The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued draft Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing Units. These Guidelines were issued on 20th June, 2023.
Stone crushing sector is an important industrial sector engaged in producing crushed stone of various sizes depending upon the requirement which acts as raw material for various construction activities. Stone crushing operation releases a substantial amount of fugitive dust, which not only pollute the environment, but also pose a health hazards to the workers and the surrounding population.
The growth in infrastructure leads to increase in demand of raw materials, thereby resulting in the need to set up new stone crushing units or increase production from existing units. This poses a challenge to maintain the ambient air quality, which is possible if environmental guidelines predetermined by the industry concerned are followed.
These guidelines contemplate environmental measures at the following source of emissions:
- Unloading of raw material for storage
- Unloading of raw material into hopper
- Primary Crushing/ Jaw Crusher
- Secondary Crushing
- Screening
- Tertiary Crushing
- Conveyor Belts
- Discharge points
- Product storage
