| "Environment
and Development" are like the two sides of a coin. Neither
the ‘Environment’ nor the ‘Development' can
be eco-sustainable without the existence of each other. However,
it is realized that ‘Development ‘ is to be achieved
but not at the cost of Environment, by adopting a Systematic
Environmental Management System .
With
this philosophy, OPGC has prioritized Environmental Protection
at par with operational activities. OPGC is committed to produce
Safe, Clean & Reliable power for the Nation.
Driven
by its commitment for producing clean power, OPGC has declared
a well defined in February,
2003 for minimizing environmental impact arising out of operational
activities associated with generation of Thermal Power and preserving
the natural ecology.
To
accomplish above Commitment, OPGC has set achievable Objectives & Targets
for performance enhancement, which are being regularly monitored.
To
achieve said Objectives & Targets OPGC has implemented & also
planned for several modifications & augmentations in the
existing system as a continual improvement to the system.
 Pollution Control Systems incorporated
in the design stage
During project implementation
stage at ITPS, OPGC has integrated many environmental provisions into the plant
design. In order to keep emission, effluents and ambient air quality well within
acceptable limits, OPGC has provided the best available equipments, devices and
systems such as high efficiency Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs), Tall Stacks
for control of stack emissions, Dust Extraction and Dust Suppression Systems
for control of fugitive dust, Neutralisation Pits, Ash Ponds and Cooling Towers
for control of the effluent quality as well as conservation of water. Provision
of Septic Tanks & Soak Pits has been made initially for treatment of domestic
effluent.
 Continual Improvement
Major
steps taken by OPGC after Commissioning of Plant to have continual
improvements & to minimize environmental impact at ITPS.
- Commissioning of 100% ash water recycling system
at ITPS.
-
System modification
for dry ash collection & disposal
by L&T Cement & OCL. Manual collection system was
provided in 1st phase.
-
Consultancy awarded
for modification of existing wet disposal system to provide
dry ash storage & collection
facility by mechanical method.
-
One captive automatic ash brick plant
was commissioned in Yr 2002 by introducing three technologies
on ash brick/block in the locality.
-
100% utilization
of ash brick has been ensured at ITPS & use of clay
bricks has been restricted at ITPS.
-
Construction of a Sewerage Treatment Plant
is in progress at ITPS.
-
Use of Plastic carry bags has been restricted
at ITPS.
-
Authorization obtained
from SPCB for handling Bio-Medical Waste & Hazardous Wastes & ensured
effective Management Practices.
-
Strengthened environmental
Monitoring by furnishing the Environmental Laboratory continually,
installation of six permanent ambient air monitoring stations
in & around
ITPS & also conducting some tests in reputed Govt. & Private
laboratories.
-
There is sufficient
natural greenery inside Plant & colony premises. Around 2.5 lakhs of deciduous
trees have been planted in & around the premise.
 Environment Management System
- OPGC is in the process of establishing Environmental Management
System (EMS) as per ISO-14001 at ITPS.
- OPGC has established an Environment Cell for overall coordination
of Environmental Management of OPGC and to minimize environmental
impact.
- An Environmental Monitoring Cell with a well-equipped Environmental
Laboratory is actively involved in regular monitoring of key
environmental parameters as per a monitoring programme in compliance
with SPCB norms.
- Environmental awareness, training programme are conducted
regularly to create an environmentally aware workforce at ITPS.
- Besides training own employees, OPGC
is also conducting environmental training & awareness
programmes for other interested parties.
- Environmental Status is reviewed by
OPGC’s Top Management
regularly. As per feed back & review findings improvements
are planned, programmed & implemented as & when required.
- Rapid & Comprehensive EIA Studies are being conducted
time to time to assess the environmental impact of OPGC’s
activities in the locality.
- Environmental Audit is being conducted
periodically & action
plans are prepared & implemented to comply audit findings.
- Environmental reports and performance are reviewed regularly
by Corporate Office of AES.
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