A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998

The study taken up during Feb-April'98 investigated the extent of em1ss10ns from Penden cement industry and the prevalent air quality in and around the cement plant. The monitoring was carried out for 4 point sources and 7 monitoring sites for ambient air. It is evident from the study that emission from PCAL stacks are well within the IS (Indian Standard) norms. A mean SPM value of 435 mg/Nm3 was observed in the flue gas. The annual SPM emission is estimated at 230 ton/year from the point sources and the SPM emission load is 1.13 kg/product. The maximum SPM in ambient air of 663 æg/m3 and 506æg/m3 was observed at residential areas I and II, exceeding the IS norms twice during this study. Dust deposition on tea crops has decreased to 40.9g/m2 .month as compared to 94.8 g/m2 .month in 1992 and 51.7 g/m2 .month in 1994. The reduction was achieved by introduction of new control equipment, e.g a bag house with a 70 m stack and a number of bag filters with an operating efficiency of 99.9% were installed. Impacts of PCAL on health of workers and tea crop were assessed. Based on actual monitoring data the affected area in Gomtu is 0.5 km2 and 0.4 km2 in Makrapara tea garden. ISCST 2 model was used to calculate SPM concentrations and deposition. The results obtained were compared with actual monitoring data to find out if the two results are in agreement. Isopleths of SPM concentration and deposition were conducted based on the model results to give an overview of impact area. Cleaner production opportunities and energy conservation for PCAL have been identified. Good house keeping practices were identified as the primary measures for minimization of emissions. Optimal sampling sites, sampling frequency and parameters have been proposed for cost effective monitoring methods in PCAL.