Detailed site inspection mooted to study pollution issues at BPCL Kochi refinery

Proximity of flare stack to residential zone a grave concern, says committee

A technical committee appointed by the State Pollution Control Board has recommended a detailed site inspection to assess the allegations of air, water and noise pollution owing to the various expansion projects of the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd’s (BPCL) Kochi refinery. Besides board officials, the committee consisted of experts from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Central Pollution Control Board, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), and the District Development Commissioner. Residents staying near the expansion projects had alleged pollution and raised safety concerns before the authorities. Some of them had also approached the National Green Tribunal seeking remedial action. The report by the committee observed that the proximity of the flare stack in the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) was a grave concern. The higher noise level, continuous lighting, foul smell and smoke emission during flaring affect normal life. The high noise level in the residential zone was a clear violation of the EC/Consent conditions, it said.