EPM Module 2

Environmental Management Objectives: Environmental quality objectives– Rationale of

Environmental standards: Concentration and Mass standards, Effluent and stream standards,
Emission and ambient standards, Minimum national standards, environmental performance
evaluation: Indicators, benchmarking. Pollution control Vs Pollution Prevention - Opportunities
and Barriers – Cleaner production and Clean technology, closing the loops, zero discharge
technologies.

Environmental Quality Objectives

1. REDUCED CLIMATE IMPACT In accordance with the UN Framework Convention on

Climate Change, concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere must be
stabilised at a level that will prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the
climate system. This goal must be achieved in such a way and at such a pace that
biological diversity is preserved, food production is assured and other goals of
sustainable development are not jeopardised. Sweden, together with other countries,
must assume responsibility for achieving this global objective.
2. CLEAN AIR The air must be clean enough not to represent a risk to human health or to
animals, plants or cultural assets.
3. NATURAL ACIDIFICATION ONLY The acidifying effects of deposition and land use
must not exceed the limits that can be tolerated by soil and water. In addition, deposition
of acidifying substances must not increase the rate of corrosion of technical materials
located in the ground, or water main systems, archaeological objects and rock carvings.
4. A NON TOXIC ENVIRONMENT The occurence of man-made or extracted compounds
in the environment must not represent a threat to human health or biological diversity.
Concentrations of non-naturally occuring substances will be close to zero and their
impacts on human health and on ecosystems will be negligible. Concentrations of
naturally occuring substances will be close to background levels.
5. A PROTECTIVE OZONE LAYER The ozone layer must be replenished so as to provide
long-term protection against harmful UV radiation.
6. A SAFE RADIATION ENVIRONMENT Human health and biological diversity must be
protected against the harmful effects of radiation.
7. ZERO EUTROPHICATION Nutrient levels in soil and water must not be such that they
adversely affect human health, the conditions for biological diversity or the possibility
of varied use of land and water.
8. FLOURISHING LAKES AND STREAMS Lakes and watercourses must be ecologically
sustainable and their variety of habitats must be preserved. Natural productive capacity,
biological diversity, cultural heritage assets and the ecological and water-conserving
function of the landscape must be preserved, at the same time as recreational assets are
safeguarded.
9. GOOD QUALITY GROUNDWATER Groundwater must provide a safe and sustainable
supply of drinking water and contribute to viable habitats for flora and fauna in lakes and
watercourses.
10. A BALANCED MARINE ENVIRONMENT, FLOURISHING
COASTAL AREAS AND
ARCHIPELAGOS The North Sea and the Baltic Sea must have a sustainable productive
capacity, and biological diversity must be preserved. Coasts and archipelagos must be
characterized by a high degree of biological diversity and a wealth of recreational, natural and
cultural assets. Industry, recreation and other utilization of the seas, coasts and archipelagos
must be compatible with the promotion of sustainable development. Particularly valuable areas
must be protected against encroachment and other disturbance.
11. THRIVING WETLANDS The ecological and waterconserving function of wetlands in
the landscape must be maintained and aluable wetlands preserved for the future.
12. SUSTAINABLE FORESTS The value of forests and forest land for biological
production must be protected, at the same time as biological diversity and cultural
heritage and recreational assets are safeguarded.
13. A VARIED AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE The value of the farmed landscape and
agricultural land for biological production and food production must be protected, at the
same time as biological diversity and cultural heritage assets are preserved and
strengthened.
14. A MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE The pristine character of the mountain
environment must be largely preserved, in terms of biological diversity, recreational
value, and natural and cultural assets. Activities in mountain areas must respect these
values and assets, with a view to promoting sustainable development. Particularly
valuable areas must be protected from encroachment and other disturbance.
15. A GOOD BUILT ENVIRONMENT Cities, towns and other built-up areas must provide
a good, healthy living environment and contribute to a good regional and global
environment. Natural and cultural assets must be protected and developed. Buildings and
amenities must be located and designed in accordance with sound environmental
principles and in such a way as to promote sustainable management of land, water and
other resources.
16. A RICH DIVERSITY OF PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE Biological diversity must be
preserved and used sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations. Species
habitats and ecosystems and their functions and processes must be safeguarded. Species
must be able to survive in long-term viable populations with sufficient genetic variation.
Finally, people must have access to a good natural and cultural environment rich in
biological diversity, as a basis for health, quality of life and well-being.

Rationale of Environmental standards

• Report issued by an expert group on the subject of environmental health should place great
emphasis on criteria and standards.
• Public health are dependent upon standardized values, procedures and substances
Examples –
1. Motor Vehicle emission – authority for other sources of atmospheric pollution
2. Water supply under interstate carriers but not for water used in schools, offices, hospitals
etc.,
• Need for functional rather than categorical approach to standards developed
• Move on set up of standards initiated by Public Health Service - effect from 1 Jan, 1967
Authorities includes – • Public Health Service
• Bureau of Disease Prevention and Environmental Control
• Five national centers concerned - air pollution, radiological health, urban and industrial
health, communicable disease control, and chronic disease control
Statutory authority for developing criteria and enforcing standards for the following
➢ Control of air pollution
➢ Interstate spread of communicable disease
➢ Ionizing radiations
➢ Solid wastes
➢ Accidental injuries, occupational hazards
➢ Pesticides
➢ Noise
➢ Control of rodents, mosquitoes, and other vectors of disease
After extended study and consultation both within and outside the Public Health Service
determined that any health protection standard promulgated by Bureau should meet the
characteristics like-
Characteristics
Standard should be truly relevant to the health and well-being of man
• Should be addressed to the prevention or control of a health hazard or to other
Concentration
Concentration is the mass of a pollutant in a defined volume of water
Load (Mass)
Mass-Based Standards
• Definition: Mass-based standards set a limit on the total mass of pollutants that
can be emitted or discharged over a specific time period, often measured in
kilograms or tons.
• Application: These standards are applied to control the overall amount of
pollution from a source regardless of the volume of emissions or effluent.
• Example: A factory is allowed to emit no more than 500 kg of sulfur dioxide per
day.
• Advantages: Focuses on the total pollution load and can help reduce cumulative
environmental impact.
• Limitations: Does not consider the concentration of pollutants per unit of volume,
which can affect toxicity in specific areas.

EFFLUENT STANDARDS
⚫ Effluent standards pertain to the quality of the discharge water itself
⚫ Based on economics than on absolute protection of the stream
⚫ it is easy to control
⚫ Detailed stream analysis are not required
⚫ It do not establish an overall level of pollutant loading for a given water body
⚫ Ratio of wastewater to stream flow are not considered
⚫ Treatment is obligatory irrespective of the size of industry
For effective protection of an overloaded stream, the effluent standards are required to be
upgraded
Large industries have an edge over small industry
STREAM STANDARDS
• Stream standards refer to the quality of the receiving water downstream from the origin of the
wastewater discharge
• It is based on establishing classification of quality for a stream
• Quality of the receiving water is regulated to maintain established stream classification
• Prevention of excessive pollution/ Loading is limited to what the stream can assimilate
• No consideration of type and location of industry
• Allows public to establish goals for present and future water quality
• Confusion of zone of different classification
• Controversy over proportion of stream to be reserved for future usage (municipal, industrial,
agriculture etc.)
• Opposition from industry/ public to change the established classification
• A detailed stream analysis is required to determine the level of wastewater treatment required
to maintain the health of the ecosystem
• Cost of treatment may affect the survival of industry
Class AA: Drinking water after approved disinfection with additional treatment if necessary to
remove naturally present impurities.

Class A: Drinking water is subjected to approve treatment equal to a minimum of coagulation,

sedimentation, filtration and disinfection plus additional treatment to remove natural
impurities if necessary.

Class B: Bathing or any other lesser use.

Class C: Fishing or any other lesser use.

Class D: Agricultural, industrial, cooling or any other use.

MINIMUM NATIONAL STANDARDS (MINAS)

 1976 – CPCB developed concept of evolving industry specific effluent standards
 Based on comprehensive study of the problems of the industry
 An attempt was made
❖ To identify relevant pollution parameters
❖ Its pollution potential
❖ Best pollution control technologies available in India
MINAS contemplated a minimum level of treatment for specific industrial wastewater –
based on
• Annual turnover of the industry
• Techno-economic feasibility of the control objective
• Initially textile and man-made fibers were studied and standards were set
• Later included oil refineries , chloro-alkali etc.,
• Disposal specificity was not a part of MINAS
• Standards were considered to be minimum standards that a specific industry should
achieve irrespective of the mode of disposal
• In Environmental Protection Act 1986, some of these standards were incorporated
• Since these were minimal standards – SPCB were permitted to make them only
stringent and in no case relax them
 Two basic problems
 Since these standards were not disposal specific , it lead to many anomalous
situations
 Tended to become rather stringent and in many cases almost the maximum
achievable standards
 MINAS are indeed not minimal standards but maximum achievable standards

Emission and ambient standards

 Ambient air quality refers to the condition or quality of air surrounding us in the
outdoors
 National Ambient Air Quality Standards are the standards for ambient air quality set
by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that is applicable nationwide.
 The CPCB has been conferred this power by the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981.
Ambient Air Quality Standards in India
 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 was enacted by the
Central Government with the objective of arresting the deterioration of air
quality
 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 describes the main
functions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as follows
 To advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement
of the quality the air and the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
 To plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention,
control and abatement of air pollution.
 To provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Pollution Control
Board
 To carry out and sponsor investigations and research related to prevention,
control and abatement of air pollution
 To collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data related to air
pollution and to monitor the air quality

Emission and Ambient standards

Emission and ambient standards are regulations that govern the release of pollutants into
the environment and the acceptable levels of these pollutants in the atmosphere to protect
public health and the environment. Here's an overview of both:

### 1. Emission Standards

These are legal limits placed on the quantity or concentration of specific pollutants that
can be emitted from specific sources, such as industrial plants, vehicles, or other facilities.
The purpose of emission standards is to reduce harmful pollutants and their effects on air
quality, ecosystems, and human health.

- Key pollutants typically regulated by emission standards** include:

- Particulate matter (PM)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Sulfur oxides (SOx)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Lead
- Greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, etc.)
- Sources of emissions that are regulated include:
- Stationary sources: Factories, power plants, industrial facilities, and refineries.
- Mobile sources: Cars, trucks, buses, aircraft, ships, and locomotives.

- Examples of emission standards

- Euro Standards (Europe): These limit emissions from vehicles in the European Union,
focusing on NOx, CO, PM, and VOCs.
- EPA Standards (USA): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for
both stationary and mobile sources, including the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)
standards for vehicles.

### 2. Ambient Standards

These are limits on the concentrations of pollutants in the outdoor air, aimed at ensuring
air quality is safe for public health and the environment. Ambient air quality standards set
the maximum allowable levels of specific pollutants in the atmosphere.
Both types of standards are essential to improving air quality and reducing the harmful
effects of pollution.
Differences Between Emission Standards and Ambient Standards
Aspect Emission Standards Ambient Standards
Purpose Limit the amount of pollutants emitted from specific sources. Ensure safe
levels of pollutants in the general atmosphere.
Focus Control emissions from specific sources (e.g., factories, vehicles). Focus
on the overall air quality in a region or environment.
Regulation Scope Applies to specific sources of pollution (e.g., vehicles,
industries). Applies to the concentration of pollutants in outdoor air.
Example Limits on vehicle emissions (e.g., Euro 6) or factory emissions. Limits
on pollutant concentration (e.g., NAAQS for ozone levels).

Pollutant Time Concentration in Ambient Air

Weighted
Average
Industrial, Ecologically
Residential, Sensitive Area
Rural and (notified by Central
OtherAreas Government)

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), µg/m3 Annual*, 24 hours** 50- 80 20 -80

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), µg/m3 Annual*, 24 hours** 40- 80 30 -80

Particulate Matter (size Annual*, 24 hours** 60- 100 60 -100

less than 10 µm) or PM10 µg/m3

Particulate Matter (size less Annual*, 24 hours** 40- 60 40 -60

than 2.5 µm) or PM2.5 µg/m3
 Ozone (O3) µg/m3 8 hours*, 1 hour** 100- 180 100 -180

Lead (Pb), µg/m3 Annual*, 24 hours** 0.50 -1.0 0.50 -1.0

Enforcement Monitored by measuring emissions from individual sources.

Monitored through air quality measurements across regions.
Outcome Reduces the amount of pollutants entering the atmosphere.
Ensures overall air quality remains within safe limits.

Environmental Performance Evaluation

Environment Performance Inicators Purpose
1. Environmental performance indicators provide information that Helps evaluation
and Decision making within organizations that engage in
environmental efforts
2. Environmental performance indicators provide a common foundation of
information for organizations and external interested parties (such as consumers, business
partners, residents in local communities, shareholders, and financial institutions) And It helps
interest parties’ proper understanding of activities of the organizations and their environmental
efforts.
Environmental performance indicators provide a common foundation of information that
helps the integration of environmental policies of the national and local governments, such as
basic environment plans, and environmental activities of Organizations.

Table 4: Structure of Environmental Performance

Indicators Operational Indicators
Core Input Total Energy Input
Indicators Total Amount of Material Input Water
Resource Input
Output Amounts of Greenhouse Gases Emissions
Amounts of Release and Transfer of Chemical
Substances
Total Amount of Production or Sales
Total Amount of Waste Generation Total
Amount of Final Disposal of WasteTotal
Amount of Water Drainage
Sub Indicators That Breakdown of Energy Input
Indicators Qualitatively Kinds of Resources, State of the Resources atthe time of input
Supplement the Breakdown of Water Resources Emissions of
Core Substances Under the Kyoto
Indicators Protocol
Amounts of Emissions of Other Substances
 Under Regulations
Amounts of Products or Services that Are Measured in
Unit Other than Weight
Amount of Production or Sales of Products that
Contribute to Reduction of
Environmental Burden
Amount of Production or Sales of Products with
Certified Environmental Labelling
Amount of the Use of Containers and
Wrappers
Methods of Waste Disposal
Kinds of Waste Generated
Kinds of Water Area Where Waste Water Are
Discharged
Quality of Water

Table 4: Structure of Environmental Performance Indicators

Operational Indicators
Core Input Total Energy Input
Indicators Total Amount of Material Input Water
Resource Input

Output Amounts of Greenhouse Gases Emissions

Amounts of Release and Transfer of Chemical
Substances
Total Amount of Production or Sales
Total Amount of Waste Generation Total
Amount of Final Disposal of WasteTotal
Amount of Water Drainage
Sub Indicators That Breakdown of Energy Input
Indicators Qualitatively Kinds of Resources, State of the Resources atthe time of
Supplement the input
Core Breakdown of Water Resources Emissions of
Indicators Substances Under the Kyoto
Protocol
Amounts of Emissions of Other Substances Under
Regulations
Amounts of Products or Services that Are Measured in
Unit Other than Weight
Amount of Production or Sales of Products that
Contribute to Reduction of
Environmental Burden
Amount of Production or Sales of Products with
Certified Environmental Labelling
Amount of the Use of Containers and
Wrappers
Methods of Waste Disposal
Kinds of Waste Generated
Kinds of Water Area Where Waste Water Are
Discharged
Quality of Water
 Environmentally Repeated Use of Water within the Organization
important Emission of Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide
indicators Concentration in Emissions that are under
which may not be Regulation
applicable to all Noise, Vibration, Odor
business Nitrogen, Phosphorus
organizations - Concentration in Water Emissions that are under
Indicators that Regulation
would be Repeated Use of Materials within the
important for Organization
establishing Recycled Materials within the Organization
sustainable Thermally Recycled Materials within the Organization
society

Environmental Management Indicators (Sub-Indicators)

Sub-Indicator Environmental Management Systems
Technology for Environmental Protection, Research and
Development for Designing for the Environment of
Products and Services
Environmental Accounting
Green procurement (purchase)
Environmental Communication and Partnership
Compliance with Environmental Law and Regulations
Occupational Safety and Health
Social Contribution concerning the environment

Management Amount of Sales

Indicators Amount of production
Indicators that Area of Floor
Measure Number of Employees,
Efficiency with Etc.
Combination
With
Operation
Indicators

Environmental performance evaluation is followed by benchmarking. Companies areguided to

compare their current performance to the median values of the same set of indicators, for the
same sector, from a sample of competitors in the region (regional benchmarking). Regional
values of environmental indicators are produced and updated by the model, based on the input
[Link] is completed by BAT values, which represent the Best Available
Technology – state of the art performance (international benchmarking). BAT values are
relevant to each one of the targeted sectors.
Following the environmental evaluation and benchmarking, technical interventions and
practical measures are suggested to the users to reduce environmental impacts and consequently
improve business competitiveness through cost savings.
The basis for recommendations is the current environmental performance recorded at the
previous step and the comparative evaluation with best practices and target values.

Principles for pollution control

The following principles are used to help control pollution.

Polluter pays principle

The polluter pays principle says that whoever is responsible for pollution should pay for the
damage caused. It is about economic accountability. Any organisation or individual is
responsible for handling and taking care of the waste they produce and should be accountable
for any damage that it causes. Imagine a factory that produces many types of wastes that
potentially damage the air, water and soil. The polluter pays principle encourages the factory
to treat the waste before it is released. If any damage to the environment is caused by the factory
waste, then the factory is liable to compensate for the loss of life, damage to health and damage
to property and the environment.

Precautionary principle

For any activity, there should be an obligation not to cause harm, even if you are not sure of the
outcome. For example, if a factory owner wants to discharge wastewater into a river, they
should not be allowed to do so if the possible effects of the wastes are not known. The
precautionary principle means you do not release any waste into the environment even if you
are not certain that damage will result. It means to be cautious rather than take risks about
unknown consequences. Principle of duty of care

All citizens should be actively involved in safeguarding their environment, either by not
producing any waste or by properly handling and taking care of their own waste. In other words,
each citizen has an obligation or duty to make their environment clean and safe.

CLOSING THE LOOP

Closing the Loop is a core concept of the circular economy, aimed at creating closed,
regenerative systems where resources, materials, and products are continuously reused,
recycled, or repurposed. This approach reduces the need for new resources, minimizes waste,
and decreases environmental impact, transitioning from a traditional "take-make-dispose"
model to a sustainable "make-use-return" system.
Key Components of Closing the Loop
1. Resource Recovery: Transforming waste into raw materials for new products. This
includes recycling, upcycling, and reusing materials to reduce landfill use.
2. Product Life Extension: Extending product lifespans through repair, refurbishment,
and remanufacturing. Designing products to be durable and upgradable keeps them in
use longer.
3. Reusing and Sharing: Promoting secondhand use, product-as-a-service models, and
collaborative consumption (e.g., car-sharing, tool libraries) to reduce demand for new
production.
4. Biological and Technical Cycles: Biodegradable materials return safely to the
environment, while durable materials are reclaimed and recirculated in technical loops.
5. Reverse Logistics and Take-Back Programs: Systems to collect and reintegrate end-
of-life products into production cycles, ensuring materials are effectively reused.
6. Industrial Symbiosis: Industries exchange resources, where waste from one process
serves as input for another, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Benefits of Closing the Loop
• Environmental Protection: Reduces waste, pollution, and emissions by keeping
materials in use.
• Economic Efficiency: Cuts costs on raw materials and waste management; creates new
revenue through recycling and remanufacturing.
• Resource Security: Reduces dependency on scarce resources, enhancing resilience.
• Job Creation: Expands opportunities in recycling, refurbishment, and logistics.
Challenges
• Complex Product Designs: Mixed materials complicate recycling.
• High Initial Costs: Implementing closed-loop systems requires investment.
• Consumer Behavior: Encouraging a shift from disposable mindsets to reuse.
• Policy Gaps: Inconsistent regulations can hinder universal adoption.
Closing the Loop drives a shift to sustainable systems where products and resources are
continually repurposed, reducing waste and supporting a resilient, regenerative economy.
Cardboard and paper (which can be recycled five to seven times before unrecoverable loss in
quality), many plastics, and in some cases, food waste don’t have the same structural advantages
as aluminum and cardboard, which makes them better for open-loop use cases. Examples are
countless, including PET plastic becoming fleeces and carpets and cardboard returning as cereal
boxes and paper towels.

POLLUTION PREVENTION

 Pollution prevention is an environmental approach fundamentally different from

approaches that focus on managing or controlling pollution after it has been
generated
 Pollution prevention occurs prior to the creation of a waste or a pollutant and
thus occurs prior to the consideration of alternatives such as pollution control,
waste management, treatment, recycling or disposal

Barriers of pollution prevention

1) Regulatory Barriers To Pollution Prevention

a) End-of-Pipe Focus
➢ In most instances, the end-of-pipe focus of existing regulations does not create a
direct barrier to pollution prevention.
➢ Potential negative effect of focusing industrial and public resources on controlling
pollutants after it has been created rather than on product, process, or raw material
changes

b) Media-Specific Focus
➢ Current regulations address one environmental medium at a time.
➢ The result can be transfer of pollutants from one environmental medium toanother
and concentration on media-specific solutions rather than multi-media preventive
approaches.
➢ Media-specific focus does not always encourage multi-media preventiveapproaches

c) Regulatory Program Evaluation Criteria

➢ Current benchmarks for measuring the success of programs do not include
consideration of pollution prevention progress
➢ The focus is on more easily quantified performance measures such as thenumber of
permits issued or the number of inspections performed.
d) Regulatory Inflexibility
➢ Lack of flexibility can sometimes create a barrier to pollution prevention
Pollution prevention is a customized process, varying facility by facility.
➢ May require flexibility and short-term variances in compliance schedules
for emission standards or permits
e) Regulatory Uncertainty
➢ Industry personnel working to implement pollution prevention strategies may be
required to consult with several agencies with decision-making authority.
➢ Innovative project or a pollution prevention proposal may require multiple
approvals for different aspects of that project, which may be difficult to obtain.
This can discourage facilities from undertaking pollution prevention practices.
f) Pollution Fees
➢ If structured on a multi-media basis with a significant correlation to quantities of
pollutants created and set at sufficient levels, fees can provide incentives for
pollution prevention
➢ Current fees are for the most part media-specific, set at levels determined by the
costs of regulatory services, and in some cases are not closely correlated with
quantities of pollutants released.
Although fees set up in this manner do not present direct barriers to pollution prevention,
it provide little incentive to go beyond standards and prevent pollution at the source

g) Data Gathering and Management

➢ Data gathering and management systems have generally developed along media-
specific lines.
➢ It focus on end-of-pipe emissions and quantities of waste generated as a meansof
enforcing and ensuring compliance with existing regulatory requirements.
➢ Need for improved data relating to pollution prevention is recognized at both the
federal and state levels.

2) Economic Barriers to Pollution Prevention a)

Inaccurate Market Signals
➢ In some instances, the costs of releasing toxic substances may be less than the cost
of implementing a pollution prevention project
➢ Because the full environmental cost of the release is not included in the calculation.

b) Incomplete Cost/Benefit Analysis

➢ Indirect benefits (e.g., lower future liabilities, potential for "environmental
marketing" and positive investment image) are not commonly considered in an
analysis and therefore do not reflect the advantages of implementing preventive
projects.
➢ Failure to take into consideration all relevant costs and benefits or failure to
properly allocate these costs to appropriate operations and processes may present
unnecessary barriers to pollution prevention.
c) Inappropriately Short Time Horizons
Companies with very short-term perspectives on criteria for investment (e.g., 1-2
year payback periods) may be less likely to support certain prevention projects
despite the fact that they would be economically viable in a moderate payback
timeframe.
 d) Fear of Market Share Loss/Consumer Pressure
Surveys suggest that the most significant barrier to pollution prevention is
reluctance to tamper with proven processes for fear of adverse effects on product
quality
e) Inappropriate Product/Process Specifications

Very specific cases involving the barrier, "fear of customer loss," result from
unnecessarily rigid specifications for products or processes

f) Fear of Production Interruption

If prevention options require major operational changes, equipment alterations or
process modifications, companies may resist implementation because of concern
about not being able to produce the product at all or having higher reject rates
through less reliable actions

g) Limited Access to Necessary Resources

➢ Prevention projects can face stiff competition for limited internal capital resources
also presents a significant barrier to pollution prevention.
➢ Access to external sources of capital to fund prevention projects may also be limited.
The shortage of staff resources

h) Worker Fear of Job Loss

➢ If employees or labor groups look upon pollution prevention as a threat to their
jobs, these concerns may pose a barrier to pollution prevention efforts
➢ Experience shows that companies with pollution prevention programs are often
strengthened economically, and produce higher quality products in a more efficient
manner.

3) Educational Barriers to Pollution

a) Lack of Top Level Support. It is common for educational leaders to simply

exclude pollution prevention and environmental protection from institutional
priorities

b) Insufficient Faculty Motivation and Training Barrier is caused, in part, by

the difficulty in creating new courses, unavailability of teaching aids (e.g.,
case studies and research pressures.

c) Insufficient Student Interest. Student demand for treatment of

environmental issues has been small, possibly because they haven’t yet seen
a connection between job success and environmental expertise.
d) Inflexible Curriculum Requirements. At most educational institutions the
degree coursework is already crowded with requirements and continually
faces new demands to add more credits and topics. In many instances, there
is simply little or no room to add pollution prevention into the program.

e) Lack of Instructional Materials.

Not sufficient existing material (e.g., casebooks, text books or videos) that iseasily
available to integrate into existing classes
 4)Institutional Barriers to Pollution Prevention Three

categories of institutional barriers are

a) Organizational: Reflect the ways in which companies manage human and

material resources.

b) Technical: Address the development and use of technologies and operational

practices.

c) Societal: Describe some ways in which society impacts pollution prevention

efforts.

5) Other Barriers

➢ Lack of Top Management Support.

➢ Lack of Clear Communication of Priorities or Support.
➢ Organizational Structures may Separate Environmental Decisions fromProduction
Decisions.
➢ Habit and Inertia may Inhibit Change.
➢ Lack of Involvement of affected Workers.
➢ Reward System does not Focus on Pollution Prevention.
➢ Firms may lack the Technical Ability to Apply Preventive Methods and
Technologies.
➢ Frequent Changes to Output, Product Design and Other Factors may make
Implementation more Difficult.
➢ Lack of Information about Sources of Waste and Releases,
Alternative Strategies, and Resources.
➢ Preventive Applications ot Currently available.
➢ Perception that Pollution Prevention addresses only Manufacturing Processes.
➢ Lack of Consumer Environmental Awareness.
Cleaner Production

Cleaner production is defined as the continous application of an integrated preventative

environmental strategy to processes and products to reduce risks to humans and the
environment. For production process, cleaner production includes conserving raw materials and
energy, eliminating toxic raw materials and reducing the quantity and toxicity of all wastes [.
Successful application of cleaner production in companies depends on property management,
maintenance, adequate infrastructure and training of people. The transfer of cleaner production
practises should be realized by
x technological capacity (ability to adaptation clean technologies),
x training capacity (ability to training and education the ideas of cleaner production to various
groups of people),
x institutional capacity (ability to network and co-operate among different stakeholders),
x government capacity (ability to prepare and implement policies in different policy fields).
Technological capacity is a one of the most important method to applicate the idea of cleaner
production.
Environmental technology is usually connected with the design and analysis of complex,
integrated management systems and sustainable development (Fig.4) in the areas of
x role of the design in the operations of environmental technology, control of integrated
environmental systems,
x role of computer methods in the operation and control of environmental systems,
x education and training requirements to provide efficient operation and
maintenance of complex environmental systems in range of clean
technology.

The successful promotion of idea of cleaner production and environmentally sound

technologies it is necessary to
1) built business strengths of company,
2) connect the business and environmental advantages of sustainable technology
3) initiate long-term investments the technology transfer and
development,
4) government assistance and support mechanisms. However, cleaner production and
sustainable technologies will not be efficient without environmental management
systems, which is the framework set by top management of company.
Five Basic Principles of Cleaner Production
Cleaner Production requires that resources be managed efficiently. This consists both of careful
use of resources, the closing of material streams, and resource substitution. It is possible to
outline five general principles of Cleaner Production:
1)Input-Substitution
Use of less hazardous raw-, auxiliary- or operating materials.
Use of operating materials with a longer lifetime.
2) Good Housekeeping
Increase the Material and Energy efficiency of actions in the process. Try to fetch the
“low hanging fruits” first, e.g. reduce losses due to leakage. It is important to train
employees.
3) Internal Recycling Close Material and Energy Loops for water, solvents, etc. Cascading
of Material and Energy streams.
4) Technological Optimisation/Change Implementation of new technologies. Improved
process control. Redesign of processes. Change in or substitution of hazardous
processes. Optimisation of the Product Increasing the lifetime
5) Easier repair. Easier de-manufacturing, recycling or deposition. Use of non-hazardous
materials.

Cleaner Technology
Clean-up technology (or end-of-pipe pollution abatement) by definition clean technologies are
new industrial processes or modifications of existing ones intended to reduce the impact of
production activities on the environment, including reducing the use of energy and raw
materials. To support the definition the main attributes of clean technologies were precisely
formulated:
1. conservation of raw materials,
2. optimization of production processes
3. , rational use of raw materials,
4. rational use of energy,
5. rational use of water,
6. disposal or recycling of unavoidable waste,
7. accident prevention,
8. risk management to prevent major pollution, and 9. restoring sites after cessation of
activities.
The important social impacts of clean technologies are also economic, employment, and
safety issues

EMS as a part of Cleaner technologies in an organization

Compliance and Risk Management:
Legal Compliance: Helps in meeting and staying compliant with environmental laws and
regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues.
Risk Reduction: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates environmental risks associated with
operations, preventing potential incidents that could harm the environment or the organization's
reputation.
Cost Savings and Efficiency:
Resource Optimization: Encourages efficient use of resources (energy, water, raw materials),
leading to cost savings through reduced consumption and waste.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlines processes, minimizes inefficiencies, and identifies areas
for improvement, thereby reducing costs associated with unnecessary resource use.
Competitive Advantage and Reputation:
Market Differentiation: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, enhancing the
organization's reputation and attractiveness to environmentally conscious consumers, investors,
and partners.
Brand Enhancement: Builds a positive brand image and goodwill by showcasing environmental
responsibility, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and trust.
Continuous Improvement:
Performance Tracking: Enables monitoring and measurement of environmental performance
against set objectives, allowing for continual improvement and adaptation to changing
circumstances.
Feedback Loop: Provides a mechanism for feedback, learning, and refinement of strategies,
ensuring long-term sustainability and adaptability.
Employee Engagement and Morale:
Increased Awareness: Raises environmental awareness among employees, fostering a culture
of responsibility and engagement toward sustainable practices.
Employee Satisfaction: Engaged in meaningful environmental efforts, employees often
experience increased job satisfaction and pride in their organization's values.
Innovation and Future Readiness:
Innovation Stimulus: Encourages innovation in clean technologies and processes, positioning
the organization for future market demands and regulatory changes.
Adaptability: Prepares the organization to adapt to evolving environmental standards and
expectations, staying ahead of regulatory changes.
Stakeholder Relations:
Better Relationships: Strengthens relationships with stakeholders—customers, suppliers,
communities, and regulators—by demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship
and sustainability.

Zero liquid discharge

Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is defined as wastewater management system ensuring no

discharge of industrial wastewater in the environment.
Simply, it is a closed loop with no liquid discharge. It can be achieved through treatment of
wastewater by recycling, recovering and reusing.
It is a part of sustainable environment development which is capable of minimizing the
contamination of water stream, particularly in industrial applications.
ZLD is ideal technology for treatment of toxic industrial waste, minimizing waste and reuse of
water to mitigate natural resource However high cost and intensive constipation of energies are
issues of concern with ZLD
Adoption of Zero Liquid Discharge system will be applicable to zero down organic load,
recover metals and other constituents .
Direct installation of ZLD facilities may have technical constraints to operate specialized
system.
Pre-requisite for ZLD accomplishment would need physical and chemical treatment and
followed by biological system to remove organic load. The treated effluents can be then
subjected for concentration and evaporation. The concentration process as applicable can be
adopted at appropriate stage. The concentration methods quite often involve the adoption of
Reverse Osmosis and Nano filtration methods. The evaporation methods involve drying /
evaporation of effluent in multi effect evaporators.
In the process of achieving ZLD, solids recovered and these are to be utilized. However, in case
of not used, they will have to be stored.

ZLD is applicable to industries having high BOD and COD load, coloured bearing effluents,
having metals, pesticides and other toxic / hazardous constituents.