PANJIM: The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has recommended M/s Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd’s proposal of expansion of its plant with additional fertilizer production capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day at Zuarinagar in Mormugao taluka for environmental clearance (EC).
The company had approached EAC with its proposal “Expansion of Urea Plant from 1500 MTPD to 1800 MTPD’ in a total area of 95 acres”. The Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has already recommended the proposal for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
“The EAC, after deliberations, recommended the project for grant of environmental clearance,” the minutes of the meeting held last month reads.
The proposal is for modernisation of the urea manufacturing facility by installation of Urea Granulation Unit, Atmospheric Ammonia Storage Tank, Gas Turbine + HRSG. The project is to conform to various policy notifications issued by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India with the objective of maximising indigenous urea production, promoting energy efficiency in urea production and rationalising subsidy burden on the Government.
The project is covered under category A of item 5(a) ‘Chemical Fertilizers’ of the Schedule to the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, and hence requires appraisal at central level by the sectoral EAC in the ministry.
The project proponent is directed to obtain Consent to Establish and Operate from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). They are asked to ensure Zero Liquid Discharge and no waste/treated water shall be discharged outside the premises. A continuous online monitoring system for stack emission has to be installed.
The green belt of at least 5-10 m width has to be developed in nearly 33 percent of the total project area, mainly along the plant periphery, in downward wind direction, and along road sides.
