The Tamil Nadu State government has imposed a whopping Rs 5.92 crore environmental compensation on Coromandel International Limited in Ennore for the Ammonia Gas leak that occurred on December 26 last year. The government has also instructed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to take legal action against the company for non-compliance with the consent order issued under the Air Act. In addition, the board has been directed to implement the recommendations put forth by a 7-member technical committee that was formed to investigate the matter.
According to the findings of the technical committee, the ammonia leak originated from an under-sea pipeline near the shore, which belonged to Coromandel International Ltd. The committee also noted that the heavy granite boulders displaced by Cyclone Michaung may have caused damage to the pipeline, resulting in the gas leakage. As a solution, the committee recommended that the unit replace the existing offshore pipeline with a new one equipped with a state-of-the-art monitoring and accident prevention system.
The committee further stated that the pipeline’s location where it emerges from the seawater and crosses the road to reach the plant is not adequately protected. Therefore, they advised reinforcing the security measures to prevent accidental damage. The committee also emphasized the importance of conducting pressure tests using nitrogen gas before any ammonia transfer operation to ensure the pipeline’s integrity.
To address safety concerns, the panel recommended the installation of a sufficient number of ammonia sensors around the plant, near the pipeline’s crossing at the Express Highway, and in the surrounding villages. This would ensure the early detection of ammonia in the ambient air and provide timely warnings to the public in the event of a leak. Additionally, the committee recommended thorough onsite and off-site emergency preparedness studies, as well as safety audits of the ammonia storage tank, hazardous chemical storage tanks, and pipelines.
In total, the panel put forth 18 recommendations to be implemented by the unit. These findings and recommendations highlight the need for stricter compliance and safety measures in the handling of hazardous chemicals. The imposed environmental compensation serves as a significant step towards holding companies accountable for any environmental damage caused due to negligence. The Tamil Nadu State government’s actions underscore their commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
