Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Consent and Pollution Control Guidance
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board issued this guidance, effective from 1 January 2020, explaining its pollution control functions and the consent process for industries and projects in Tamil Nadu. It covers industry classification, online applications, environmental and coastal clearances, insp...
What the guidance covers
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board administers pollution control requirements concerning water, air and land. Its work includes monitoring industrial effluent and emissions, checking treatment facilities, assessing water resources, setting standards, investigating complaints and taking action against noncompliant industries.
The guidance is relevant to anyone establishing, operating, expanding or renewing an industrial unit. It is also relevant when assessing an industrial site because the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board considers site suitability before granting Consent to Establish.
Industry classification and responsible offices
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board classifies industries as Red, Orange, Green or White according to pollution potential. Industries are also classified as Large, Medium or Small according to gross fixed assets. Certain highly polluting industries form a separate group of 17 category industries.
Responsibilities are divided among the Corporate Office, zonal offices and district offices. District offices can handle specified categories of fresh consent and renewals, monitor pollution, collect samples, investigate complaints, issue Show Cause Notices and begin legal proceedings.
Consent and clearance requirements
Key requirements include:
- New and existing industries must obtain consent for both establishment and operation.
- Applications must be made through the Online Consent Management and Monitoring System at tnocmms.nic.in.
- A complete Consent to Establish application is followed by site inspection and consideration by the appropriate Consent Clearance Committee.
- Projects covered by the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 must obtain environmental clearance before the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board issues Consent to Establish.
- Projects covered by the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019 must obtain the applicable national or state coastal clearance before applying for Board consent.
- Industries must apply for Consent to Operate two months before commissioning operations.
Consent to Establish is valid for seven years for Environmental Impact Assessment projects and five years for other projects. Consent to Operate is valid for five years for Red industries, ten years for Orange industries and fourteen years for Green industries.
Processing, renewal and enforcement
The maximum processing time is 45 days for Red Large and Red Medium industries, and 30 days for Red Small, Orange and Green industries. Renewal depends on compliance with standards and pollution control conditions. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board may issue notices, take legal action, close units or stop power supply for noncompliance.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does a new industrial unit need Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board consent before starting?
Yes. New and existing industries must obtain Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate. An industry should apply for Consent to Operate two months before commissioning operations.
How do I apply for pollution control consent in Tamil Nadu?
The project proponent must apply through the Online Consent Management and Monitoring System at tnocmms.nic.in. District offices operate Care Centres to help applicants file online.
Do coastal or Environmental Impact Assessment projects need another clearance first?
Yes. Projects covered by the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 need environmental clearance before Consent to Establish is issued. Projects covered by the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019 need the applicable coastal clearance before applying for Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board consent.
How long can the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board take to process an application?
The prescribed maximum is 45 days for Red Large and Red Medium industries. It is 30 days for Red Small, Orange and Green industries.
