CTO (Consent to Operate) from Pollution Board
Securing your Consent to Operate is crucial for industrial establishments to ensure legal compliance, environmental protection, and sustainable operations, fostering a positive relationship with the community and stakeholders
Why do businesses need a Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Pollution Control Board?
As per the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, all industrial and non-industrial projects or units, including residential, commercial, hotels, hospitals, and malls, are classified under Red, Orange, or Green categories.
After the project is completed and pollution control devices or measures are installed, it is required to apply for CTO (Consent to Operate) NOC from the State Pollution Control Board before commencing operations or production.
Industrial projects or units must file an application in the prescribed format, along with the necessary documents, as per the checklist provided by the State Pollution Control Board.
It is mandatory to submit the CTE (Consent to Establish) compliance report or NOC conditions while submitting the CTO application.
Industries and projects are required to pay a testing fee to the Pollution Control Board for analyzing air emissions, wastewater, or noise samples at the board’s laboratory.
An authorized officer from the Pollution Control Board will inspect the industrial unit or project premises to assess the feasibility, viability, and statutory compliance of the pollution control measures or devices installed, such as ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) or STP (Sewage Treatment Plant).
If the industry or project meets statutory pollution norms and the testing results for air emissions, wastewater effluent, and noise levels comply with the standards set under the Environment Protection Rules, 1986, the CTO will be granted.
If the samples analyzed by the State Pollution Control Board do not meet the prescribed standards, the CTO will be refused.
In case of non-compliance, the performance security or bank guarantee submitted during the CTE process may be forfeited by the Pollution Control Board.
What documents are required to apply for a Pollution NOC?
Land Use Approval: Permission or license for change of land use, NOC certificate, authority approval letter, or allotment letter from the Town & Country Planning Department, respective municipal authority, or village Panchayat, as applicable.
Lease or Rent Agreement: Lease deed, rent agreement, or collaboration deed if the land is leased or rented. Include Khasra Khatauni, Sijra map, or land registry documents.
Capital Investment Certificate: A certificate from a Chartered Accountant (CA) detailing the capital investment, including costs for land, building, and plant & machinery for the proposed project.
Manufacturing Process Details: A detailed description of the manufacturing process and a flow chart showing the steps involved.
Effluent & Waste Treatment Design: Design and layout of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), air pollution control devices, and hazardous waste management systems. This should include hydraulic design and calculations based on pollution load and applicable standards.
Forest Department NOC: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the District Forest Officer or Deputy Commissioner for projects in areas under the Aravali Notification.
Wildlife NOC: A Wildlife NOC if the project is located in or near protected areas like national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
Environmental Clearance: Environmental clearance letter for projects falling under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated 14.09.2006.
Layout Plan: A detailed layout plan showing manufacturing processes, locations of stacks/chimneys, ETP/STP, air pollution control measures, hazardous waste storage, water supply lines, effluent drains, and final discharge points.
Green Area Plan: A green area or landscape plan indicating vegetation, tree plantations, or other greenery as part of the project.
Authorization Documents: Board resolution, power of attorney, or authorization letter for the person signing the application and handling correspondence.
Consent to Operate (CTO) Fee: The required CTO fee, based on the project’s investment cost, including land, building, and plant machinery expenses.
Pollution Testing Fee: Testing fee as prescribed by the Pollution Control Board for the project.
Groundwater NOC: No Objection Certificate (NOC) for groundwater usage from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
Hazardous Chemicals Transport: Details of hazardous chemicals being transported, including transportation methods and safety measures.
Online Monitoring Proposal: A proposal for installing an online monitoring system for effluent and/or emissions, as applicable to the project.
Forest and Wildlife NOCs: Forest and wildlife NOCs, or any other NOCs, if the project is located in eco-sensitive zones, protected forest areas, wildlife-protected areas, sanctuaries, or the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), if applicable.
Occupancy Certificate: Occupancy certificate from the Development Authority, Department of Town & Country Planning, or municipal corporation for infrastructure projects.
Effluent Disposal Permission: NOC or permission from the relevant authority or municipal corporation for disposing of effluents into a drain or sewer system.
This version organizes the information clearly while maintaining the original meaning.
Benefits of availing Pollution Board certificate from Simplicomp
Expert Guidance on Compliance
Simplicomp Tech provides comprehensive assistance throughout the process of obtaining pollution board certificates (Consent to Establish/Operate).
Streamlined Application Process
With Simplicomp Tech, the process of obtaining a Pollution Board certificate (NOC) is hassle-free.
Faster Approval
Simplicomp Tech leverages its industry expertise and relationship with Pollution Control Boards to expedite the approval process, helping businesses get their NOC faster than going through the process independently
End-to-End Support
Simplicomp Tech offers comprehensive services, including application preparation, document verification, submission, and follow-up with the State Pollution Control Board. This ensures a smooth experience from start to finish.
Minimizes Risk of Penalties
By ensuring that all regulations and pollution control norms are strictly adhered to, Simplicomp Tech helps businesses avoid fines, penalties, or shutdowns due to non-compliance
Cost-Effective Services
Simplicomp Tech provides high-quality compliance services at competitive rates, saving you both time and money in the long run by avoiding costly delays or mistakes in the certification process.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
The pollution control laws include the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (Section 25, 26, and 27), and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (Section 21). These laws require both industrial and non-industrial projects to obtain a "Consent to Establish" (No Objection Certificate) from the State Pollution Control Board before they can begin operations.
The "Consent to Establish" or NOC is a pollution control certificate that industrial and non-industrial projects must obtain from the State Pollution Control Board before establishing their units. It certifies that the project complies with environmental standards under the Water and Air Pollution Acts.
All industrial and non-industrial projects, including residential, commercial, hotels, hospitals, and malls, must apply for the NOC. The classification is based on their environmental impact and pollution discharge levels.
Projects are classified into four categories: Red, Orange, Green, and White. The classification is based on the pollution discharge, its impact on the environment (land, water, air), and the pollution index. This classification helps determine the conditions for obtaining consent under the Water and Air Pollution Acts.
The project classification follows the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, which were updated by order vide letter no. B-29012/ESS(CPA)/2015-16/8571 dated 07.03.2016. This order supersedes earlier categorization issued on 15.04.2014 and has been amended periodically.
Industries are required to submit an application in a prescribed format, along with necessary enclosures, to the State Pollution Control Board. The specific format and enclosures are outlined in the respective pollution control laws.
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