Training on Continuous Emission Monitoring System: Inspection Strategy

CSE organized a two days training programme for Regional Officer (RO) level regulators from Southern states on “Continuous Emission Monitoring System: Inspection Strategy” on 18th and 19th January 2017 in Bangalore. This training programme was organized in collaboration with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) at its head office.

The focus of the programme was to train the regulators for carrying inspection and assure proper implementation of Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) in industries. The programme covered topics like selection of suitable technology, correct installation, data handling etc. Second half on 19th January, a special session was also organized for implementation of new norms in the thermal power sector. 

Thirty one (31) senior officials from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, participated in this programme.  The training consisted of lectures, group discussions and group exercises.

Summary of the training sessions

Day 1
The programme was inaugurated by Shri. S. Santhappa, Member Secretary, KSPCB and Shri. Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director General, CSE. Sanjeev K. Kanchan, Programme manager, CSE began the training by presenting the current status of CEMS implementation in India and the findings of the survey it had carried in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh in collaboration with KSPCB and Madhya Pradesh pollution Control Board (MPPCB) respectively.

Next session was focussed on providing information on various available technology for PM and gaseous CEMS and their suitability for various sectors. The presentations and discussions covered topics like   equipments quality assurance, correct installation (w.r.t. location, plane, angle etc.). The importance of correct sampling and gas conditioning was also discussed during the training programme. The following session deliberated on operation and maintenance of the CEMS devices. Experts shared the process of calibration and maintenance issues and also shared common practical issues on the ground. The regulators were informed about the important points they can check during the inspection visits.

Final session of the day was planned for group exercise where groups (4) of participants prepared a checklist for inspection of CEMS installation covering aspects on CEMS regulation, device selection, parameters to monitor, location of installation, operation and maintenance etc. The participants actively involved and well appreciated the exercise. 

Day 2
The second day commenced with the group presentations from the participants on the checklist prepared by them during the group exercise on day 1. Participants also shared the challenges they have found during implementation of CEMS.

Next presentation discussed on data acquisition and handling system. Multiple practical experiences on issues of data handling issues were shared and discussed with the participants. With sharing real time data, how issues or manipulation can be checked was explained.

Post lunch a session on “Compliance enforcement of new environmental norms for coal- based thermal power plants” was conducted. The session started with an introduction on the new environmental norms notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for the coal-based thermal power plants. The introduction comprehensively covered the pollution reduction potentials, costs, broad measures necessary and challenges in compliance with the norms. This was followed by presentations from technology experts on various pollution control options available to meet the new standards – Particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.

The session concluded with a roundtable highlighting the current status of compliance with the new pollution control norms in Southern India, broad plans and functions of state pollution control board officials in ensuring timely compliance. 

The programme was concluded with an interactive session chaired by Shri Lakshman, Chairman, KSPCB and   Shri. Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director General, CSE. The Chairman was happy to get the encouraged response from the participants. The participants shared that the training has helped them in better understanding of CEMS and more of such trainings will help them in proper implementation of CEMS in their states.  The Chairman appreciated the efforts by CSE and conveyed that KSPCB is interested in organizing many of such trainings for their officials at regional level. Finally, programme was wrapped-up with feedback collection and certificate distribution.