How Can Temporary Construction Sites Safely Dispose of Waste Without an STP?

Dear Friends, as per the Pollution Control Board norms, all establishments generating domestic and chemical wastes, either in liquid or solid states, cannot dispose of them without treating them as per the standards specified by the PCB. Factories and permanent establishments can install and maintain Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to recycle the wastes.

However, for temporary establishments like construction sites, how can the effluents be disposed of?

I would appreciate valuable suggestions from knowledgeable individuals in the Environment, Health, and Safety departments.

In such cases, you can approach the nearest operating STPs of municipalities or any private operators for treating the sewage generated by your site and disposal. The sewage can be transported through sewage-carrying tankers. They may ask for a rate for treatment on a per cubic meter basis.

This system is available in Gulf countries, but I have never had any experience with it in India.

Regards,
Pon

Dear Sir, Until the day before yesterday, we had given the contract to some locals. They were responsible for removing the water waste and disposing of it themselves. However, the day before yesterday, the vehicle was intercepted by officials from the PCB. I argued that as per the contract, the responsibility of disposal lies with the contractor. Nevertheless, the PCB officials insisted that it is the employer's responsibility.

Location and Challenges

Our area is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city and 2 kilometers from the sea, constituting an industrial zone in Surat City. Due to the vicinity to the sea, the groundwater level is significantly high, making it impractical to have a soak pit for drainage. Being a remote area, we are unable to avail the services of the Surat Municipal Corporation. The nearby private Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) companies have installations designed solely for their needs, unable to accommodate additional load. Considering our temporary stay of a maximum of 6 months, it is unfeasible for us to establish our own treatment plant as we would need to relocate soon.

Given these constraints, we seek guidance on potential solutions to address the water waste disposal issue effectively.

Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Bhaskar,

I have consulted with my Environment Dept. and got the following remedy to your problem:

1. The domestic effluent generated during the construction/establishment stage shall be disposed of in a soak pit via a septic tank.
2. After the completion of the project, domestic effluent shall be treated via a sewage treatment plant (STP), and industrial effluent shall be treated via an effluent treatment plant (ETP).
3. No effluent can be disposed of in inland surface water, ponds, rivers, or public sewers without treatment. If found to do so, it is an offense under the EP Act, 1986.
4. Consent to establish and operate is mandatory under the Water Act.

Let me know whether this will help you somehow or not?

Dear Mr. Dipil, Normally in Hyderabad, I had an agreement with municipal authorities who would drain the sewage water during the construction period. They used to dispose of it in the Municipal STP, and the treated water from the municipal plant was used for road divider plants, roundabouts at road junctions, and for gardens maintained by the Municipal Corporations. However, in Gujarat, there is no full-fledged system available either with the government or the municipal authorities.

If you are shifting the location, then it's the responsibility of the site owner to handle the hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated within the campus unless there is a specific provision for evacuating to the commonly owned facility. If the size of all the cumulative waste permits, you can go for STPs to generate biogas/methane gas, which can be further used for power generation, cooking gas for the labor camp, etc. If you require additional information, please send an email to [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons] and we can guide you.

Regards,
SANJAY

Dear Sir,
Till the day before yesterday, we had given a contract to some locals. He was removing the water waste and disposing of it on his own. However, the day before yesterday, the vehicle was caught by some PCB People. I argued about the contract basis, stating that the disposal would be the responsibility of the contractor, but the PCB People informed me that it is the responsibility of the employer.

Our area is around 20 km from the city and 2 km away from the sea, in an industrial area of Surat City. Due to the location near the sea, the groundwater level is very high, making it impossible to have a soakpit to drain it out. Being a remote area, we will not be able to send the waste to Surat Municipal Corporation. The nearby private STP installed companies have treatment plants only for their needs, and they cannot handle additional load. It is not feasible for us to install our own treatment plant as we will be here for a maximum of 6 months before shifting our location.

What can be the remedy?

Thank you.

Here in Navi Mumbai, if you have consent to operate, you can opt for a CETP membership. You may need to explore similar options in other parts of the country.

Regards,

In Surat, you may contact GEPIL: "GUJARAT ENVIRO PROTECTION & INFRASTRUCTURE LTD." located near Sachin, GIDC area, Surat. Telephone: [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons].

Thanks,

Regards