MARGAO: In response to growing concerns over water pollution, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has made significant revisions to the standards governing water discharge from sewage treatment plants (STPs).
This decision aims to align Goa’s regulations with the directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
One more notable change is the imposition of uniform discharge standards for all STPs, regardless of their capacity.
Previously, only plants with a capacity of 150 KLD or higher were required to adhere to specific discharge criteria, but the rule now applies to smaller STPs as well.
This decision is aimed at ensuring environmental protection and sustainable water management practices.
During a recent board meeting, GSPCB officials had highlighted a surge in complaints regarding the contamination of water bodies, attributing much of the issue to the discharge from both operational and non-functional STPs.
It may be recalled that in October 2023, GSPCB received counsel from its technical advisory committee urging a reassessment of discharge standards, particularly for STPs with capacities below 150 KLD.
The committee emphasised the need to comply with NGT directives, prompting the board to revisit its policies. Consequently, the inclusion of parameters such as ammoniacal nitrogen levels and oil and grease content in discharge assessments reflects a concerted effort to address emerging pollutants and safeguard aquatic ecosystems.
