CASE STUDY

Environmental Clearances for Crude Oil Refinery at Gundoj Village, Rajasthan

Introduction

This case study highlights the proposed Crude Oil Refinery Project by M/s. Petronet Private Limited, located in Gundoj village, Pali District, Rajasthan. The project is a strategic initiative to address the growing demand for petroleum products while adhering to stringent environmental and regulatory standards.

Project Objectives

  • Establish a refinery with a substantial production capacity to efficiently process crude oil, hydrocarbon oil, and base oil, ensuring robust output to meet market demands
  • Diversify the product mix to include mineral oil, turpentine oil, heavy fuel, and light diesel oil.
  • Implement sustainable practices to reduce environment

Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Measures

  • Compliance Standards:
    • The project is classified as Category A under the EIA Notification (14th September 2006 and amendments). Approvals are required from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), New Delhi.
  • Sustainability Practices:
    • Effluent Treatment: Adoption of a zero effluent discharge policy with an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) of 8KLPD capacity.
    • Water Management: Rainwater harvesting and recycling for process use to reduce water consumption.
    • Noise Management: Use of acoustic enclosures for generators and regular maintenance to mitigate noise pollution.
    • Greenbelt Development: Planting a greenbelt covering 33% of the total area to enhance local ecology.

Public Consultation and Community Engagement

  • Public Consultation:
    Feedback was solicited from local communities to ensure transparency and address environmental concerns.
  • Economic Benefits:
    The project promises job creation for the local workforce, fostering economic growth and contributing to regional development.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

  • Community Resistance:
    • Transparent communication and community meetings were conducted to resolve concerns.
  • Regulatory Delays:
    • Timely submission of detailed documentation and active engagement with regulatory authorities minimized delays.

EIA Process and Current Status

The image illustrates the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process through a series of steps displayed in a flowchart format. It includes the following stages: registration by the project proponent (PP), application submission, public consultation (Form 5), preparation of the draft EIA/EMP report, preparation of the final EIA/EMP report, terms of reference (ToR), application for environmental clearance (EC), appraisal by the State Environmental Appraisal Committee (SEAC), and the final decision to grant or reject the environmental clearance. Each stage is represented in a rounded blue box with a white checkmark, emphasizing the sequential flow of the process.

    EIA Process – The Proposed Project attracts Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated 14th September 2006 and amendments thereof, the proposed project falls under project or activity type number ‘4(a)’ of ‘Category A’ appraised at Central level in MoEFCC, New Delhi. Thus, the following procedure is followed:

    • Registration by Project Proponent (PP):
      • The project begins with the registration of the Proponent who is willing to undertake an environmental impact assessment.
    • Application Submission:
      • The Proponent applies in Form 1, which includes a Comprehensive Application Form (CAF) along with Parts A and B.
    • Public Consultation (Form 5):
      • A crucial phase where the public is invited to offer feedback on the proposed Project, ensuring community involvement in decision-making.
    • Preparation of Draft EIA/EMP Report:
      • The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) reports are drafted, addressing potential environmental implications.
    • Preparation of Final EIA/EMP Report:
      • After incorporating feedbacks, a Final Report is prepared for submission.
    • Terms of Reference (ToR):
      • The ToR is granted by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) after recommendations from the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), or a standard ToR is generated by SEAC.
    • Application for EC:
      • The Proponent submits the application for EC in the prescribed format (Parts A, B, and C) along with the final EIA/EMP report.
    • EC Appraisal by SEAC:
      • The application undergoes a detailed appraisal by the SEAC to evaluate the potential impacts and suggest mitigation measures.
    • Grant/Reject of EC:
      • Finally, the SEIAA decides to grant or reject the environmental clearance based on the SEAC’s recommendations, concluding the process.

    The above regulatory framework for ensuring that projects adhere to environmental standards, facilitating responsible development while safeguarding ecological integrity.

    Conclusion

    M/s. Petronet Private Limited’s projected crude oil refinery is expected to be essential in supplying the market for petroleum products while adhering to strict environmental regulations. The initiative intends to improve Pali District’s economic landscape while maintaining ecological balance through meticulous planning, community involvement, and sustainable practices. This case study emphasizes how crucial it is to incorporate environmental factors into Industrial development in order to achieve sustainable growth.