The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has confirmed that the ethanol manufacturing unit operated by M/s Umiam Distillation Pvt. Ltd. at the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) in Byrnihat complies with the prescribed environmental standards.
The Board conducted the inspection on Monday after pollution concerns surfaced on social media. To verify these claims, an MSPCB task force visited the facility and carried out detailed emission monitoring.
During the inspection, officials measured particulate matter emissions, stack velocity, differential pressure, and stack temperature. After completing the assessment, the team found that the plant operated within the approved environmental norms.
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Emission Levels Remain Below the Permissible Limit
MSPCB Member Secretary Dr. George H. Chyrmang said the inspection recorded particulate matter emissions at 23.1 mg/Nm³. Notably, this figure remains well below the permissible limit of 50 mg/Nm³ specified under the unit’s Consent to Operate.
As a result, the Board concluded that the ethanol plant currently complies with the required emission standards.
Pollution-Control Systems Performed Efficiently
The inspection team also examined the plant’s pollution-control infrastructure. Officials confirmed that the Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) attached to the captive power plant effectively controlled particulate emissions.
In addition, the Multi-Effect Evaporator (MEE) and the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system functioned properly throughout the inspection.
The facility also operated its 580 KLD Zero Liquid Discharge system successfully. The plant reused treated water in its cooling tower, thereby reducing freshwater consumption and preventing wastewater discharge.
Officials Collect Effluent Samples
Besides monitoring emissions, the inspection team collected both raw and treated effluent samples.
The Board will now analyze these samples in its laboratory to confirm that the plant continues to meet wastewater treatment standards. Meanwhile, officials will review the findings before taking any further action, if required.
MSPCB Continues Strict Monitoring in Byrnihat
Dr. George H. Chyrmang stated that the Board continues to monitor Byrnihat closely because the town falls under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a non-attainment area.
Over the past two years, the MSPCB has taken action against several non-compliant red-category industries. The Board issued closure orders to industries that failed to follow environmental norms and simultaneously strengthened ambient air quality monitoring across the region.
Furthermore, Dr. Chyrmang reiterated the Board’s commitment to protecting public health and maintaining environmental quality. He assured residents that MSPCB will continue inspections, monitoring, and enforcement activities in Byrnihat with transparency and consistency.
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