Draft Notification on revision of emission standards for particulate matter for Industrial boilers

## Policy Analysis Report: Environment Protection Amendment Rules, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Environment Protection Amendment Rules, 2022, based on the official notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on June 27, 2022. This amendment primarily focuses on modifying emission standards for boilers used in various industries, specifically regarding Particulate Matter (PM) emissions and stack height requirements. The key findings highlight changes to the emission standards based on steam generation capacity, introduction of continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) for larger boilers, and the removal of entries at serial numbers 59 and 97 from the Environment Protection Rules, 1986. This report aims to inform affected industries about these specific changes and their potential implications. **2. Introduction:** This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Environment Protection Amendment Rules, 2022, as outlined in the official notification dated June 27, 2022. The analysis is solely based on the provided text of the notification and aims to inform stakeholders about the key changes and their likely implications. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification amends the Environment Protection Rules, 1986, specifically Schedule I, entry at serial number 70 concerning emission standards for boilers. The core objective of this amendment, as inferred from the text, is to revise and update the permissible emission levels for particulate matter (PM) from industrial boilers and to introduce continuous emission monitoring for larger boilers. The entries at serial numbers 59 and 97 are deleted from the Environment Protection Rules, 1986. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment appears to be driven by a need to update and refine the existing emission standards for boilers to improve air quality management. The rationale, inferred from the changes, likely stems from a desire to implement more stringent and technologically advanced monitoring of PM emissions, particularly from larger industrial boilers. The adjustment of emission standards based on steam generation capacity suggests a tiered approach to pollution control. Deletion of entries at serial numbers 59 and 97 from the Environment Protection Rules, 1986 suggest that the regulations in those sections have been either outdated or merged. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The amendment introduces the following key changes to the Environment Protection Rules, 1986, Schedule I, entry at serial number 70: * **Modified Emission Standards:** The amendment substitutes the existing entry for boilers with new particulate matter (PM) emission standards based on steam generation capacity. * *Original Standard:* The text does not provide the original standards, however the amendment indicates their existence. * *New Standard:* * Less than 2 ton/hour steam generation capacity: 500 mg/Nm3 * 2 to less than 10 ton/hour: 150 mg/Nm3 * 10 ton/hour and above: 50 mg/Nm3 * *Effect of Change:* This change implements a sliding scale, with more stringent PM emission limits for boilers with higher steam generation capacity. This targets larger emission sources for greater control. * **Stack Height Formula:** The amendment retains a formula for calculating minimum stack height, referencing SO2 and PM emission rates. The text specifies a minimum stack height of 11m for boilers of 2 ton/hour steam generation capacity and 30m for boilers of higher steam generation capacity. * **Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS):** The amendment mandates the installation of continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) for PM and SO2 in boilers with 10 TPH (tons per hour) or more steam generation capacity. * *New Provision:* Boilers of 10 TPH or more steam generation capacity *shall* install CEMS. * *Effect of Change:* This change enables real-time monitoring of emissions, allowing for better compliance enforcement and identification of potential pollution exceedances. * **Fuel Type Specificity:** The standards apply to industrial boilers using coal/lignite, pet coke, bagasse/agro-fuels, and FO/LDO/HHS. For coal/lignite-based power plants, the emission standards notified under S.O. 3305(E) dated December 7th, 2015, shall be applicable. * **Deletion of entries:** The entries at serial numbers 59 and 97 are deleted from the Environment Protection Rules, 1986. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience for this amendment includes: * Industries using boilers powered by coal/lignite, pet coke, bagasse/agro-fuels, and FO/LDO/HHS. * Manufacturers and operators of boilers, particularly those with a steam generation capacity of 2 tons/hour or more. * Manufacturers and suppliers of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS). * Bagasse/agrofuels based power plants. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), referenced via the email address `mscb.cpcbnic.in` and the mention of CEMS guidelines, will likely play a key role in the implementation and enforcement of these amended rules. * **Timelines:** The amendment comes into force on the date of its final publication in the Official Gazette. Industries are given a sixty-day period to submit objections or suggestions regarding the draft notification. * **CEMS Implementation:** Boilers of 10 TPH or more steam generation capacity must implement CEMS as per CPCB guidelines. This suggests a need for industries to procure, install, and operate these systems according to the specified standards. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcomes of these specific changes include: * **Reduced Particulate Matter (PM) Emissions:** Stricter PM emission standards, particularly for larger boilers, should lead to a reduction in overall PM emissions from industrial sources. * **Improved Air Quality:** Reduced PM emissions will contribute to improved air quality in areas surrounding industrial facilities. * **Enhanced Monitoring and Compliance:** The mandatory installation of CEMS for larger boilers will enable continuous monitoring of emissions, facilitating better compliance and enforcement. * **Increased Cost for Larger Boilers:** The installation and maintenance of CEMS will likely increase the operational costs for industries operating larger boilers. **9. Conclusion:** The Environment Protection Amendment Rules, 2022, represent a significant update to emission standards for industrial boilers in India. The changes focus on reducing particulate matter emissions through revised standards based on steam generation capacity and the introduction of continuous emission monitoring systems for larger boilers. This amendment is intended to improve air quality and promote environmental sustainability, but it will also require affected industries to adapt their operations and invest in monitoring technologies to ensure compliance. These specific changes will most likely impact industries, forcing them to follow more stringent regulations to protect the environment.

Key Entities Referenced