INTRODUCTION

As population grows by 51%, per capita consumption of energy expanded about 60%. In addition
to population factor, increases in income led to greater use of energy, not only directly in
households and personal transportation, but indirectly through expanded demand for goods
embodying energy.

The world's power demands are expected to rise 60% by 2030. With the worldwide total of
active coal plants over 50,000 and rising, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that
fossil fuels will account for 85% of the energy market by 2030. The increasing power demand
has led to development and expansion of the Super thermal Power Stations and large Thermal
Power projects, and their operation contributes to the environmental degradation.

During the process of power generation from fossil fuels (coal), a number of pollutants get
released into the air, water, and soil. World organizations, and international agencies like the IEA
are concerned about the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, and coal in particular.

The combustion of coal contributes the most to acid rain and air pollution, and has been
connected with global warming. Due to the chemical composition of coal there are difficulties in
removing impurities from the solid fuel prior to its combustion. Modern day coal power plants
pollute very little due to new technologies in "scrubber" designs that filter the exhaust air in
smoke stacks. Nowadays, the only pollution caused from coal-fired power plants comes from the
emission of gases—carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur oxides into the air.

Acid rain is caused by the emission of nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides into the air. These
themselves may be only mildly acidic, yet when they react with the atmosphere, they create
acidic compounds (such as sulphurous acid, nitric acid and sulphuric acid) that fall as rain, hence
the term acid rain. These pollutants need to be managed scientifically in order to check their
impact on the environment. Global Climate changes and other environmental issues have led to
worldwide concerns and present a formidable new challenge to the power industry.

The present report summarizes the findings and recommendations of a comprehensive

environmental assessment and management study undertaken to ensure environmentally sound
industrial and municipal development of the Singrauli area in Central India. The study was
initiated a number of measures to control the pollution and check the environmental degradation.
The present report brings out the Environmental Management System being practiced and the
various Environmental measures initiated in NTPC to protect the environment.

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 COMPANY PROFILE
Growth of NTPC started with the growth of Singrauli Super Thermal Power Station. It has
major share in development of Northern Region in particular and of the country in general. No
development can sustain if due care of environment is not taken. Story of development of NTPC
Slngrauli goes hand in hand with its action towards Environment protection.

Salient Features:

1. NAME : NTPC, SINGRAULI

2. LOCATION : SHAKTINAGAR IN SONBHADRA DISTRICT ON THE

BANK OF GOVIND BALLABH PANT SAGAR (RIHAND),
RESERVOIR. INDIA TOPOSHEET 65L/12 and IS BOUND BY
LATITUDES 24 05’ TO 24 10’N AND LONGITUDES 82 40’ TO
22 45’ E.

3. INSTALLED : 2000 MW (5x200 MW, 2x500MW)

CAPACITY
4. DATE OF
APPROVAL :DEC’76

5. SOURCE OF : JAYANT BLOCKS OF NCL SINGRAULI COAL

COAL FIELDS

6. SOURCE OF : GOVIND BALLABH PANT SAGAR. It is also WATER

COOLING WATER BALANCING SOURCE. LOCATED IN THE EAST OF THE
PLANT.

7. ASH DISPOSAL SITE :NNE OF PLANT

8. LOCATION OF
TOWNSHIP :WSW OF PLANT

9.UNITS CAPACITY 1st SYNCHRONIZATION COMMERCIAL

Unit I 200MW 13.02.1982 01.06.82

Unit II 200MW 25.11.1982 01.02.83
Unit III 200MW 28.03.1983 01.07.83
Unit IV 200MW 02.11.1983 01.01.84

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 Unit V 200MW 26.02.1984 01.06.84
Unit VI 500MW 23.12.1986 01.07.87
Unit VII 500MW 24.11.1987 01.05.88

10.BENEFICIARY STATES
UTTAR PRADESH
RAJASTHAN
PUNJAB
HARYANA
DELHI

11. TECHNICAL DETAILS OF SEVEN UNITS:-

(i) BOILERS:- (Design of boilers)

Its maintenance with 20% air excess and 15 % parasitic.
200MW 500MW
Steam pressure at super heated outlet(kg/cm2) 138 179
Steam temperature at super heated outlet(0C) 535 540
Steam flow(T/h) 700 1725
Efficiency on GCV basis(%) 87.25 86.51

(ii) GLOBAL EFFICIENCY:-

36.5% for 200MW Units.
37.4% for 500MW Units.
Parameters may vary marginally.

(iii) FUEL REQUIREMENT:-

Main fuel coal :From NCL
Moisture :20.6%
Ash :22.9%
GCV :42.15 kcal/kg

(iv) THE ULTIMATE COAL ANALYSIS

Ash : 28.9%
Carbon : 55.9%
Hydrogen : 3.5%
Sulphur : 0.3%
Nitrogen : 1.1%
Oxygen : 10.3%
Annual coal consumption with an average plant load factor of 72.37% is about 6.9 million
tones, which consequently produces about 1.6 tonnes of ash in a year.

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(v) AUXILIARY FUEL:-
Heavy Fuel Oil(HFO) and Light Diesel Oil (LDO) are also used for boiler start up and flame
stabilization al low load. Sulphur content in the HFO is high with maximum of 4.5 %. The
consumption of HFO and LDO vary per requirement.

(vi) STACK EMISSION:-

The fuel gases from each unit are passed through Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) with a
dedusting efficiency of 99.6% for the removal of the dust.

Stack 1 Stack 2 Stack 3 and 4

(Unit 1-2-3) (Unit4-5) (Unit 6-7)
Shell height(m) 220 220 220
Fuel Gas Path Height(m) 220 220 220
Number of Flues 3 2 1
Flue Gas Diameters(m) 4 4 4

(vii) ASH HANDLING AND STORAGE SYSTEM

Both the ash and fly ash collected in ESP are mixed and set in the form of 5 to 10 water
slurry into an ash pond where the particles are allowed to settle down and the water
overflows to water reservoir

(viii) In the Coal Handling Plant(CHP) for the reduction of coal dust Dust Extractor
Separator (DES) system and water spraying techniques are used. All other coal wastes are
reached in coal Dust settling pond through drains and get settled there with aerator and
chemical coagulants and then coal waste free water enter in the system.

(ix) Reservoir water are not used directly in the system but it is treated with bleaching powder
and alum in Pretreatment Plant (PT) in CLARIFLOCULATOR. The water which are used in
boiler are dematerialized in Demineralization Plant (DM) to protect the turbine from
minerals. In DM plant resins and cation- anion process are used.

(x) The used and waste water are treated with various techniques in different plants. They are:-
Liquid Waste Treatment Plant (LWTP)
Sewage Water Treatment Plant (SWTP)
Aerated Lagoon
Cooling Tower for cooling of hot water

(xi) Different and high quality tools are used in NTPC for air and water monitoring.

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(xii) High quality laboratory is founded by NTPC for analysis of chemicals and pollutants
which are responsible for environmental degradation.
With the World wide concern for global climatic changes and other environmental
issues NTPC shares the concerned for Environmentally Sustainable Growth of the sector.
NTPC, Singrauli was the first amongst the Power Utility in India to start
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies to involve suitable mitigatory measures
through M/S Electicite de France International (EDF) and Charbonages de France (CDF).

NTPC has a well defined Environmental Policy with the following principles:-

1. To achieve and maintain a leaders roll in the area of Environment Management in the
Power Sector in the country.
2. To keep in view the various environmental requirements in all its business decision.
3. To continuously adopt ways and means for environment protection and environment
improvement around its business units.
4. To adopt Sound Environment Management Practices

Thus this aspect become more important for this station being in POWER CAPITAL of the
country. All available modern techniques were adopted during design stage of the plant. As a
result they are successfully controlling the pollution of atmosphere, water and noise to level
well within the specified norms laid down by State/Central Pollution Control Boards. All the
conditions of consent order laid down by State Pollution Control Board for Air and Water are
well met.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATION AT NTPC

At NTPC, Environment Week is celebrated every year on the occasion of World Environment
Day, 5th June. During this week, employees, housewives, children and even villagers of this
surrounding area participates in different events. Apart from Tree Plantation Competitions, Quiz,
Essay Writing, Poster and Slogan Painting, Fancy Dress and Skits concerning environment are
held during this week. More than 500 participated in the week long celebration. This has helped
in creating awareness for Environment amongst the employees and their family members.

TRAINING AT NTPC

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NTPC, Singrauli takes keen interest towards development of its employees. Special care is being
taken for educating the employees in the field of environment. NTPC also conducts vocational
training for students of different institutions of the country. Many Workman, supervisors and
Executives are being imparted training on Environment Management. Further, faculties are
called for deliberating and appraising about the environmental scenario of the country and the
latest measures taken in various fields for protecting the environment

LATEST MODERNIZATION IN NTPC:-

1. “Dry Fly ash Evacuation System” for smooth and uninterrupted issue of fly ash to
Cement industry. Ash is issued free of cost.
2. “Liquid Waste Treatment Plant” to minimize water consumption by reuse and
recirculation and better quality discharge.

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Fig: Transformer of one Unit jointed to a Turbine

Fig: Electric Yard - Distributor Centre of Electricity

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 SOURCE OF POLLUTION AND POLLUTANTS
1) STACK EMISSION : PARTICULATE MATTER, Sox (oxides of
Sulphur),
NOx (oxides of Nitrogen)
2) FUGITIVE EMISSION : CHP AREA- Track Hopper, Coal Yard, Crusher
House, Transfer Points.
3) ASH DISPOSAL : Ash Pond Discharge, CW Discharge, Plant Drains,
Colony sewage, Plant Sewage, Coal Yard Drains.

4) Waste generation like used oil, asbestos packing, used batteries, colony wastes etc.

POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICES AT NTPC

1) EFFLUENTS: Sewage Treatment Plant for Colony and Plant, Coal Dust Settling
Pond for coal yard drains, Ash Dyke for ash slurry, long once thro’
canal for CW discharge, LWTP has been installed for reuse of
effluents.
2) EMISSIONS: High efficiency ESP’s which has been retrofitted for further
improvement for stack emission, Dust Extractors and Dust
Seprators , sprinklers in CHP area for stackyard , conveyor belts,
crusher house, bunker area track, Hoppers etc are provided for
control of fugitive emission.
3) SOLID WASTE: Secured land of 5 acre is identified for colony waste dumping
followed by earth cover along with bore well for ground water
monitoring in practices. Plant Spolid Waste Segregation and
Storage at all sites starting from Waste generation storage and
disposal as per norms is in practices.

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ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AT NTPC

INTRODUCTION
"Harmony between man and environment is the essence of healthy life and growth. Therefore,
maintenance of ecological balance and a pristine environment has been of utmost importance to
NTPC. "

Environment protection continues to be a key area of activity in NTPC along with growth in
generation of power. Driven by its commitment for sustainable growth of power, NTPC has
evolved a well defined environment management policy for minimising environmental impact
arising out of setting up of power plants and preserving the natural ecology.

In November 1995, NTPC became the first public utility to bring out a comprehensive document
entitled "NTPC Environment Policy and Environment Management System". Amongst the
guiding principles, adopted in the document, are the company's proactive approach to
environment, optimum utilisation of equipment, adoption of latest technologies and continual
environment improvement. The policy also envisages efficient utilisation of resources, thereby
minimising waste, maximising ash utilisation and providing green belt all around the plant for
maintaining ecological balance.

NTPC's environment-friendly approach to power has already begun to show results in

conservation of natural resources such as water and fuel (coal, oil & gas) as well as control of
environmental pollution. NTPC has chalked out a set of well-defined activities that are envisaged
right from the project conceptualisation stage.

Performance enhancement and upgradation measures are undertaken by the organisation during
the post operational stage of the stations. These activities have greatly helped to minimise the
impact on environment and preserve the ecology in and around its power projects. These
measures have been enumerated as follows.

1. Environmental Management System/ ISO 14001

2. Environmental Policy
3. Environmental Institutional Set-up
4. Environmental Impact Assessment
5. Ecological Monitoring
6. Resource Conservation
7. Pollution Control System
8. Monitoring of Environmental Parameters
9. Environmental Reviews

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 10. On-Line Data Base Management
11. Environmental Equipment Upgradation & Retrofitting of Existing Pollution Control
Facilities
12. Ash Water Recycling System
13. Liquid Waste Management System
14. Ash Pond Management
15. Afforestation and Special Purpose Vehicle for Afforestation
16. Advanced / Eco-friendly Technologies

NTPC takes care of Environmental problems during operation stage by various ways
.Commitment for environment starts at planning and design stage itself. A broad-based
Environmental Monitoring Programs has been implemented in NTPC. All pollutants discharged
from the power plant through stack emission, ash pond effluent, main plant effluent, domestic
effluent and cooling water are monitored at source itself. In addition to the above, ambient air,
surface water and ground water quality in and around NTPC plants are regularly monitored to
assess any adverse impacts from the power plant.
NTPC conducts its EMS according to Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). This
consists of literature search, field studies, and impact assessment in the area of land-use, water-
use, socio-economic aspects, soil hydrology, water quality, meteorology, air quality, terrestrial
and aquatic ecology and noise. The EIA involves stage by stage evaluation of various parameters
which effect the environment .

Environmental Measures at NTPC has been possible to achieve a satisfactory

combination of environmental quality and techno-economics, through determined efforts at
NTPC for its projects. The prime objective of the management is to prevent impairment of the
environment and to safeguard the balance in the natural environment.
The global climatic changes and other environmental issues have emerged as a worldwide
concern and present a new challenge to the power industry. NTPC, being the largest power utility
in the country, shares the concern for environmentally sustainable growth of the sector and has
been incorporating various environmental protection measures in all its business decisions.
Environment continues to be a thrust area in NTPC. Pollution Monitoring has been made broad
based in all NTPC Stations for effective pollution control and environmental protection with
emphasis on compliances with regulatory requirements.
NTPC is the first public utility in the country to bring out a comprehensive document in
November 1995 entitled “ NTPC’s Environment Policy and Environment Management System.”
NTPC was the first among the power utilities in India to start Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) studies to identify and evolve suitable mitigatory measures at the project
appraisal stage itself. These measures are in-built in the designs during project engineering stage
and provided for during construction stage. Once the plants come into operation stage, regular
monitoring of various environmental parameters and periodic Environmental Audits and
Reviews are conducted and suitable actions are taken to ensure compliances with various

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regulatory bodies, efficient operation and maintainence as well as sound environment
management are essential features in all its operating stations. With the goal of Environmentally
Sustainable Development in view, a comprehensive Environmental Action Plan (EAP) has been
prepared in association with the World Bank.

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

While deciding the appropriate technology for its projects, NTPC integrates many environmental
provisions into the plant designs.
In order to keep emissions, effluents and ambient air quality within acceptable limits,
NTPC provides best available equipments, devices and systems such as:
1. Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs)
2. Tall Stacks
3. Dust Extraction (DE) Systems
4. Dust Suppression (DS) Systems
5. Effluent Treatment Plant (ETPs)
6. Neutralization Pits
7. Ash Ponds
8. Ash Water Re-Circulation System
9. Cooling Towers
10. Sewage Treatment Plant (STPs)
11. De-Nox Systems

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING IN THERMAL POWER

STATIONS (As Practiced in NTPC)

A Power plant is a potential source of environmental degradation. In the process of generation of

power, a number of pollutants get released into the environment and if unchecked can adversely
affect the surrounding environment. The present paper covers the scope of environmental
auditing in large industries such as Thermal Power Plant and outlines the characteristics of audit
programmes being practiced in NTPC as a means of internal appraisal and for meeting the
statutory requirements of the government.
Environmental Audits is viewed as a tool of environmental management and
environmental assurance.
We are all well aware that anything uninspected inevitably tends to deteriorate. Thus it
may be said that environmental audit could have stemmed from this basic philosophy.
Environmental audit came into being during the early 1970s under the guise of survey
assessments, environmental reviews, environmental appraisals etc. Environmental audit are being

11
used more and more by large companies in the developed countries viz Canada, Netherlands,
UK, USA etc. Every effluents, emissions and waste stream and all potentially hazardous
materials and safety devices were checked periodically to ensure that they have conformed to
laws of the land. In India, environmental audit is reported to have been started informally during
the period 1980-85 in the form of social audit. It has also been made statutory through the
notification in March 1992 by MoEF, Government of India stipulating submission of
environmental audit report by all industries.

In the present scenario, EMS is a part of the enterprise’s overall management system and
Environmental Auditing is viewed as a part of the EMS. It includes the organizational structure,
responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes, and resources for implementing and
maintaining environmental management. Depending on the necessity, the environmental audit
may be of different types such as Comprehensive Environmental Reviews, Pre-acquisition Audit,
Short Environmental Appraisals etc. Just as ISO 9000 series certification on Quality, ISO 14000
Series on EMS are under development.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS:-

 Increasing awareness of environmental policies and responsibilities.

 Providing an opportunity for management to give credit for good environmental
performance.
 Identifying potential cost saving e.g. those arising out of waste minimization.
 Determining the trends of environmental pollution levels for taking effective and timely
decisions on plant modification.

METHODOLOGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING:-

No specific methodology can possibly be specified for carrying out an environmental audit.
Every industry would have to charter their own methodology. However, few important and
essential steps in the audit are:
1. the assimilation of information
2. on-the-spot checking of the pollution monitoring by the audit party
3. physical inspection of the monitoring and control measures being undertaken
4. evaluation of the information gathered
5. formation of conclusions, including identification of aspects needing improvements.

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CONCLUSION
To strike a balance between growth and environmental protection, environmental audits and
reviews becomes unavoidable task. Environmental audit should be viewed as a way to reconcile
industrial development and management strategy.
The main aim is to create increasing awareness of environmental policies and
responsibilities, identify potential cost saving and above all enhancement of environment quality.
Environmental audits include a comprehensive review of policies and compliance with standards.
Internal environmental reviews have been successfully initiated in NTPC power stations for
management appraisal so that mitigatory measures could be taken in a planned and effective
manner.

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 ISO-14001 IMPLEMENTATIONS:-

Industry today, is taking a more proactive stance and is recognizing that adoption of Sound
Environment Management System (EMS) based on ISO-14001 on a voluntary basis can enhance
corporate image, increase profits and competitiveness, reduce costs and obviate the need for
further legislative measures by the authorities.
Environmental Management System, EMS as it would be referred, henceforth is a system
used by an organization to manage its activities, products or services to minimize or to eliminate
the adverse impacts on the environment. It is a part of the overall management system viz.
organizational structure, planning activities, practices procedures, processes, responsibilities, and
resources which are necessary for developing, implementing, reviewing, and maintaining the
organization’s environmental policy.
It is a manual system consisting of three components namely Design of the EMS,
Document and Implementation. To maintain and improve the quality of the environment and
protect human health from the potential impacts of its activities, an organization has to
implement EMS.
This International Standard specifies requirements for an Environmental Management
System to enable an organization to formulate policy and objectives taking into account
legislative requirements and information about significant environmental impacts. It applies to
those environmental aspects, which the organizations\ can control and over which it can be
expected to have an influence. It does not itself state specific environmental performance criteria.
This International Standard is applicable to any organization that wishes to:-
a. Implement, maintain and improve an environmental management system.
b. Assure itself of its conformance with its stated environmental policy.
c. Demonstrate such conformance to others.
d. Seek certification/ registration of its environmental management system by an external
organization.
e. Make a self-determination and self-declaration of conformance with this International
Standard.

All the requirements in this International Standard are intended to be incorporated into any
Environmental management system. The extent of the application will depend on such factors as
the environmental policy of the organization, the nature of its activities and the conditions in
which it operates.

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WHAT IS ISO 14000?

With the growing environmental awareness, compulsions and competition, it is becoming

imperative not only to manufacture but also source the raw materials and self products in a
manner that is environmentally acceptable.
Global trade is now compelling the flow of only Green Good and Services because of the
increase in pollution. Only environmentally responsible companies will be able to retain and
even enhance their share in the international market. The stipulation of the funding agencies are
also becoming tougher for the growing organization to acquire funds.

THE IMPORTANT GOALS OF ISO ARE:-

1. 1 To develop cooperation in the sphere of intellectual, scientific, technological and

economic activities.
2. 2 To promote development of standardization and related activities in the world to
facilitate international exchange of good and services.

ISO Certification are in vague in two areas- Quality Management {ISO 9000 Series} and
Environmental Management System {ISO 14000 Series}
ISO 14000, through is a customer driven movement it will operate in parallel to the
regulatory driven incentives that presently exist to reduce the environmental impacts.

EMS AT NTPC STATIONS:-

We need Environmental Management System at NTPC Stations because, we have to crucially

organize and direct all the scarce natural sources. Men, land, water, and air are very precious for
us and we need to conserve them.
Standardization of all the activities help us inconsiderably improving the suitability and
potentials of the processes and the services and integrating them for the common goal of waste
reduction with the consequence of pollution prevention. This may also warrant us to incorporate
certain technological modifications if necessary. ISO 14000 certification is a milestone in our
endeavor to translate the ambitious corporate vision.

BENEFITS OF EMS:-

An organization that incorporates EMS has a frame work to balance and integrate economical
and environmental interests. The system supports continual improvements, with the

15
implementation of the Environmental Management System at various NTPC Stations. We shall
be able to identify our critical processes and operational parameters.
In the process of preparation of the grounds for the implementations of the Environmental
Management System, a task force for designing, developing and implementing the system is
required to be instituted.

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 AIR POLLUTION
According to Indian Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, “Air Pollution
means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance (including noise) present in the atmosphere in
such a concentration that may or tend to be injurious to human beings or other living
creatures or plants or property or enjoyment.”

The increasing power demand has led to expansion of the Super Thermal Power Stations
consequently resulting in high coal consumption which in turn enhances the emission of
pollutants. The impacts of air pollution and development activities certainly require evaluation of
ecological impacts. The NTPC as part of their Environmental Management Plant (EMP) has
undertaken ecological monitoring around SSTPS and its impact of the project sites with the help
of National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA). SSTPS has awarded the work of monitoring of
seasonal Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) changes from the baselines to Industrial Toxicology
Research Centre (ITRC), in order to undertake effectively management plant on a better
scientific footing.
Nowadays NTPC established Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS), which
receives data of air pollutants by automatic machine and broadcast it to various places. It gives
data of every moment. Following table shows reading of AAQMS:-
Pollutants Average Value Limit Principle
3 3
SPM 238µg/m 500µg/m Beta gauge based
3 3
SO2 11µg/m 120µg/m Pulsed fluorescence
3 3
NOx 38µg/m 120µg/m Chemiluminescence
Based
CO2 - NA Gas filter correlation
Based
3 3
RSPM 86µg/m 500µg/m -

SOURCE OF AIR POLLUTION AND POLLUTANTS

1. Stack Emission: Particulate matter, SOx, NOx, CO2,O3,HC, lead.

2. Fugitive Emission: CHP area-track hopper, coal yard, crusher house, transfer points.
3. Fly Ash.

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION:

Air pollutants, depending upon their nature and atmospheric concentrations, directly or indirectly
affects man and his environment.

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(i) Effects of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) :- It is the main pollutants of industrial units
where burning of coal is a common practice.
• It causes burning sensation in eyes and respiratory tracks. After reacting with
atmospheric moisture it forms sulphuric acid which causes skin diseases.
• Loss of soil fertility.
• Enters through stomata and cause chlorosis of leaves, necrotic spots and at high
concentrations leads to the death of leaves and reduce productivity of plants.
Interveinal necrotic spots.
• Causes breakdown of lipids in the cell wall. SO2 also causes breakdown of proteins
and sugars and inhibits enzymes.
• SO2 also damage building materials such as limestones, marbles etc.

(ii) Effects of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

• NO causes burning sensation in eyes and respiratory tracts. It also causes diseases
as emphysema, inflammation of lungs and edema.
• Like SO2, NO2 also reacts with atmospheric moisture and deposits onto the soil as
HNO3. The presence of the former increases the adverse effects of the latter. This
is called as synergistic effect.
• Induced necrotic spots between large secondary veins of a leaf near the leaf
margins.
• NO2 exposure increases protein and total nitrogen concentration in plant. It excites
the enzyme nitrate reductase and consequently the concentration of nitrate-nitrogen
declines.
• In the presence of light, NO2 leads to the formation of ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides
also react with hydrocarbons in the presence of light and produce Peroxyacetyl
Nitrate (PAN).

(iii) Effects of Particulate Pollutants:-

Particles of different chemical composition and size remain suspended in the
atmosphere. Particulates having size less than 2.5µ are called ‘Respirable Suspended
Particulate Matter’ (RSPM). These particles are very harmful to man and animals.
This is because, being very small in size, these particles can easily cross our alveolar
membrane. The adverse effects of particulates vary depending upon their chemical
characteristics and sizes.
• Hydrocarbon particulates react with primary pollutants present in the atmosphere
and generate secondary pollutants such as O3, PAN etc. These contribute to smog
formation. Some hydrocarbons such as benzopyrene are carcinogenic, causing lung
cancer.

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 • Particulates of such metals as cadmium, lead, mercury, etc. are highly toxic. Metals
with specific density of 6g/cm3 or more are called “heavy metals”. Lead and
mercury affects central nervous system. Lead and arsenic are carcinogenic. Metal
particulates also damage respiratory system, blood vascular system and excretory
system. High concentration of metal particulates cause chlorosis and reduce plant
growth. It inhibits synthesis of chlorophyll and certain enzymes.
• Particulates rich in coal dust reduce production of fruits on trees. This is mainly
because
• Such particulates kill the apical bud
• Inhibit germination of pollen grains and restrict fruit setting. Such effects have been
observed in mango and citrus.
• The worst condition for human health is the combination of particulates with a high
SO2 concentration.
• 2 SO2 + O Particulates +2 SO3
• SO3 can readily react with water vapor to produce sulphuric acid. This acid can
easily damage lung tissue.
Thus, particulate matter, depending upon their chemical characteristics and particles size
causes harmful effects on plants, animals and human being. Through the process of
absorption and scattering, atmospheric particulates reduce the amount of light needed by
plants to perform photosynthesis effectively. This reduces the overall productivity.

(iv) Effects of Ozone (O3):- In troposphere, O3 is a secondary pollutant derived from

oxides of nitrogen in the polluted air.
UV-A
(a) NO2 NO + O(excited atomic oxygen)

(b) O2 + O° O3
Its presence causes burning sensation in eyes, nose and throat. It also affect central nervous
system and DNA. It may causes cancer at higher concentrations,
In plants, it enters through stomata. It slowly damage the palisade cells causing uniformally
distributed necrotic spots to appear on upper surface of leaves.

(v) Effects of Hydrocarbons (HC):-

There are hundreds of types of hydrocarbons which form air pollutants. Many of other are
possibly carcinogenic and might be at least partially responsible for the current increase in
lung cancer. Some of the hydrocarbons are responsible for photochemical smog. Other
effects are eye irritation, injury to sensitive plants and reduced visibility.

(vi) Effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO):-

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas having high affinity for heamoglobin resulting in the
formation of carboxy heamoglobin in the blood.

19
 CO + Hb COHb
As a results, oxygen carrying capacity of blood declines. This leads to the deficiency of
oxygen in our body (Hypoxia). It affects the plant adversely, pre-mature falling of leaves,
smaller leaf size, curling etc.

(vii) Effects of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide is mainly responsible for green house effect, thereby increasing the
atmospheric temperature.
The increase in global mean temperature shall further affect in melting of more ice,
increase of sea level, submerging several low lying areas, change in rainfall patterns etc.

(ix) The suspended particulate matter when inhaled with air may result in a disease
called “Silicosis”. Black lung disease, a form of silicosis has been commonly found in coal
miners.
Particulate can sometime cause excessive mucus secretion as a protective reflex. This
excess mucus can restrict the bronchitis tubes and lead to bronchitis.

MEASURES TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION

(A) Control of Particulate Air Pollutants:-

Control of particulate emission is an effective measure of reducing air pollution. For controlling
particulate emission following equipments are commonly used:-
i. GRAVITY SETTLING CHAMBER: This system is used to remove particles greater
than 50μ in size. Effluent gases are led into a horizontal rectangular chamber which is
large enough to permit gas velocity to decrease and particles to settle.
ii. CYCLONE COLLECTOR: This equipment removes 95% particles in the diameter range
between 5 to 50μ. In this system, a gas flowing in a tight circular spiral produces a
centrifugal force on particles forcing them to move outward through the gas stream to a
wall where they are collected.
iii. WET SCRUBBERS: This system removes small particulate and gaseous pollutants. This
is an effective device where pollutants are removed with the help of fine spray of a liquid,
usually water.
iv. ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS (ESP): Electrostatic Precipitators are necessarily
used in most of the Industrial Units (NTPC). This device is based on the principle that
aerosol particles acquire charge when subjected to an electric field. The charged particles
are attracted to a grounded surface from which they are removed with water. Ozone is a
byproduct of high voltage corona discharge.

20
 v. AIR FILTERS: Air filters are also called as bag filters or bag houses. It is also used in
NTPC. These consist of filters bags through which dust laden gas is passed. Bags are
periodically shaken to remove the dust collected. The common bag materials are cotton
polyester, glass wood, Teflon, polyamide, and ceramic fiber. Types of filter bags often
vary depending upon the size and nature of industrial units.
(B) Control of Gaseous Air Pollutants:-
i. WET SCRUBBERS AND ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS (ESP): These are
commonly used for removing gaseous air pollutants. Watersoluble gaseous pollutants are
easily removed through wet scrubbers. ESP is not suitable for those gases which can not
absorb electrons easily. For the removal of SO2, ESP is the most suitable device. It is
commonly used at NTPC.
ii. BIOLOGICAL FILTERS: These are used to remove volatile organic compounds.
Polluted air is passed through a biologically active medium where pollutant gases are
broken down by bacteria.

In addition to the use of pollution control equipments, other measures are also used for
controlling atmospheric pollutants.

a. Plantation in pollution impacted area is an effective measure in this direction.

Some species are resistant to air pollutants and have high pollution sink
efficiency.
b. Creating environmental awareness through education, meetings, seminars,
symposia etc is an effective measure in this direction.
c. Use of more efficient and advanced technology in industrial units will reduce
consumption of coal and gasolines and would be a cost effective and
environmental friendly approach.
d. The Environmental Protection and Conservation Acts that has been formulated
time to time by Central and State Governments should be followed and
implemented strictly.
e. To encourage the control of pollution by Industrial Units, Government of India
have made provisions of fiscal incentives. For instance, there is a provision of
Depreciation Allowance at 30 per cent on devices and systems installed by
industrial units for minimizing environmental pollution.

21
AIR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ADOPTED DURING THE
STUDY:-
Samples at pre selected locations were collected using High Volume Air Samplers equipped with
gas sampling attachment. The details of sample collection and method used for analysis for SPM,
SO2, and NOx are given below-

SPM: - The samples of SPM were collected on a Whatman GF/A glass microfibre filter paper
with the help of High Volume Sampler operated at minimum rate of 1.1 m3/min. The mass of the
SPM was determined gravimetrically following the procedure given in IS: 5182 (Pt. IV)

SO2:- SO2 was analysed by improved West and Gacke method recommended by CPCB. SO2 in
the air was collected by drawing air @ 0.5 l/min, through an impinger containing sodium
tetrachloromercurate solution and the colour was developed by adding sulphamic acid,
formaldehyde and acid bleached pararsoniline hydro chloride. The intensity of the color was
determined spectrophotometrically at 560 nm.

22
NOx:- NOx was analyzed by CPCB recommended Jacob and Hochheiser method. NOx was
collected by drawing air through an impinger containing sodium hydroxide, sodium arsenite
solution to form stable solution of sodium nitrite.
The nitrite ion produced was determined by adding phosphoric acid, sulphanilamide and 1-
Napthyl ethylenediamine Dihydrochloride (NEDA) to form a azo dye and the intensity of the
color was determined by spectrophotometer at 540 nm.

AIR SAMPLING AND MONITORING FREQUENCY

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) was carried out at each location during the three
aforesaid seasons.

Air Sampling:-

(i) Reference and Core Zone

 SPM samples were collected continuously for 48 hours on 8 hours basis at each location.
Thus six 8 hourly samples were collected in 48 hours.
 SO2 and NOx samples were collected continuously for 48 hours on 4 hourly basis at each
location. Thus 12, 4 hourly samples were collected in 48 hours.
(ii) Less Impact Zone:-
 SPM samples were collected continuously for 24 hours on hourly basis at each location.
Thus three, 8 hourly samples were collected in 24 hours.
 SO2 and NOx samples were collected continuously for 24 hours on 4 hourly basis at each
location. Thus six, 4 hourly samples were collected in 24 hours.
Numbers of samples collected in summer season;
Parameter Summer Season
SPM 84
SO2 168
NOx 168

METHODOLOGY

Selection of Air Monitoring:

In order to assess the ambient air quality around Singrauli Super Thermal Power Project sites, the
area was divided into three zones. The zonation is based on the meteorological data on wind
speed and frequency. Zonal distribution are as follows:

Reference Zone:-
The reference zone lies on the windward side direction and is subject to change seasonwise. The
direction is again dependent on seasonal wind direction.

23
Core Zone:-
In the downward direction the maximum impact (core) zone has been considered from 3-10 km
radially from the source. The core zone is usually exposed to the maximum concentration of
pollutants though for short term in nature.
Less Impact Zone:-
The 11-20 km and above radial distances from the source on the downward direction has been
considered as less impact zone

# Parameters Studied:-
SPM, SO2 and NOx have relevance to the burning of fossil fuel and hence were selected as most
pertinent parameters for the study.

STACK MONITORING

Purpose: To outline the detailed instructions for measurement of SPM, SOx and NOx in stalk.

1. Stack Monitoring Operating Parameters:-

2. Drum Pressure(kg/cm3)
3. Load (Mw)
4. Coal flow (T/hr)
5. Air flow (T/hr)
6. Bawl mills in service C.R.T. Oxygen
7. a) Fields in service.
b) Fields out of service
8. a) Temperature (ID outlet)
b) Pressure (mm) (ID outlet)
c) Ambient Pressure
9. Ambient Temperature
10. Soot blowing position-completed.

STEPS:-
1) Temperature Measurement of Flue Gas:-
i. Connect the thermocouple lead to the panel box assembly by inserting dual plug into the
pair of banana sockets below the pyrometer for correct polarity. The colour of sleeve
should be matched with the colour of banana socket.
ii. Insert the thermocouple sensor into the stack at the sampling point.
iii. Allow the temperature of the tip to stabilize for at least 10 minutes, before reading the
pyrometer.
iv. Remove the thermocouple when temperature measures are complete.

24
2) Measurement of Flue Gas Velocity:-
Velocity of Flue Gas (V) = kp√2gHDs/Dg
Where, V = velocity in m/sec
kp = Pitot tube constant
g = acceleration due to gravity ( 9.81 m/sec2)
H = Height of manometer fluid, displacement in meter.
Ds = Density of manometer fluid (800 kg/m3 for red oil )
Dg = Stack gas density in kg/m3
3) Calculation of Flow Rate for Iso-kinetic conditions:-
After making pressure and temperature correction;
Flow rate, qm = Ps x qs x (273 +tm)
(273 +ts) x (Pb – Pm’)

i.e. qm = 0.863 x d2 x kp x (273 +tm) √ h x Ps’

(Pb – Pm’) 273 +ts
Where, qm = Flow rate at rotameter in lpm.
qs = Flow rate in lpm at stack conditions.
Ps = Pb ± Ps’
Pb = Ambient pressure in mm/Hg
Ps’ = Gauge pressure/ vaccum inside the gas source along with sampling
part in mm/Hg.
Pm = Vaccum at gas meter end (as shown by vaccum gauge ) in mm/Hg
tm = Ambient temperature near rotameter
d = diameter of the nozzle of the probe

4) Sampling of SPM:

Calculation for SPM

Total volume of flue gas passed at NTP is calculated.

Vg.m = ∑(qm x T)
= volume of the gas passed through the thimble at a transverse point but recorded at
rotameter end.
Total volume of gas passed at NTP (Vg,N) =
Volume of the gas passed X 298 X (Pb-Pm’)
(273 +tm) 760
Where, Gas volume at NTP = Vg, N =Vg.m X 298 X(Pb-Pm’)
(273=tm) 760
Suspended particulate Matter (SPM) measurement in mg/Nm3

25
 = m x106
Vg,N

Total SPM is calculated on 12 % CO2 basis = 12X SPM

% CO2 in Flue Gas
5) Measurements of SO2 Gas in Stack:-

(i) Sampling for SO2

a) Take 15 ml of 3% H2O2 and 15 ml of 80% iso-propanol in a each of the first two impinger
or absorption of SO2 gas and keep the third impinger dry.
b) Place the impinger in sampling cold box.
c) While starting SO2 gas estimation, connect the polythene pipe with impinger and set the
flow rate at 2 lpm (liter per minute)
(ii) Analysis of SO2
a) Volume of flue gas passed through the impinger is noted.
b) Transfer the solution in 100 ml volumetric flask. Dilute to the mark with deionized water,
pipette a 10 ml atiquot of this solution into a 125ml flask. Add 40 ml of Iso-propanol and
2-4 drops of Thorin indicator. Titrate to a pink end point using 0.01 N Barium
Perchlorate. Run a blank with each sample.
(iii) Calculation of SO2
SO2 mg/m3 = 0.032 X ( V-Vb) X N X Vso
Vn X Va

= 32 X (V-Vb) N X 104
Vn
Where, V = Volume of Barium perchlorate titrant used for the sample in ml
Vb = Volume of Barium perchlorate titrant
N = Normality of Barium perchlorate (g.eq/l)
Vso = Total solution volume of sulphur dioxide, ml=10ml
Va = Volume of sample atiquot titrated ml =10ml
Vn = Volume of gas sample passed, in lires
(iv) Reagent Preparation for SO2
Iso-propanol (80%)
Thorin indicator (1,2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid, disodium salt)
Barium perchlorate (0.01N)
Potassium acid phthalate (0.01 N)
NaOH (0.01 N)

6. Measurement of NOx in stack

26
(i) NOx Sampling:-
a) Add 25 ml of absorbing solution to the flask. Place the T-bore stopcock in position on the
flask.
b) Connect male ball/joint of the stopcock to the sampling probe.
c) Connect the female ball/joint of the stopcock to the vaccum gauge and then via a two-
way tar to the pump.
d) Insert the sampling probe into the gas stream.
e) Turn on the pump and pure the probe and stop cock with gas.
f) Turn the stopcock so that the vaccum pump and vaccum gauge are connected to the flask.
g) Evacuate the flask.
h) Close the line from the pump to the vaccum gauge and measure the vaccum in the flask.
i) Turn the T-bore stopcock so that the flask is closed. Now flask is connected to the flue
gas side.
j) Disconnect the stopcock at the probe and vaccum gauge connections.
k) Shake the flask for 15 minutes and allow to stand overnight to ensure complete reaction
and absorption of the Nitrogen Oxide.

(ii)
a) After absorption and transferring the solution into 250 ml beaker, wash the flask thrice
each time with 10 ml of DM water and the contents in the beaker.
b) Add 1 N NaOH drop by drop to the beaker until the solution shows an alkaline.
c) Evaporate the content in oven at 70° C and allow to cool.
d) Add 2 ml of Phenoldisulphonic acid (PDSA) to the residue and stir thoroughly.
e) Add 1 ml of DM water and 4 drops of conc. Sulphuric acid.
f) Keep in the oven at 70° C for 3 minutes.
g) Allow the solution to cool, add 20ml of water, mix well and add conc. ammonia solution
drop by drop with constant stirring, till pH is 10.
h) Transfer the solution to volumetric flask. Dilute to 100 ml.
i) Prepare a blank with same manner using 2.5 ml absorbing solution.
j) Take absorbance at 410 nm and read concentration against standard graph.

(iii) Calculation of NOx:-

NOx = C X1000 as NO2

Vs
Where, C is conc. of NO2 (mg).
Vs is the gas sample volume at 25° C and 760 mm of Hg.

Vs (in lit.) = (V-V1) X 298 X(P2-P1)

(273 + t) X 760
Where, V = Flask volume (litre)

27
 V1 = Volume of absorbing solution
P2 = Final Pressure of the flask (mm Hg)
P1 = Initial Pressure of the flask (mm Hg)
NOx on 12% CO2 basis (mg/Nm3) = NOx X 12
% CO2 in flue gas

(iv) Reagent Preparation for NOx:

a) Stock Solution: Dissolve 0.5495 gram of the dried potassium nitrate in water in a marked
volumetric flask and dilute to 100 ml.
b) Hydrogen peroxide (10 vol): Dilute 10 ml of 30% H2O2 to 100 ml.
c) H2SO4 (0.1 N)
d) Absorbing solution: Dilute 8 ml of H2O2 (10vol) to 1 litre with H2SO4 (0.1 N)
e) NaOH solution (1N)

AMBIENT SAMPLING (High Volume Sampler)

High volume samplers are the basic instruments used to measure ambient air quality and
pollution. High volume samplers are used all over the world to measure air pollution in industrial
areas, urban areas, on the shop floor, near movements and other sensitive area. The high volume
sampler is a vital tool for studies relating the impact of industrialization to the air environment
and for, work relating disease of the respiratory system to air pollution.
Air borne particulates are measured by passing air at a high flow rate through a high efficiency
filter paper which retains the particulates. It also measures volume of air sampled to determine
amount of particulates collected by measuring the change in weight of filler paper.
High volume sampler measure the concentration of suspended particulate matter and gaseous
pollutant in atmospheric air,
High volume samplers are of two types:-
APM 415 - This instrument is used for measuring of Suspended Particulate
Matter & Respirable Particulate Matter in the atmospheric air.
APM 411 — This sampler is used for measuring gaseous pollutant present in atmospheric air.
APM 460 / 451 – The APM 451 sampler first separates the coarser particles (larger than 10
microns) from the air stream before filtering it on the 0.5 micron pore-size filter allowing a
measurement of both the TSP and the Respirable fraction of the suspended particulate matter
(SPM).

28
 Fig: Ambient Air Sampler

This sampler consists of many equipment for measuring Suspended Particulate

Matter. Respirable Particulate Matter & Gaseous Pollutant.
a) Manometer: Water is filled in manometer as a fluid. This gives the reading of gas flow,
which passes through filler paper.
b) Cyclone: Cyclone is used for measuring concentration or SPM in atmosphere.
c) Blower: It has a motor which create suction (create a vacuum)
d) Glass (filter paper): Glass filter paper used for measuring RPM
e) Rotameter: Rotameter is used for flow measurement
f) Timer: Time is set through timer
g) Impinger: Impinger is used for measurement of gaseous pollutant impinger are filled with
specific solution for specific pollutants.
SO2 - 5% H2O2 solution
Fluorine - N/10 NaOH solution
NOx - N / 10 NaOH solution
h) Voltmeter:It regulated the power delivered to motor at 220V.
a) Procedure
Select suitable sampling site.
1. Weigh the hopper and glass filter paper.
2. Install the pre-weighted glass filter and hopper in sampler.

29
 3. Impinger should be filled with suitable solution for measuring gaseous
pollutants.
4. Timer is set for. Minimum 30 min to maximum 24 hrs.
5. The fluid present in manometer should be at ‘Zero level’ at starting of
sampling.
6. After a fixed sampling time shut off the instrument manually or
automatically (by the timer).
7. Take final weight of glass filter paper.
Concentration of SPM in atmosphere is calculated by following formula Weight of suspended
Particulate matter (▲W) = W2-W1 (grams)
Where W2 = final weight of filter paper
W1 = weight of fresh filter paper
Q q +Q 2
Q=
2
Where Q1 = initial sampling rate
Q2 = final sampling rate
Q = average sampling rate
V = Q × T cubic meter
V = volume of air sampled
T = sampling time (minimum 30 to maximum 24 hrs.)
Q = average sampling rate
W weight of SPM ( gram / cubic meter )
Concentration of SPM = = volume of air sampled
V

AMBIENT SAMPLING (LOW VOLUME SAMPLER APM 414)

While Stack monitoring kit and high volume samplers are the basic instruments for monitoring of
stack emissions and ambient air quality. They are not so much effective for monitoring fugitive
and vent emissions as well as they are costly and complex for the shop floors.
Low Volume Sampler is developed especially to cater monitoring needs of the shop floor air
quality. It is designed to monitor air quality on shop floor and in surrounding environment. It also
allows monitoring concentration of toxicants present in vent gases or emissions from fume
hoods., ducts or fugitive emissions from glands.
APM 414 essentially entraps / absorbs various pollutants in suitable reagents which are
subsequently analysed to determine concentration of specific gaseous pollutants as per
recommendation of Pollution Control Boards.
BLOWER: It has a motor which create suction (create a vacuum)
GLASS FILTER PAPER: Glass filter paper used for measuring RPM

30
ROTAMETER: Rotameter is used for flow measurement
IMPINGER: Impinger is used for measurement of gaseous pollutant impinger are filled with
specific solution for specific pollutants.

SO2 - 5% H2O2 solution

Fluorine - N / 10 NaOH solution
NOx - N / 10 NaOH solution
PROCEDURE
1. Select suitable sampling site.
2. Weigh the glass filter paper.
3. Install the pre-weighted glass filter on the filter holder in sampler.
4. Impinger should be filled with suitable solution for measuring gaseous pollutants.
5. Set the initial flow for the gas.
6. After a fixed sampling time shut off the instrument manually. Before putting it off take the
final flow of the gas.
7. Take final weight of glass filter paper.
8. Concentration of SPM in atmosphere is calculated by following formula
9. Weight of suspended particulates W = W2 – W1 (grams)
Where W1 = Weight of fresh filter paper in grams
W2 = Weight of filter paper after sampling in grams
Volume of air sampled V = Q x T

Where, Q = Average sampling rate in cubic meter / minute

= (Q1 + Q2) / 2
where, Q1 = Initial sampling rate
Q2 = Final sampling rate
T = Sampling time in minutes
Concentration of Particulate matter = W/V (grams / cubic meter)
Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) to be used during the stack monitoring:
o Asbestos Hand Gloves

31
 o Safety shoes
o Safety Goggles
o Nose mask

CONCLUSION

This study showed that air pollution is not a serious problem at NTPC because all the pollutants
are emitted in a limit or controlled manner.
The data generated in monitoring during each season has been analyzed for seasonal average
Ambient Air Quality and compared with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards
for ambient air quality.
SPM: The ambient air quality,with respect to SPM, at all the location were found to be within the
limit prescribed for residential and rural area during summer.
The SPM level at Singrauli (230.14 μg/m3) exceeded the limit of 200 μg/m3 which may be
attributed to local village activities and vehicular traffic. However in the first phase of study the
SPM level found to be exceed the limit of 200μg/m 3 in all the sites in the reference and core
zone. Further it has been noticed that during the second phase of study the SPM level recorded
were relatively low as compared to values observed in the first phase of monitoring. This could
be due to the down wash of particulates matter by the rains received in the study area.
Oxides of Sulphur and Nitrogen:
The seasonal ambient air quality with references to SO2 and NOx at all the sites in all the seasons
were well within the prescribed limits of 80μg/m3 each for residential and rural area.
The ambient Air Quality (AAQ) results described in this report pertain to a short term
study restricted to monitoring at pre-selected sites in a particular season only. Therefore these
results should be used judiciously.

32
 WATER POLLUTION

“The presence of undesirable materials such as organic, inorganic, radiation, and biological
in water that degrade the quality of water and thereby cause adverse effects on life and water
usability is called water pollution.”
There are many sources of water pollution, effects of water pollution, control and
monitoring of water pollution but our main aim is to describe sources, effects, control and
monitoring of water pollution at NTPC, Singrauli.

Sources of water pollution at NTPC, Singrauli

Main Sources are:- Thermal Pollution (hot water), Ash disposal-ash pond discharge, CW
discharge, Plant drain, Colony sewage, Plant sewage, Coal yard drain, used oil etc.

Effects of Water Polution:-

The effects of water pollution can be categorized into these:-
1) Direct effects of toxic pollutants.
2) Effects due to altered physico-chemical properties of water.
3) Effects due to altered biological properties of water.
4) Effects of hot water

(1) Direct Effects of Toxic Pollutants:- Different kinds of agro-chemicals, radioactive

wastes, metals such as mercury, lead, copper, zinc,etc present in industrial wastes and
other chemicals such as acids, bases, phenol, fluorides etc which are time to time added to
aquatic system cause direct toxic effects on living organisms. These pollutants
accumulate in living organisms and produce various diseases. This accumulation is called
Biomagnification. But at NTPC, these pollutants are emitted in limit or controlled manner
by treatment in Demineralization tank.

(2) Effects due to altered physico-chemical properties of water:- Some pollutants,

specially organic pollutants alter the general physico-chemical properties of water.
Colony sewage and Plant sewage etc add high amount of organic matter in water bodies.
This increases the bacterial decomposition resulting decline in DO and increase in BOD.
SO2 and NOx emitted by industries are deposited in the form of acid, that reach to water
through rain water and effects pH of water. The water pH below or above the permissible
limit cause adverse effects.

(3) Effects due to altered biological properties of water:- Domestic and Plant waste
contain high concentration of fertilizing chemicals such as nitrate and phosphate. The

33
 process of nutrient enrichment of water bodies followed by increased productivity is
known as Eutrophication. But waste of NTPC does not contain fertilizing chemicals.

(4) Effects of thermal pollution on water bodies:

 Decreases dissolved oxygen (DO)
 Increases the concentration of dissolved salt.
 The rise in temperature alters composition of phytoplankton and algae
 Sudden rise in water temperature generate thermal shocks causing death of fishes.
 Increase in temperature reduce spawning and hatching of eggs in fish.
 Rise in temperature promote growth of pathogens
All such effects as described above can disturb the aquatic ecosystem in long-run.

Water Pollution Control Devices

• Sewage treatment Plant for colony and plant.
• Coal Dust Settling Pond for coal yard drain.
• Ash dyke for ash slurry.
• Long once thro’canal for CW discharge.
• LWTP has been installed for reuse of effluents.

CONTROL OF WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution has become a global problem. Therefore many countries of the world have taken
initiatives to control water pollution. NTPC has also initiated many system to control water
pollution and has invested 600 millions for saving of fresh water.

1) Effluent treatment: Effluent released from industrial units (NTPC) are discharged into
the water courses only after their proper treatment. NTPC also established many Effluent
Treatment Plants eg. LWTP (Liquid Waste Treatment Plant), STP ( Sewage Treatment
Plant). Water which is treated using such devices are again used in the system and also
used for drinking and irrigation.

34
 Fig: Effluent Treatment Plant At NTPC

2) Removal of Pollutants: Suspended particulates in water can be removed by filtration

and settling. NTPC use Coal Dust Settling Pond for removal of coal yard pollutants or
pollutants of Coal Handling Plant (CHP). NTPC also use long once thro’canal for the
removal of pollutants from CW discharges. A number of physical and chemical devices
such as adsorption, electrolysis, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, etc have been developed
for removing general pollutants from water.
3) Recycling, Reduce and Reuse: NTPC is aiming at adopting the concept of “Near
Zero Effluent Discharge” for once through ash disposal system. Huge quantity of water is
used for disposal of ash to the ash ponds. NTPC has drawn a programme for changing ash
disposal system at some of its existing power plants from once through system to
recycling system where clear effluents from ash pond is recycled and only a little blow
down is required after treatment. The Ash Water Recycling (AWR) helped.

To operate on the philosophy of reduce and reuse, we have installed a Liquid

Waste Treatment System. This system will collect drain water from plant drains and will
be reused after proper treatment. System has been installed at a cost of Rs.16 crore and
expected to be functional shortly. This will reduce water consumption by 2500 m3/hr.
Coal combustion produces ash as waste but here at Singrauli, NTPC treat it as a by-
product. Ash is being used in various manners such as cement production, asbestos sheet
production, piling in hydraulic structures, brick making and land development. Utilization
percentage is exceeding 20%. Further enhancing ash utilization and to achieve 100%
utilization goal.
Continual improvement in its environmental performance is because of a well
planned Environmental Management System. EMS of NTPC, Singrauli has been

35
 accreditated-ISO-14001 By M/S LRQA in Dec 2000. Apart from fulfilling statutory
requirements the EMS is committed towards conservation of natural resources,
minimizing waste and systematic disposal of waste. Thus, Recycling, Reduce and Reuse
help not only in waste management but also in deriving economic benefits.
NTPC Singrauli is working with dedication for continual improvement in its
environmental performance.
4) Stabilization of Ecosystem: It is the most suitable method for the control of water
pollution at NTPC. This includes the following measures-
• Reducing the input of wastes by pre-treatment plant and treatment plant and DM
plant.
• Removal of wastes by settling down the waste. Ex.- Clarifloculator plant, Coal
Dust Settling Pond.

Fig: Settling Pond Fig: Aerated Lagoon

• Removal of bottom settling sediments.

• Increasing bottom oxygen through aerator in aerated lagoon.

5) Environmental / Public Awareness: Environmental awareness is an effective

measure for pollution control. Educational institutions and non-government organizations
play significant role in creating public awareness regarding environmental problems.
Meetings, conventions, films, media, people participation and public agitation etc. are
effective measures for creating environmental awareness. NTPC conducts a number of
programme, meetings, convention every year.
6) Strict Implementation of Environmental Law: In India, there exist a number of
Acts and Constitutional provisions for controlling water pollution like Water ( Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. NTPC
strictly follow implementation of these environmental laws.

36
HYDROLOGICAL STUDY OF THE REGION RELATED TO
RIHAND RESERVOIR

The hydrological study has been divided into two terms: Surface and Groundwater. The already
existing records being far too insufficient, a full measurement year has been dedicated to
understand the hydrological regime of the region.

Surface Water-
Monitoring network
An observation network of water course discharge has been set up. It includes 17 main gauging
stations for discharge of the Rihand river and of the tributaries of the lake. Network data were
complemented with the data related to the management of the Rihand reservoir and that of Obra:
turbined or released discharges and level of the water in the reservoir.
Six of the stations of this network were selected to study the water draining the catchment
area of Bina and Kakri mines.

Surface Water Regime

This hydrological regime characterized by an important monsoon which spreads, depending on

the year, between June and October:-
 The interannual average discharge of Rihand river is about 200 m3/sec (182m3/sec for the
observation year 1989-1990)
 The interannual average discharge for the period from June to October is 440m 3/sec(380
m3/sec for the observation year 1989-1990)
 The interannual average discharge during the period from November to May is 25m3/sec
(40m3/sec for the observation year 1989-1990).

The rivers discharge of the drainage basin of the Singrauli area is therefore characterized by
important seasonal variations. Very large variations can be observed within a very short lapse of
time:-
 The Rihand discharge can vary within 48 hours from 125m3/sec to 4200m3/sec
(observation year 1989-1990)
 The discharge of the direct tributaries of the lake is even more fluctuant: floods only last a
few hours.
The knowledge of these hydrological regimes is essential not only to understand the soil erosion
rate but also to plan a proper management of water resources

37
GROUND WATERS:
Monitoring Network
A monitoring network including some hundred of walls has been identified in order to
understand the groundwater system. This network was complemented with the drilling of a few
piezometers in order to study more in details the groundwater table flow and its contamination in
the neighborhood of the ash ponds of Singrauli and Renusagar power plants.
A dozen of pumping tests on wells were carried out in order to determine the
transmissibility and recharge characteristics of the aquifer. Slug tests were also performed on
piezometers drilled in the neighborhood of ash ponds.

Ground Water Regime

The ground water system is controlled by the geological pattern of the area. Three main zones
are identified: - Gneiss, Schales and Gondwana formation.
Being the sole large groundwater resources, the Talchir aquifer has to be protected.
Location of ash ponds has to be avoided in this area.
Fear was expressed by local people that development induces a decreases in the ground
water table. During the last ten years no proven trend has been pointed out.

WATER QUALITY AT NTPC

Monitoring Network:
The sampling network of water quality was designed by NTPC which gives:-
 The current status of water quality in the region both surface and ground water by
focusing on two hydrological units: the Rihand reservoir and the aquifer of the Waidhan
plain.
 The current contamination stall and determining pollution sources, industrial, municipal
and agricultural
 Setting up a data bank in order to develop the simulation model of the thermal behaviour
and of the water quality of Rihand reservoir.

This network includes 7 stations in the lake, 7 stations in rivers and 19 stations in
wells spread over the whole zone of the study. Oceanographic temperature recorders have been
set up on 3 spots of the lake in order to study its thermal behaviour and more particularly its
stratification.
In order to perform the numerous physico-chemical and biological analysis, a
laboratory was set up in facilities provided by NTPC. This laboratory includes the standard
equipment. Heavy metals, nitrate, sulphate, other metals and non-metals and pesticides analysis
were carried out by external laboratories in India (Calcutta) and in France.
For water quality management and monitoring, essentially concentrating on the
Rihand reservoir because it is the main water sources for NTPC.

38
 For this purpose different types of models are used at NTPC:-
 A dispersion model of hot waters has been developed in order to study the thermal plume
at the outlet of cooling waters of the Rihand Power Plant.
 A simulation model of the reservoir thermal behaviour, only such a model allows the
study of the aquatic life and the impact of thermal effluents. It deals with absolute
temperature and not only with temperature rise.
 A water quality simulation model, concentrating on the analysis of dissolved oxygen
content and phytoplankton development. This model allows in particular the simulation
of the consequences of a modification of municipal effluents in the reservoir.

WATER BALANCE
Based on flow measured at different water consuming equipments/areas, the water balance of
SSTPS was prepared for whole plant and also area wise. Diagram given below show the overall
water balance of plant, and also for Stage-1 and Stage-2 separately. Water balance of other areas
like ash water, clarified water, service water and liquid waste treatment plant etc has been given
in next section.

Fig: Water Balance- SSTPS

3396 2102 150

Unaccounted Duct Auxiliary
Losses Leakage Pond Overflows

NCL & KOTA Basti 4538

Raw Water from Ash Handling 5716
Reservoir DM Water 146
SSTPS Fire Fighting 611
249530 Coal Handling 373
Drinking Water 586

Raw Water Condenser

Cooling Cooling
11185 220726

All figures are in m3/hr

December 2006- Unit # 4U/M

39
 FLY ASH
FLY ASH IS A FINELY DIVIDED RESIDUE RESULTING FROM YHE COMBUSTION OF
PULVERISED COAL IN THE BOILER AND COLLECTED FROM ELECTROSTATIC
PRECIPITATORS.
IT IS A POZZOLANIC MATERIAL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF WATER, REACTS WITH LIME
AND FORMS CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS.

ASH UTILIZATION:

NTPC has taken the lead roll in the utilization of Ash. The areas of utilization of Ashis follows:-
1)Land Development:- Low lying area are first identified and then filled with coal ash
followed by earth cover and the area is used for development work.

2)Issue of Ash to Industries:- Dry fly ash is being used for manufacturing of Cement and
Asbestos. NTPC Singrauli is issuing dry fly ash to M/S Jaypee Cement, M/S Diamond Cement,
M/S Eternite Everest on regular basis. Dry fly ash is also exported to Nepal, for carrying out
various ash based works.
For increasing utilization of ash, coal ash is being issued free of cost to these
industries.

How does fly ash work when used in cement concrete-?

Portland Cement contains about 65% lime. During hydration process, some of this lime becomes
free and available. When fly ash is available in mixture, it reacts with this free lime and forms
additional cementations materials.

Portland Cement + Water

Free Lime

Fly Ash

Additional Cementitious Material

Cementitious Material

40
3) Fly Ash bricks:- Fly ash bricks made of lime, sand, gypsum, and ash are manufactured in
large quantity in our brick plant. These bricks have strength more then the conventional class 75
clay bricks and are extensively used in most of our civil construction. To make these ash bricks
more popular 3 No. ash brick plant has been installed. The total cost of setting up of a brick plant
works out be around Rupees 15 lacs. The possibility of selling the bricks in market is also been
explored.

4) Ash in Dyke Height Raising:- In orders to reduce the requirement of land for ash ponds,
NTPC has adopted a innovative method in which after the ash dyke has been filled to its
capacity, its dyke height is further raised to accommodate more ash and also to increase its
service life. This measures has helped NTPC to reduce its land requirement in a substantial
manner at all its power stations. Ash is utilized in making the retaining wall of lagoons under
raising. This increases the capacity of the lagoon from which the ash is taken for constructing the
retaining wall. NTPC has been utilizing ash as a core embankment material.

ASH POND MANAGEMENT

Through experience, various concepts for ash pond management have been evolved and are
being applied in NTPC Stations. The quality of effluent discharged from ash pond is controlled
by multi-lagooning system, garlanding of ash pond with ash slurry discharge lines, cascading of
effluents, construction of filter lagoons before final effluent discharge etc.
In order to control fugitive dust from these ash ponds during strong wind conditions, a
continuous water cover is maintained in the ash pond. Arrangements for water spray and
plantation of fast growing local species such as Ipomea are done in the ash pond so that the ash
particles do not get air borne even from partially dry patches of the ash pond.
Reclamation of abandoned ash dyke by growing trees also forms part of Ash
Management Plan.

DRY ASH HANDLING AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM:-

For the first time in the country, a fully integrated dry ash handling and disposal system has been
installed at the NTPC’s National Thermal Power Project (NCTPP) at Dadri. The system has the
following environmental gains:-
1. Obviating the need for large quantities of water required for transporting ash in a slurry
form.
2. Saving in irretrievable loss of large areas of land for ash ponds required for wet ash
disposal.
3. Obviating the possibility of contamination of the surrounding water bodies by leachates.
4. Rendering ash suitable for various possible commercial uses.

The dry ash is disposed to the ash mound area within the plant premises. The ash in the mound is
compacted and adequate arrangements are made for water spraying on the ash. The mound will

41
ultimately achieve a height of 55 metres and it will be developed into a beautiful landscape by
planting different kinds of species.
Realizing the importance and thrust required to be given in utilization of ash covering all
the NTPC stations, a separate Ash Utilization Division was created in1991. This division
formulates the policy, plans and programmes for ash utilization and effectively controls and
monitors the progress in the area of ash utilization.
Due to concreted efforts undertaken at various power stations, at present NTPC has been
able to utilize approximately 10% of ash produced against the reported ash utilization level of
3% by other utilities in the country. While the ash utilized during 1991-92 was approximately
3.27 lakh tones (2.34%of ash produced), it was upto 24 lakh tones (10% ash produced) during
the year 1998-99. NTPC has plans to raise its ash utilization level to 15% by the year 2000.
Nowadays ash utilization level is upto 25-30% at NTPC, Singrauli.

42
NOISE:

Investigative Approach:-
In order to take into account possible seasonal effects, in particular air humidity and temperature
and the dust content of atmosphere, which vary with seasons, and the state of the vegetation, two
measurement campaigns were carried out: one in the dry season and the other at the end of the
monsoon. The emphasis was laid upon thermal power plants and the surrounding cities. The
Singrauli, Vindhyachal and Anpara power plants, which are composed of different units
(200MW,210MW and 500MW) were investigated. Noise level from various equipment have
been screened:-
 Cooling towers
 Generator-turbines
 Control valves
 Transformers
 Ventilators
 Communication network

Measurement points were chosen around the site of these thermal power plants, in order to cover
all directions and in particular those of residential areas. The TVMPAN model was then applied
to draw the noise level maps.
The road traffic was analysed in different urban, rural and industrial areas (Waidhan,
Khadiya, Bijpur, Rihand DAM). The noise relative to different motor vehicles was examined.

CONCLUSION AND COMMENTS

It appears that the studied power plants comply with the Indian noise standards, only the
operation periods of the control valves are not up to standards. Although this is not a very
important problem, measures using adapted techniques could be carried out:-
 Lagging
 Filling multihole orifice plates in the line downstream of the safety valves.
 Filling in-line silencers downstream and upstream the safety valves.
 Filling low level noise control safety valves.
At the present time, the main source of noise in the residential areas is still the road traffic.

43
Impact of STPP on AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL
ECOLOGY (Current and Future Situation)

Current Scenario:- The aquatic ecology investigation concentrated mainly on the aquatic
life of the Rihand reservoir and on the Rihand river downstream from the dam areas of possible
impacts were studied:-
i. Thermal impact of the Singrauli Power plant
ii. Impact of the Singrauli ash pond.

• Significant contamination of sediments and the food chain by mercury and pesticides, due
to Kanoria chemicals. No major impact of Singrauli power plant.
• Impacts on the terrestrial ecosystem consist primarily of forest degradation due to
acquisition of land for development, collection of fuel wood, overgrazing by cattle, forest
fires, soil erosion, and conversion of forested areas for industrial and urban use. Also
observed was the contamination of various crops by fluorine, Hg, and pesticides. For the
fluorine the major region is atmospheric fallout from Hindalco Aluminium Plant and for Hg
atmospheric fallout from power plant emission.

Future Scenario:- The impacts on the aquatic ecosystem of the Rihand reservoir due to
construction of new plants is likely to be negligible assuming the plant is equipped with system
to comply with the regulation standards for cooling and waste water. Further contamination of
sediments and the aquatic food chain is independent of new development. However
contamination due to pesticides is likely to increase:
i. The growing population induces increased use of pesticides for mosquito control.
ii. Intensive agricultural practices or remaining fertile lands require the use of
pesticides and fertilizers.

IMPACTS OF STPP on Socio-Economic conditions

The main issues are:-
 displacement of the local population
 settlement of migrant workers
 impacts due to the loss of agricultural lands

* A large %age of the local population has been displaced during land acquisition for
development and resettled in poor condition. Families are moved to resettlement colonies,
frequently located adjacent to neighborhoods of company supplied housing. The loss of former
social references and insufficient integration into the new setting has resulted in the rise of
religious, community and nationalist movements among the underemployed youth.

44
* The migrant population soon to outnumber the indigenous population generally competes more
successfully for salaried employment and has been active in planning further development of the
region. As a result, tension have arisen between the migrant and local population.

Monitoring of ecology at NTPC:

NTPC Singrauli has entered into Environmental monitoring by Satellite imagery in 1996.
Ecological Impact Monitoring study around 25 km radius from NTPC Singrauli was conducted
by M/S National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) comparing data of 1982,1986 and 1994 and
the observations are:-
1) Decrease in Dense Forest;-Due to increasing mining activities in the area under study the
dense forest has shown a decreasing trend.
2) Open Forest Fairly Constant:- Due to regular tree plantation the open forest has not detoriated.
3) Increase in Agriculture:- Due to proper rehabilitation in the area Agriculture has shown a
increasing trend.
This is a very positive indication. Further study is in progress for assessing presnt status.

Our Power Station is taking all its efforts for increasing afforestation, development of parks, and
garden and overall aesthetic improvement of the plant and surrounding. Massive tree plantation
has been carried out in NTPC acquired land and now we have started plantation in forestland.
Till date NTPC has planted more than 11.86 lacks trees.

45
 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
NTPC Singrauli has viewed this area very seriously and following measures and efforts have
been taken so far:-
1) Township Waste Disposal:
A low lying area has been identified near Jayant side road where the waste generated from
township is dumped in tractors/ trucks daily. Every fortnight the area is rolled and earth cover is
spread on it and further compaction is done with roller. In this manner the low lying area gets
developed for plantation. To check whether the ground water is getting affected with dumping of
this waste, a contract has been awarded to M/S BHU for Infiltration Monitoring study of the area.
Accordingly nine numbers of wells have been dug at locations scientifically obtained by
surveying the area. The water level and quality are regularly monitored. No adverse results have
been observed so far. More than 2 lacks rupees have been incurred in this project so far.

2) Hospital Waste Management:

All the concerned staff of SNTPC hospital has been educated about the recent guide lines
published by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Implementation is under process.
However, the identified wastes for incineration is being incinerated in a electrically operated
incinerator located inside the hospital premises. For procurement of this incinerator more than 3
lacks rupees have been spent.

WASTE MINIMIZATION IN THERMAL POWER PLANTS;

Of the total power generated in the country, about 80% is through Thermal Power Plants. The
Thermal Power Plants are mostly concentrated in the regions close to the coal or lignite mines. In
India, the thermal power plants are managed by the public sector undertaking known as
“National Thermal Power Corporation”(NTPC). As part of the survey, the required data was
collected from the Thermal Power Plant across the country including NTPC coal based thermal
power plants.
The major waste generated in a thermal power plant is Bottom Ash from the power
boilers, as a result of the combustion and the fly ash which is collected in the pollution control
devices. The high quantity of ash generation can be attributed to the high ash content (on an
average 33% however the coal of some places has the ash content as high as 45%) in the Indian
coal, which is used as fuel by these plants. The total ash generated by the thermal power stations
in 1997-98 in India was 46.2 million tons. The total water consumed by all these units in the
above period was 1915.39 million cubic meter.

46
WASTE MINIMIZATION MEASURES ADOPTED

During survey, it was noticed that no quantification was available with these units with respect to
the waste minimization activities. However, it was reported that about 10% of the ash generated
(4.62 million tones) was utilized as building materials, land development etc and about 25% of
the water after primary sedimentation (478 million cubic meter) was being recycled. 100% of the
coal mill rejects ret utilized. However, no information was available on the financial benefits
accrued from these measures, it is anticipated that the economic gains are in the following
terms:-
 Saving in the water cess charges to the Pollution Control Boards to the tune of 25%
 Savings in the consumption of raw water for the process by way of recycling of the water.
 Production of valuable by-product like bricks and building blocks out of fly ash.
A summary of waste minimization potential in the Thermal Power Plants in India is given in the
following table:-

WM OPTIONS PERCIEVED BENEFITS

TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION * Reduced forced outages due to Boiler Tube

Tower Type Boilers to be considered for Failures
all new capacity additions of 210 MW * Improved Operating Availability Factor(OAF)
*Improved Plant Loading Factor (PLF)

EOUIPMENT/SYSTEMS MODIFICATION O&M

1. Coal Handling Plant:
1a. De-bottlenecking of wagon tripplers Improvement in capacity utilization of Coal by
employing payloaders. Handling Plants (CHP)
1b. Ensure coal supply of desired size Availability of CHP increased by 15-20%

2 Coal Quality:
Implementation of proper blending and
preparation practices and quick appraisal
of coal analysis to O& M staff.
* Optimization of coal consumption due to
effective combustion control.
* Reduction in Green House Gas generation.
* Reduction in ash generation and water
Consumption

3. Coal Mills:
Tube mills; Use Hi-chrome material in- * 50-70% reduction in maintenance cost
stead of Ni-Hard IV and EN -44 for balls * Improved cost pulverization.
and armor plates.

47
4.Coal Pipes:
Use of Ceramic lined bends instead of
basalt lined bends
5. Turbine and Turbine Auxilliaries
Effectively maintain governing oil and
lube oil systems, turbine run up systems,
control and instrumentation systems.
6. HP Heaters
6a. Adopt seamless SS tube instead of
carbon steel for large size units.
6b. Keep HP heaters online to the maxi-
mum extent possible.
7. Reduction in secondary fuel oil .
7a. Reduced forced outage rates by
improved operation and planned main-
tenance.
8. Auxiliary Power
8a. Motor:- Use variable frequency
drives for boilers feed pumps, induced
Flue Gas Monitoring: CO monitoring
in flue gas
Cooling Tower Fans: Use of FRP blades
for cooling tower fans.
Compressed Air Systems: Optimize the
compressed air system with reduced
pressures, derating (if oversized), avoid
leakage, etc.
* Reduced pipe leakages and materials loss
* Avoids superior tripping due to malfunction-
ing of the vital electronic control equipment.
Vide coal dust entry.
* Reduced rate of forced outage in Turbines.
* HP Heater Tube leakage minimized.
* Improved Turbine loading and Plant heat
rate.
For a typical 210MW plant, the heat rate is 67
Kcal, which is equivalent to saving in coal
consumption @ 3 tons/hr.
*Avoidance of each unit trip would save about
10 kL for a 60MW unit and 40 kL for a 210
MW unit.
*Energy saving potential of 8.538 million
kWh/year/boiler (with 3600 kW fans) for a Draft fans.
500MW unit. Potential for 210MW unit is to
the tune of 4 million kWh/year( for 2 nos).
* Reduced ID and FD fan power consumption
due to optimization of air supply to boilers.
* Fan power consumption reduced by 10%
* Reduction in power consumption by about
10-20%
48
9. Pollution Control Equipment;
Incorporate fast pulse control system * Emission reduction by about 20%
For Electrostatic Precipitators * Reduction in power consumption by 50%

ACCORDING TO ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) RULES, 1986 EMISSION

STANDARDS FOR POLLUTANTS FROM VARIOUS THERMAL POWER
PLANTS

Maximum limiting conc.

(milligram/litre) except
for pH and temperature.

1) Condenser Cooling Waters pH 6.5-8.5

(once through cooling systems) Temperature Not more than 5°C higher
than the intake water temp.

2) Boiler Blowdown Suspended solids 100

Oil and Grease 20
Copper (total) 1.0
Iron (total) 1.0

3) Cooling tower blowdown Free available 0.5

Chlorine
Zinc 1.0
Chromium(total) 0.2
Phosphate 5.0

4) Ash pond effluents pH 6.5-8.5

Suspended solids 100
Oil and Grease 20

Treated effluent Quality of common effluents treatment plant concentration in mg/l

except pH and temperature:-

Into land Surface On land for Irrigation

Water

pH 5.5-9.0 5.5-9.0
BOD 520°C 30 100

49
Oil and Grease 10 10
Temperatue shall not exceed 40°C --------
in any section of the
stream within 15 meters
downstream from the
effluent outlet.
Suspended solids 100 200
Dissolved solids (inorganic) 2100 2100
Total residual chlorine 1.0 ---
Ammonical nitrogen 50 ---
COD 250 ---
Arsenic 0.2 0.2
Hg 0.01 ---
Pb 0.1 ---
Cd 1.0 ---
Total Cr 2.0 ---
Cynide 0.2 0.2
Chloride 1000 600
Fluoride 2.0 ---
SO4-- 1000 1000
S 2.8 ---
Pesticides Absent Absent
Phenolic compound 1.0 ---

ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS FOR COAL WASHERIES:-

1) Fugitive Emission Standards:- The difference in the value of suspended particulate matter,
delta (∆), measured between 25 and 30 meters from the enclosure of coal crushing plant in the
downward wind direction shall not exceed 150 microgram per cubic meter. Method of
measurement shall be High Volume Sampling and average flow rate not less than 1.1 m 3/min,
using upwind downwind method of measurements

2) Effluents Discharge Standards:-

 The coal washeries shall maintain the close circuit operation with zero effluent discharge.
 If in case due to some genuine problems like periodic cleaning of the system, heavy rainfall
etc, if become necessary to discharge the effluents to sewer land then the effluent shall confirm to
the following standards at the final outlet of the coal washery:-
Parameters Limits

50
 pH 5.5-9.0
TSS 100mg/l
Oil and Grease 10mg/l
BOD (3 days 27°C) 30mg/l
COD 250mgl
Phenolics 1.0mg/l

3) Noise Level Standards:

 Operating/Working Zone-not to exceed 85 dB (A) for 8 hrs exposure.
 The ambient air quality standards in respect of noise as notified under Environment
(Protection) Rules,1980 shall be followed at the boundary line of the coal washery.

4) Code of Practice for Coal Washery:

 Water or water mixed chemicals shall be sprayed at all strategic coal transfer point, such as
conveyers, loading/ unloading points etc. As far as practically possible conveyers, transfer points
etc shall be provided with enclosures.
 The crushers/ pulverisers of the coal washeries shall be provided with enclosures, fitted
with suitable air pollution control measures and finally emitted through stack of minimum height
of 30m, conforming particulate matter emission standard of 150 mg/Nm3 or provided with
adequate water sprinkling arrangement.
 Water sprinkling by using fine atomizer nozzles arrangement shall be provided on the coal
heaps and on around the crushers/pulverisers.
 Water consumption in the coal washery shall not exceed 1.5 cubic meter per tones of coal.
 The efficiency of the setting ponds of the waste water treatment system of the coal washery
shall not be less than 90%
 Green belt shall be developed along the road side, coal handling plants and all around the
boundary lines of the coal washery.
 Storage bunker, hoppers, rubber deck in chutes and centrifugal chutes shall be provided
with proper rubber linings.

Ambient Air Quality Standards in respect of Noise:

Limits in dB(A) leq
Category of Area Day Time Night Time
Industrial Area 75 70
Commercial Area 65 55
Residential Area 55 45
Silence Area 50 40
Day Time-6am to 9pm
Night Time-9pm to 6am

51
ENVIRO 2000 PLUS- FOCUS ON DEVELOPING COUNTRIES:
Synopsis:- The 1972 Stockholm Conference, emphasized poverty as the main reason for
environmental deterioration and stressed on international co-operation for its elimination.
The UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook 2000 (GEO-2000) report says “The continued
poverty of the majority and excessive consumption by the minority are the major causes of
environmental degradation.”
With the present socio-economic set-up and the vast potential for development vested in
the developing countries, if they do not opt for a sustainable development, the environmental
holocaust that may follow in the next millennium cannot be imagined.

Environmental Scenario- India

In India, the state of environment has now become a major concern. It is estimated that 10-13.8
billion dollars will be required to peg the cost of urban air pollution, water pollution, soil erosion,
land degradation and deforestation in 1992.
INDIA accommodates 16% of world population in just 2.2% of the world land.
India’s population has grown from 35 crores in 1947 to 99.5 crore in 1999 and is growing at a rate
over 2% per annum. It is exoected to touch 112 crore by 2005 AD. 30% of the Indians are still
under poverty line and is provide with subsidies. Food availability per capitaper annum is 200 kg
in India against 1000kg in USA.
Forest land is decreasing at a faster rate. It was 40% of the land area of 328 million hectare in 1947
but is a average 5% today. Annually, the world loses more than today’s forest cover of India.
Per capita electricity consumption in India is 236 kWh/year, against the world
average of 2,000 kWh/year, and the US consumption of 7,780 kWh/year.
Present Thermal Power Plants in the country pump out of 19 million tonnes of CO2
and 27 million of fly ash every year besides S and N causing acid rain affecting crops, water
bodies, fishes etc. Burning of coal releases 29% more carbon per unit of energy than oil and 80%
more than natural gas.
The decrease in forest cover, increased use of wood, industrialization, and use of
automobiles and population all are going to add up to the CO2 content. An annual growth of 8% is
expected in manufacturing sector, which will put pressure on the natural resources and existing
state of environment.
Air quality in Delhi is the 4th worst in world with respect to particulate matter.
Calcutta is 6th and Mumbai 13th as per 1996 statistics.
Although India’s total and per capita contribution to environmental degradation is
very low. Now, the liberalization period, industrial development and the growth potential will
accelerate the environmental degradation in the coming years. For sustainable development, policy
makers, industries and individuals have to recognize that environment, which belongs to everyone
is a major problem and the concern is shared by everyone.

52
CHANGING ENVIRONMENTAL SCENARIO IN DEVELOPED
COUNTRIES:
Through consorted efforts, the developed countries could now reduce damage they have already
caused to the environment. The common inheritance a white paper on the environment published
by the Govt. of UK in September 1990, brings out a comprehensive survey report of all the
European countries along with the action plan.
Forest is expanding steadily in developed countries like US, Canada and France. In
the Kyoto protocol 1997, the developed countries agreed to cut their emission to 5.2% below the
1990 level by 2010. Some European countries Denmark and Holland are deliberately increasing
the use of bicycles. Wind power had grown up by 43% from the previous year in 1997. US-Israeli
consortium headed by Boeing Industries has designed a solar power system that makes it possible
state-of-the art combined cycle power plants to generate electricity using both natural gas and solar
energy.
Six European countries, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, UK, and Finland
have started taxing on environmentally destructive activities like carbon emissions, vehicle over
ship and garbage.

53
 CONCLUSION and PROPOSALS
From the result of the analysis that was performed during this vocational training, the current
situation of the Singrauli region appears, less critical then expected.
The levels of air, water, land and noise pollution caused by thermal power plants
(Singrauli) are within acceptable ranges for the present, even though in some zones SO2 levels
are near the maximum values set by Indian Regulatory Standards and this is due to other
industries near NTPC. Air pollution caused by dust generated from various sources, but mainly
soil erosion and coal mining, remains a concern. Localised pollution arises from domestic fires at
night time.
Corrective actions are needed to address other pervasive problems, primarily water
pollution from existing NTPC facilities and human sources and land use difficulties induced by
development. Some actions already is underway in NTPC to improve treatment of industrial
wastes before releases.
Better operation/maintenance of industrial facilities will reduce avoidable contamination
of the environment and NTPC has done well these jobs at regular interval.
For more critical are the associated socio-economic issues which has arisen as a result of
past development.

PROSPECTS FOR EXPANDING POWER GENERATION

CAPACITY
Resevations concerning expansion of power generating capacity in the Singrauli area are
predicted on the assumption that it is thermal power plant which compromise the environmental
quality of the region and development of Singrauli, strictly as a mining centre for coal
exportation is an alternative development scheme.
Study results clearly indicate that the direct environmental impacts of further
development of Thermal Power in the area would be limited for the short to medium term. The
detrimental nature of the indirect impacts, however, is unquestionable. It should be noted,
however, that indirect environmental impacts- land use issues, socio-economic issues, pollution
generated by new industries, etc. are not specific to plan for expanding thermal generating
capacity. These problems stem from a lack of comprehensive planning for the region in the past;
their impacts on the regional environment will be exacerbated under any development scenario
for the region which continues to disregard them.

RECOMMENDED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS/STRATEGIES

The following section summarizes the main actions or strategies recommended to address
environmental protection issues, both in the current situation and in the future.

54
 Recommended changes are already underway at some facilities and their staff are being
sensitized to the potential impacts of their operational decisions. Implementation of other actions
may require the establishment of a new interagency type organization designed to enhance
comprehensive regional development.

This project describes the management of problems related to the pollution and also describes
how to reduce the pollution related to the thermal power plants, as given below-

AIR QUALITY
a) Improve/modify techniques used in coal mining operation, particularly blasting and
establishment of overburden dumps to reduce dust and favour land reclamation.
b) Equip new thermal power plant units with space for installing flue gas desulphurization.
c) Monitor coal sulphur content to establish deviation from design values if any and take
corrective actions if required.

WATER QUALITY
a) Improve management and operation of ash ponds: situate ash ponds along the lake to
reduce contamination of groundwater.
b) Develop adequate waste treatment infrastructure in resettlement areas, township and
labour colonies.
c) Modify and strengthen techniques used to treat waste water at thermal power plant.
d) Ban the use of DDT for mosquito control.

WATER USE
a) Improve or enlarge Integrated water supply scheme for urban areas.
b) Implement a drinking water supply scheme from Rihand reservoir for eastern areas in
relation with population growth.

LAND USE
a) Improved land planning to reduce the incidence of acquisition of agricultural land and to
limit extent to placement of power corridors in forest land.
b) Explore the possibility of backfilling into coal mines through a technicoeconomical and
environmental investigation.

ECOLOGY
a) Implement a comprehensive program with provision for cattle grazing camps, forest
protection and alternate fuel supplies to reduce degradation of natural forests.
b) Modify waste water treatment processes at NTPC, Singrauli.

SOCIO-ECONOMICS

55
 a) Implement a comprehensive land management programme to provide planning and
supervision for the location of plants, townships, ash-disposed areas in order to reduce the
need for population displacement.
b) Select more appropriate sites for locating rehabilitation areas and provide support
infrastructure (water, sewage, power, schools, dispensary, roads).
c) Improve infrastructure facilities for migrant labour.
d) Avoid green belts on inhabited zone.
e) Develop professional training programme for local people.
f) Promote programme to make public and private enterprises more sensitive to
environmental aspects.
All things described in this project are not only related to NTPC, Singrauli, but we can use these
things in the description of any thermal power plant of India.

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 References
 Rao J.S. & Patnaik G.C.” Combustion of lane BTU Gas in the Gas Turbine of a
combined Cycle Power Plant”. Paper presented at the 7th Nation Conference on IC
Engines & Combustion. Karnatka Regional Engineering College, Jan7-9,1982.
 Dhar T.K.& Patnaik G.C. “Ennvironmental assessment of Technology Option for
Control of Stack Emissions in Thermal Power Plants”. Paper presented at the 3rd
International Conference on Power Development in Afro- Asian Countries, Kathmandu,
Nepal. March4-7,1996
 Conderville S.B. & White J.H. “Understand Limits on Reducing Both NOx, CO
Emissions”.Power, July 1992
 Kreitmeler F., Frustschi H.V. & Vogal M. “ Economic Evaluation of methods for
reducing NOx Emissions of Gas Turbine and Combined Cycle Plants” (Review-1992)
 A concept paper on “ AN OVER VIEW OF ISO-14001 IMPLEMENTATION” By
AVADESH KUMAR [Sr. Manager (EM) CC
 Environmental Audit Report Under the EP Act,1986 ( Notification-GSR 329-E dated
13.3.1992) and GSR-E dated 28-4-93, MoEF, Govt.of India.
 Industry and Environment ( Published by the United Nations Environment Programme)
Vol.II, No-4 Oct/Nov./Dec 1988
 Patnaik G.C., Environmental Appraisal/ Audit in NTPC, Programme on Environment
Management in T. P.S., SCOPE Complex, NTPC, New Delhi, Feb-1993
 “Waste Minimization- An Effective Tool for Environment Management: A Case Study”
(A Concept Paper) by M.A.Patil [Sr.Dy. Director]
 A Concept Paper on Environmental Management System and Environmental Intiatives in
NTPC
 By:- R.Gopal [DGM (Environmental Management)], Hasan Abbas [DGM
(Environmental Management)], G.C.Patnaik [Sr.Mgr (Environmental Management)]
NTPC Ltd. Scope Complex, Lodi road, New Delhi-110003
 A Paper by Environmental Pollution Control in NTPC & Effect of Air Pollutants on
Human Health by;-Y.R.SHRIVASTAVA [Sr. Mgr.(EM)],NTPC.
 Green Book, Published by CPCB

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