The fertilizer industry is crucial to India’s agricultural sector, confirming food security and supporting rural economies. However, the environmental influence of fertilizer production has demanded stringent regulatory measures ranging from water contamination to air pollution. In response, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has set detailed standards under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, particularly through the Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules, 2017.

Legal Framework: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, acts as the cornerstone of India's environmental law. Sections 6 and 25 of the Act authorize the Central Government to make rules for the protection of the environment. In line with these provisions, the MoEF&CC notified the Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules, 2017, introducing revised standards for effluent discharge and air emissions from numerous industries, counting fertilizers.

--------------Blog Contact Form-------------

Significance of Effluent and Emission Standards

The effluent discharge and air emission standards established under Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules, 2017 play a vital role in reducing the adverse impacts of the fertilizer industry on the environment. Their significance prolongs beyond mere regulatory compliance and contains several broader environmental and societal benefits.

• Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems: Effluent extraction from fertilizer plants comprises dense concentrations of harmful chemicals involving nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. By controlling effluent quality, these standards help safeguard aquatic ecosystems and confirm the long term health of water bodies, enhancing biodiversity and maintaining clean water for local communities’.
• Improved Public Health: The fertilizer production plants discharge harmful substances like ammonia, fluoride and particulate matter in the air and water. These pollutants pose severe health risks, including respiratory problems, skin diseases and waterborne diseases. By implementing firmer emission limits, the standards considerably lessen exposure to these pollutants, confirming cleaner air and water for the population, and thereby refining overall public health outcomes.
• Encouragement of Cleaner Technologies: to fulfill the strict emission and waste standards, fertilizer manufacturers are being encouraged to invest in clean technologies. This involves implementing more effectual production methods, promoting existing plants with pollution control systems, and discovering innovative solutions such as zero liquid discharge (ZLD). 
• Compliance with International Environmental Standards: The Indian government’s alignment of national fertilizer standards with international environmental standards improves the country’s position in global trade. Fertilizer plants that fulfill these standards can export their products to the markets with strict environmental regulations, improve their competitiveness at the global level and contribute to the Make in India initiative. 
• Long-term Economic Benefits: Compliance with these standards can include initial investment in pollution control technologies and plant upgrades, and long term economic welfares are significant. Reduced health care costs, better public awareness, and the prevention of environmental degradation lead to a more sustainable business model.

Effluent Standards for Fertilizer Plants

Effluent discharge pertains to the release of liquid waste into water bodies. The standards aim to reduce the influence on aquatic ecosystems and public health. The key parameters and their permissible limits are as follows:

1. Straight Nitrogenous Fertilizer Plants (Ammonia/Urea, CAN, AN)

2. Straight Phosphatic Fertilizer Plants

3. Complex Fertilizer Plants (NP/NPK)

Note: Chromium salts are prohibited in cooling towers, and annual analysis for Vanadium and Arsenic is mandatory.

Emission Standards for Fertilizer Plants

Air emissions from fertilizer plants can add to air pollution and pose health risks. The standards for gaseous and particulate emissions are characterized based on plant type and commissioning date:

Note: Emission values are to be reported at 3% O₂.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Compliance with these standards is to be monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Non-compliance can result in penalties, operational restrictions, or shutdowns. The fertilizer plant needs are:

• Install and maintain pollution control equipment.
• Perform regular self-monitoring and submit compliance reports.
• Go through periodic inspections and audits by regulatory authorities.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules, 2017 is an important step towards promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in India's fertilizer industry. These standards are not just a regulatory obligation but an indispensable shift towards a greener, safer and more sustainable future for the agricultural sector. By confirming compliance with strict waste and emission standards, the fertilizer industry can significantly reduce adverse environmental impacts, which can contribute positively to both local and global ecosystems. 

The role of the fertilizer industry in food security and economic stability is indisputable. Although, compliance with the revised environmental norms confirms that the fertilizers manufacturer can continue to harm the environment with minimum harm. These standards will help strike a balance between industrial development and ecological protection, protecting natural resources for future generations. However, this rule is an essential investment in the industry’s future.