Cement, Energy & Environment Jan-Mar 2002

Machinery (HEMM) to protect them from dust exposure and for improved efficiency. The plant's environmental performance has been well above the operational norms prescrib~d by the various regulatory bodies. This is brought ou t in Table 1 which summarises the yearly average values of the various environmental parameters as monitored during 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. B. Noise Pollution Control The control and protective measures taken by the plant are as follows: (i) Provision of enclosures for noise producing machines like compressor, blower, etc. (ii) Demarcation of high-noise areas and supply of personal protective equipment to people working in these areas. Holding of regular training classes on noise pollution and importance of usin.g personal protective equipment. (iii) Provision of sealed cabin to operators of noise producing machines . (iv) Balancing of high-speed rotating equipment and their regular lubricatiOn. (v) Regular monitoring of noise levels and p rompt corrective action when threshold noise levels exceeded. C. Water Pollution Control Since the plant consumes water only for cooling machines and for temperature control in process, no waste water is generated requiring disposal. The plant maintains a "Zero discharge unit" status. Among others, following are the important measures being implemented by the plant. (i) The blow-down water from the plant's cap.tive thermal power plant is collected in a sump and used for spraying on the haul road and for plantation. (ii) Domestic wastewater from the plant colony is treated in a sewage treatment plant and reused for plantation. (iii) The wastewater ofHEMM workshop is passed through a wash tank where the oil, grease, etc, is skimmed off and the clean water is discharged on land. (iv) Check darns are provided at suitable points to check silting of water stream. D. Afforestation A comprehensive action plan comprising green belt developmen t and landscaping is under implementation in and around the plant including the colony and the mined-out area for stabilizing the land and protect it fron1 rain and wind erosion. Indeed 36 per cent of the total area is reserved for the purpose and is being developed as green belt. From planting of saplings, through arrangement for their watering and pest control measures, the activities .under this plan extend up to monitoring the survival rate. 17