3 chemical storage firms get MPCB notice

In a development with widespread repercussions for chemical storage tank terminals, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a show cause notice to at least three companies, including Aegis Logistics, Chemical Terminal of Trombay and Sealoard Containers for not obtaining environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances for setting up storage tanks and handling of hazardous chemicals.

D T Devade, legal officer for MPCB, said, "The notices were served on these companies and we have filed an affidavit with the Bombay High Court, which is coming up for hearing on March 5."

As listed in the annexure-III of the amended CRZ notification, MPCB, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) have banned handling of hazardous chemicals at ports. Also, majority of the tank terminals in the CRZ area, which were built after 1991 lack necessary permissions from MoEF.

For instance, Aegis Logistics had established 13 storage terminals with a capacity of 16,500 kls before the CRZ notification was issued on February 19, 1991.

However, it now has 41 tanks with a total capacity of 200,000 kls. According to information received by MPCB, these new tanks, built after 1991, have violated the provisions of the CRZ notification, MCZMA, MPCB and others.

The companies were not only storing hazardous products but also violated the CRZ regulations of keeping off 500 metres from the sea.

The notice which is based on the salient features of Mohite's report has asked the companies to show cause as to why their activities should not be stopped and whether competent authorities should be directed to disconnect electric and water supply to the storage tanks of these firms.