the SAIL Board and a copy of the Board resolution has been submitted to MoEF on to liquidate the violation. (d) On the basis of approved TOR, EIA/EMP reports for Topailore and Jhillingburu-II leases of SAIL, Gua have been prepared. Public hearings for these leases have been successfully conducted by Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board on The environment clearances for these leases may be granted in another 3-4 months time after the Expert Appraisal Committee of MoEF considers the proposal incorporating the Public Hearing details. (e) To ensure long term availability of iron ore to domestic steel industry, the Government has decided that although conservation of iron ore resources is of the paramount importance, the same may not be achieved by banning or capping the export of iron ore but by taking recourse to appropriate fiscal measures. Presently, an ad valorem duty of 30% is levied with effect from on export of all grades of iron ore other than pellets. An export duty of 5% has been imposed on exports of iron ore pellets with effect from